How long does it take to become a dental assistant?
Depending on the state, it can take approximately one month to four years to become a dental assistant. Some states require a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Other states require dental assistants to pass an exam and receive their dental assistant certification.
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How can I know if I am being paid fairly as a dental assistant?
If you’re unsure about what salary is appropriate for a dental assistant position, visit Indeed's Salary Calculator to get a free, personalized pay range based on your location, industry and experience.
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What's the job outlook for dental assistants?
Dental assistants continue to remain in demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook of dental assistants will grow 11% between 2018 and 2028.
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How can a dental assistant become certified?
Dental assistants can become certified by clearing the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination. This exam is conducted by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
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What are the major differences between a dental assistant and a dental hygienist?
Dental assistants check-in the patient and prepare them for their appointment, while a dental hygienist will work with the patient by cleaning their teeth and checking the mouth for any dental hygiene issues.
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Is being a dental assistant a good career?
Working as a dental assistant is exciting in a growth allied health field, and it's a career that can offer career progression for those with the right qualifications and interests.
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What is included in the certified dental exam that is taken by dental assistants?
Dental assistants take the Certified Dental Exam to become certified. The test contains multiple-choice questions in three categories: general chairside, infection control, and radiation health and safety.
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What are the benefits of being a dental assistant?
Some benefits of being a dental assistant include:
Short training
Good earning potential
Diversified job responsibilities
Good work environment
Flexibility and career advancement opportunities
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Are there any career growth opportunities for dental assistants?
In gaining more experience, dental assistants may have the opportunity to move into supervisory roles. If a dental assistant receives their license, they can move up into the position of a dental hygienist.
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How much do similar professions to Dental Assistant get paid?
Check the below Indeed career pages for the detailed pay ranges for the similar professions here:
The possibility of being infected with a communicable disease is the biggest risk as a dental assistant. Other hazards include exposure to percutaneous exposure incidents (PEI), radiation, and dental materials. Also, developing injuries to their hands, neck, back, hips, legs, and feet is a risk possibility.
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What qualifications are required for being a dental assistant?
While no formal education is required for becoming a dental assistant, there are one-year diploma or certificate programs, which tend to focus solely on technical training through classroom, laboratory and clinical instruction, which is required.
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How expensive it is to become a dental assistant?
Dental assistant certification will cost $3,000, while degrees can cost $13,000. Depending on the state you reside in, you may also be required to pass other Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exams, which is another cost to factor in if it’s not included with your school fees.
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What key skills can a dental assistant put on their resume?
Here are some of the skills that can be put in a dental assistant resume:
Dental procedure prep
Digital X-ray skills
Compassion
Teamwork
Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics (CEREC) experience
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What skills are required for becoming a dental assistant?
As a dental assistant, the following skills are required:
Taking X-ray
Taking blood pressure readings
Taking dental impressions
Preparing dental materials
Maintaining equipment
Disinfecting rooms and equipment
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How can I become a dental assistant?
Here are the steps to become a dental assistant:
Undergo a dental assistant training
Get licensed
Get a certification
Complete an externship (optional)
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Is a degree needed to become a dental assistant?
While you don't need a degree in some states to work as a dental assistant, the certifications may take two years.
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What are the main responsibilities of a dental assistant?
The responsibilities of a dental assistant include:
Assisting dentists in managing medical and dental emergencies.
Disinfecting instruments, setting up instrument trays, assisting dental procedures.
Preparing patients for dental work.
Maintenance of patient records.
Exposing dental X-rays from dental diagnostics.
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What skills are required to be a dental assistant?
The skills that make a good dental assistant are:
Interpersonal skills
Listening skills
Detail-oriented
Dexterity
Organizational skills
Basic computer knowledge
Passion
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Is dental assisting tough to learn?
Most people find dental assistant training somewhat challenging. However, those who are detail-oriented typically thrive in this line of work. Dental assistants are required to follow nuanced protocols; those who pay close attention to all the details will find training and work as a dental assistant comes naturally.
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Which colleges offer dental assisting courses?
Dental assistant courses can be found at community colleges, universities, and other educational institutions.
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How many hours in a week do dental assistants work?
Most dental assistants work for 35 - 40 hours a week, which can include Saturdays or evenings.
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Who is a professional dental assistant?
A professional dental assistant is one who continues to learn and grow in their role.
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What benefits do dental assistants get?
Dental assistants can receive numerous benefits (depending on their employer) which include paid holidays, paid vacation, paid sick leave, pension plans, and health insurance.
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Is the dental assistant exam tough?
The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam gets gradually tougher as the exam progresses. That means if a candidate correctly answers the question, the next ones get tougher. This exam is structured to test the level of depth and knowledge of a candidate.
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What are the responsibilities of a level 1 dental assistant?
Preparing and sterilizing clinical area and instruments
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How stressful is the dental assistant job?
A dental assistant can have a busy day filled with a variety of tasks that can be challenging but fun for many. U.S. News and World ranked the stress level for dental assisting jobs as average.
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Can a dental assistant become a dentist?
A dental assistant can become a dentist if they take four years of dental school, and pass a series of state licensing examinations to get their D.D.S. (Doctor of dental surgery) or D.M.D. (Doctor of dental medicine) degree.
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What are the disadvantages of being a dental assistant?
While the dental assistant is an enriching career, it has a few disadvantages such as:
