How to Become a Dental Assistant: Timeline & Costs

Key Takeaways

• Dental assistants play a valuable role in a dental practice by helping to support vital functions like assisting dentists with procedures, managing the flow of patients, and supporting the overall function of the practice.

• To become a dental assistant, aspiring professionals have multiple options, as some states require completing a program while others allow you to learn on the job and work your way up.

• The dental assistant position offers considerable opportunity as the job position features a strong career outlook over the next ten years.

• A great way to gain on-the-job experience is by using a staffing platform like Toothio to help you find available opportunities.

Exploring a Career as a Dental Assistant

A career as a dental assistant is a promising one, with high demand in the field for dental professionals and steady growth in job outlook over the next ten years. The job also provides plenty of benefits and can be very fulfilling for the right person. Dental assistants are a valuable part of a dental practice with a dynamic to-do list that helps support dentists and the office staff alike. The job offers stability and an engaging work environment alongside a versatile daily routine with patient interaction.

With multiple pathways to becoming a dental assistant, anyone has the opportunity to make it in the field. The role is also what you make of it, with a steady demand that will allow you to remain in your role as well as the opportunity to advance your career through additional experience. This guide breaks down everything you might need to know about how to become a dental assistant and the steps needed to get there.

What Does A Dental Assistant Do?

A dental assistant has several responsibilities in a dental practice, including assisting the dentist during patient procedures and supporting the front office with administrative tasks. Throughout the day, a dental assistant can wear many hats, helping to fill gaps in the practice wherever they might arise, from managing records to supporting with direct patient care.

All together, some of the daily responsibilities of a dental assistant include:

• Handing off tools and assisting dentists during procedures
• Preparing and sterilizing instruments
• Taking and developing dental radiographs
• Managing patient records and scheduling appointments
• Educating patients on oral hygiene best practices

Essential dental assistant skills include strong communication and interpersonal skills, precise attention to detail and organizational skills, as well as manual dexterity and technical proficiency. In addition to these skills, the ability to demonstrate compassion and patience will also be crucial for ensuring a comfortable environment for patients in the office.

Educational Pathways to Becoming a Dental Assistant

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to becoming a dental assistant, as it depends on your preferred approach and the state where you plan on practicing. However, becoming a successful dental assistant often involves some combination of the following steps.

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED

A high school diploma or GED is one of the first fundamental steps to becoming a dental assistant, as any program you apply for or practice looking to hire you will look for a diploma or GED. Anyone interested in a dental assistant career path should consider placing additional focus on courses like biology, chemistry, and health. High school is the time to figure out if these subjects are interesting to you and whether a career in dentistry sounds engaging.

Your high school years are also a great time to consider volunteering or shadowing in dental settings to start building connections and gain direct exposure to the industry.

Enroll in a Dental Assistant Program

A dental assistant program is the most surefire way to ensure you gather all the skills to succeed in a dental assistant role in a controlled and targeted setting. A program provides targeted courses and laboratory work to learn about teeth, gums, dental instruments, and other related topics necessary to succeed in dental assisting.

Your options may include:

• A certificate program: Typically offered by a vocational school or community college, a fast-track certificate program allows you to learn essential skills for dental assisting and obtain a certificate in about 9-12 months.
• Associate degree program: This route includes both general education and specialized courses and takes a little longer, at approximately 2 years, but it offers the benefit of teaching additional skills and a transferable degree.
• An online program: These programs offer flexible schedules and often allow you to learn at your own pace, but it’s important to verify that the program includes hands-on clinical experience.

Be sure to choose a program that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Attending an accredited program ensures that you receive a quality education that is up to date with the latest industry standards and ensures that you will be eligible to take your certification exam.

On-the-Job Training

Depending on the level of dental assisting one is interested in pursuing, it’s possible to become a dental assistant in some states through on-the-job training alone. Some states allow assistants to perform the most basic levels of assisting without having a formal education certificate, as long as they are under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist or dental therapist.

With the right educational background or experience, you may be able to apply for entry-level dental assistant positions in your area if they do not require a license. Having a track record of volunteer experience in dentistry or related job experience can increase your chances of finding a position.

After obtaining enough experience on the job, many dental assistants choose to then pursue state licensure to build their career or even expand into other roles like a dental hygienist vs. a dental assistant. This idea of building your career from the ground up is enticing to many who want to jump right in without a school program, but it will take time and effort to find the right connections.

Clinical Training

Clinical training is a fundamental part of the journey, providing hands-on experience for aspiring practitioners and allowing them to develop practical skills in real dental settings. This training is conducted under the supervision of experienced professionals and is valuable for easing yourself into the responsibilities of dental assisting in a low-risk and supportive environment.

Clinical training is often integrated into dental assistant educational programs and may include theoretical skill-building, tangible practice in a dental school, internships, or externships. In some cases, assistants may also obtain clinical training by shadowing experienced assistants in real dental offices. However, this path may be more difficult, as it may be challenging to find practices willing to hire aspiring professionals without licensing.

Licensing and Certification

Obtaining the appropriate licensing and certification is necessary to practice in your state. However, many states do allow professionals to conduct basic dental assisting responsibilities without formal licensing. Still, even if not required, licensing and certification are beneficial for making you more competitive in your job search and setting you apart from other candidates.

After completing an accredited program, you can take the Certified Dental Assistant exam administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). This exam comprises 320 questions about assisting dentists chairside, and controlling infection.

Again, these requirements vary by state, so they may require additional exams or certifications. It’s important that you research dental assisting certification requirements in your state through your state’s dental board so that you understand all that is required of you.

That said, there are additional certifications you can obtain in order to advance your skillset and set you apart in your position. These can include:

• National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA)
• Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA)
• Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA)
• Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant (CRFDA)
• Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)

Even after obtaining your licensing and certification, you should engage in continuing education to help you stay up to date with the latest dental practices and technologies. Obtaining certification and staying informed is not just about becoming a dental assistant but about providing the best possible care to your patients.

Timeline to Become a Dental Assistant

The timeline to become a dental assistant generally spans between nine months and two years. However, this timeline will ultimately vary depending on the path you take to pursue the career and your own personal circumstances that allow you to dedicate time to your journey.

Consider some of the following factors:

• A certificate/diploma program: 9-12 months
• Associate degree program: Approximately 2 years
• On-the-job training: Several months to a year

The most significant variable in this timeline is the time it takes to study, prepare for, and pass the CDA exam. Of course, this path will look different for everyone depending on their ability to find opportunities that fit their interests and maintain their preparation.

Cost of Becoming a Dental Assistant

As with any career path, the journey to become a dental assistant does require some investment in the form of educational costs. Your costs will vary depending on which pathway you choose, but ultimately, you can expect some of the following expenses.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees associated with a dental assistant program are the biggest costs on the path to becoming a dental assistant. The price of tuition will vary depending on the type of program you pursue, so it’s important to do your research while comparing and contrasting various programs.

Generally speaking, you may be able to expect the following costs:

• Community college programs: $2,500-$12,000
• Private vocational schools: $8,000-$15,000
• Online programs: $1,000-$10,000

Keep in mind that tuition for in-state programs is often lower than that of out-of-state programs, which may influence your decision on where to attend school. Depending on your program, you may also be subject to paying other fees, which can include housing, meals and dining while attending school, and other student fees required by the school.

Additional Expenses

In addition to the costs of the assistant program itself, aspiring assistants should also expect to incur additional expenses that don’t show up on the initial bill, ranging from supplies to transportation to school.

Some of these additional expenses may include:

• Books and supplies
• Uniforms and equipment
• Certification exam fees
• Licensing fees
• Personal expenses
• Transportation to and from classes

Although these costs are often much lower than the cost of tuition individually, it’s important to be mindful, as they can add up when combined.

Financial Aid Options

The costs of a dental assistant program may serve as a barrier to some aspiring professionals, so forms of financial aid may be valuable for making the career path more attainable. Financial aid may range from seeking out scholarships on your own to receiving support from a current employer that enables you to pursue an education.

Dental assistants may consider some of the following financial aid options:

• Scholarships and grants
• Student loans
• Work-study programs
• Employer-sponsored training programs

It’s a good idea for professionals to start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which can help determine eligibility for both government-sponsored loans and private scholarships. Consider spending time researching scholarships that might be worth applying for, as there are often more scholarships out there than people realize.

Career Outlook and Salary Expectations

The career outlook for dental assistants is considered highly favorable compared to other professions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 8% growth rate for the position, which is considered faster than average compared to other professions.

Dental assistants can expect a median annual salary of around $47,300 per year, or about $22.74 per hour. As this salary is the median number, it is possible that assistants can earn either significantly more or less, depending on several factors. The most significant factors that can influence this salary include experience, location, and certification.

Career advancement opportunities may include:

• The ability to specialize in areas like orthodontics or oral surgery
• Advancing to roles such as an office manager or dental sales representative
• Pursuing further education to become a dental hygienist or dentist

Overall, becoming a dental assistant is a strong career move that can provide comfort and stability in your position, offering consistent work for years to come.

Tips for Aspiring Dental Assistants

The path to becoming a dental assistant is often not completely linear—this means there are several ways that aspiring assistants can stand out and get ahead amongst the competition. By taking a few additional tips into consideration, dental assistants can enhance their job prospects and improve their outlook in the position.

Consider the following tips:

• Gain experience through internships or volunteer work
• Network with dental professionals and join relevant associations
• Stay current with continuing education courses
• Develop strong organizational and communication skills

Dental assistants who continually seek ways to enhance and expand their skill set are the most likely to succeed in the long term. Often, browsing available jobs in your area and getting as much on-the-job experience as possible is a great strategy for preparing yourself for a bright future in the position.

Kickstart Your Dental Assistant Career with Toothio

There are multiple ways to become a dental assistant, which may include attending a formal training program or gaining on-the-job training. Regardless of which path you choose, clinical training and on-the-job experience are both paramount to getting started in a promising career.

If you're an experienced dental assistant looking to advance your career, consider searching for shifts with Toothio. We are a one-of-a-kind dental staffing platform that connects dental professionals with high-quality work opportunities, providing the option to work on their own terms and at their own rates.

Sign up with Toothio, and once you’re approved, start searching for dental assistant jobs as they become available in your area.