dental assistant how long is the course

How many years of schooling to become a dental assistant?

Most students choose to enroll in a dental assistant training program at a postsecondary institution, such as vocational school or a community college. These training programs normally take anywhere from 9 to 11 months, depending on whether you obtain a certificate, diploma, or associate degree.

How long does it take to become a dentist assistant?

A dental assisting diploma program at a trade school or community college is about 1 year long. Diploma courses and the above mentioned certificate programs will include core classes in safety, infection control, and ethics. Diploma Program Length Examples Platt College Diploma Program, 40 to 48 weeks Remington College Diploma Program, < 1 year

How much does school cost to become a dental assistant?

 · Cestar College’s dental assisting programs include approximately 30 hours a week of class time, with 25 of those hours in-class, for a total course time of 1245 hours over 52 weeks (internship included). But don’t let this intimidate you! Your time will be divided over 19 courses that cover lots of interesting dental assisting topics such as:

What are the requirements for becoming a dental assistant?

 · The good news is that taking a dental assistant program at a vocational college can be completed much faster than a 4-year degree. If you have less than a year to devote to becoming a dental assistant and the drive to complete the coursework, you can start working as a dental assistant in no time.

How long are most dental assistant programs?

Becoming a dental assistant can take anywhere from nine months to two years, depending on the dental assisting career path you pursue. Certificate programs generally last nine to eleven months, while associate degree programs take about two years to complete.

What are the requirements to be a dental assistant?

Postsecondary nondegree awardDental assistant / Entry level education

What is a dental assistant salary?

35,980 USD (2015)Dental assistant / Median pay (annual)

How much do dental assistants make?

Pay. Pay for dental assistants varies depending on experience. New dental assistants usually earn between minimum wage and $46,000 a year. Dental assistants with one to three years' experience usually earn between $46,000 and $55,000.

How Long Are Certificate Programs?

A trade school or community college certified dental assisting (CDA) training program normally takes 1 year to complete, but some programs may take as few as 8 months. Taking a dental assisting certificate training program on a night or weekend schedule will add some months to your total time in school.

How Long Are Diploma Programs?

A dental assisting diploma program at a trade school or community college is about 1 year long. Diploma courses and the above mentioned certificate programs will include core classes in safety, infection control, and ethics.

How Long Are Associate Degree Programs?

All associate degrees generally take about 2 years to earn, and dental assisting is no different. Both the 1 year certificate course and the 2 year associate degree program will prepare you to sit for the DANB's Certified Dental Assistant exam.

Time Well Spent

During your time in a dental assisting program you’ll learn oral anatomy, radiography, and clinical dental assisting. You may also learn administrative skills, how to take x-rays, and how to record medical histories. Those are many sought-after skills in our current job market.

How long does it take to become a dental assistant in Canada?

Well, after completing secondary education, it will take just approximately one year for you to complete the dental assistant program, and then you will need to complete your final exam with the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB), the governing body that regulates all dental assistants in Canada.

How many hours are required for dental school?

You will spend approximately 30 hours a week, with 25 in-class – for a total course time of 1245 hours over 52 weeks (internship included). Don’t let this intimidate you, though! Your time will be divided over 19 courses that cover topics such as: 1 Dental Materials Safety 2 Dental Microbiology 3 Dental Radiography Principles 4 Preventative Dentistry 5 Dental Record Keeping 6 And more! If you’d like to see the full outline of courses, check out this page.

How many times does the Cestar exam take place?

Your license can be obtained through a one-day test that is held approximately four times a year at various locations across the country. The exam itself is broken down into eight sections and will cover all of the topics covered during your program at Cestar, including patient care and laboratory procedures.

How Long Does It Take to Be a Dental Assistant?

The time it takes to become a dental assistant depends on the specific steps one takes to the career. In some states, it may be possible to enter the field after high school, and in others, it will be necessary to take additional steps, such as formal dental assistant training at a post-secondary institution and certification or licensing.

How Long Is Dental Assistant School?

Dental assistant training can take months or years, depending on the post-secondary educational institution. Vocational schools and community colleges are two common places to receive allied health training in dental assisting.

What does a dental assistant do?

Dental assistants perform administrative duties in dental offices and support dentists and hygienists during dental procedures. A dental assistant's job responsibilities might include:

What is a dental assistant's work environment?

Most dental assistants work full-time in clean and well-lit offices and treatment rooms. They work normal business hours, as well as some evenings and weekends. Dental assistants spend time seated, standing and bending. They might work for:

How long does it take to become a dental assistant?

You can usually become a dental assistant in nine to 11 months or longer if you choose to pursue advanced certification. First, you have to get your high school diploma or GED, which you can complete in three or four years. Then you are eligible to enroll in a dental assistant training program at an institution such as:

How much do dental assistants make?

Dental assistants make an average base salary of $18.01 per hour, according to Indeed Salaries. This amount is typically higher for dental assistants with advanced levels of training and those working for specialty clinics or in areas with high demand. Benefits might include:

What are the requirements to become a dental assistant?

Dental assistants learn a specific set of hard skills through training and experience that prepare them to work with patients and dental staff. They should have soft skills such as a positive attitude, desire to help others, reliability, punctuality, work ethic and organization. Here are the typical requirements for becoming a dental assistant:

What advanced certification options do dental assistants have?

Dental assistants can choose to gain additional certification that might provide them with more job opportunities and higher earning potential. These include:

Length of Program

Some programs are significantly longer than others, so what’s the difference? It may surprise you to learn that often times the programs length has nothing to do with the amount of information that is being taught. In fact, longer programs are often filled with information that you don’t need to know to become a dental assistant.

Do I need a longer program to get a job?

Let’s take a look at the requirements that you will need. In Arizona, there is no certificate or degree requirement to work as a dental assistant. But you may have a tough time finding a job for a skill you know nothing about. Employers are looking for formal training in an applicant so they don’t have to provide on the job training.

So how long is dental assistant school?

At the American Institute of Dental Assisting we believe that your schooling should only last 13 weeks. You can learn everything you need to become an excellent dental assistant without all the fluff and wasted time and money. You can start your career sooner and be happier with the confidence and thorough training you received from us.