how long is the course for dental assistant

How many years of schooling to become a dental assistant?

Dec 21, 2021 · 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. What Does a Dental Assistant Do?

How long does it take to become a dentist assistant?

Dental assisting programs at community colleges typically last about two years. Students not only take numerous dental assisting classes, but they also have to enroll in general education courses. Some community college students may take longer than two years, depending on their individual schedule and progress.

How much does school cost to become a dental assistant?

Career-Relevant Courses: Anatomy, Biology & Chemistry: 3 Months to 4 Years: Step 2: Dental Assistant Training: Post-Secondary Institution or On-the-Job Training: 9 Months to 2 Years or Varies with Employer: Step 3: Dental Assistant Certification: Pass 3 DANB Exams: General Chairside Assisting (GC), Radiation Health & Safety (RHS) & Infection Control (ICE)

What are the requirements for becoming a dental assistant?

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 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.

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 do I become a dental assistant?

The journey to becoming a dental assistant may start with completing training at a dental assistant school. Requirements to begin working dental assistant jobs are made by individual states. Local state mandates and the length of dental assistant training programs often determine how long does it take to become a dental assistant, ...

What is externship in dental school?

Externships (or comparable hands-on experience) are a part of some dental assistant training programs. This is another factor to consider when trying to decide how long does it take to become a dental assistant. Even if you attend a dental assistant school on campus, where you can gain a lot of hands-on learning, your greatest practical clinical experience may come through an externship. You could be required to complete externships after you complete all classroom studies or you could complete externships before all class courses are finished, in just depends upon your specific program or school.

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.

Why is dental assisting important?

The work they do each day makes a real difference in people's lives because proper dental care is a crucial part of physical health and well-being. Not only is dental assisting a meaningful career, but it's secure, flexible and exciting, too.

Do dental assistants work part time?

Over a third of all Dental Assistants enjoy part-time work. And since there are new patients each day, each day brings new challenges! Dental Assistants participate in every part of the dental office. From patient care to billing, x-rays to lab work, they are the backbone of the dental industry.

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Frequently Asked Questions

We don’t accept financial aid, but we have some pretty great reasons why! The founder of our school, Dr. Ince, decided that he wanted to create an amazing opportunity for those who desire to enter the field. He believed that students not only deserve a great education, but also an affordable and convenient option.