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As part of Boston Reed's Dental Assistant program, you will be trained to work directly with the dentist in the treatment area. In this career you will perform documentation, seat patients, pass dental materials and instruments to the dentist, provide patient education, oversee inventory control, and order supplies.
Our Dental Assistant training combines 80 hours of classroom instruction and a 40 hour off-site externship to provide you with a comprehensive learning experience. This program is not available within California.
Payment Plans & Scholarships are widely available.
Finish Dental Assistant training in 10 weeks with day or evening schedules
Join a dental career that is expected to grow by 36%
Make an average of $16.70 per hour as a Dental Assistant
Over 150 classroom locations nationwide
Attend a helpful information session about this program
Fees: Fees vary by partner. Check Class Schedules to find a program near you.
Financing: Financial Assistance is offered to many people that apply. Our options may include:
Call 800-201-1141 to talk to our Admissions Counselors to get more information about dental assistant training and available payment plans.
Over the course of 10 weeks, the Dental Assistant training program combines 80 hours of classroom instruction and a 40 hour off-site externship to provide you with a comprehensive learning experience. Day, evening and weekend schedules are available. The Dental Assistant program is not available in California.
According to the US Dept. of Labor there are approximately 300,000 dental assistants currently working in the United States. It anticipates that the need for Dental Assistants will grow 36% by 2018.
What Dental Assistants Do:
Dental assistants have many tasks, ranging from patient care to record keeping, in a dental office. Their duties vary by state, and by the dentists’ offices where they work.
Duties:
All dental assistants do tasks such as helping dentists with procedures and keeping patient records, but there are four regulated tasks that assistants may also be able to do, depending on the state where they work.
Work Environment:
Dental assistants mostly work in dentists’ offices. Dental assistants work under the supervision of dentists and may work with dental hygienists.
Dental assistants wear eye safety glasses, surgical masks, protective clothing, and gloves to protect themselves and patients from diseases. They must also follow safety procedures to minimize risk associated with x-ray machines.
Work Schedules:
Most dental assistants work full time. However, some dental assistants work part-time. Some work evenings or weekends, depending on the hour of operation where they work.
How to Become a Dental Assistant:
Some states require assistants to graduate from an accredited program and possibly pass a state exam. In other states, there are no formal education requirements.
Education:
High school students who are interested in a career as a dental assistant should consider taking courses in biology, chemistry, and anatomy.
Training:
On-the-job training is often required regardless of what educational path a dental assistant chooses. Dentists have their own way of doing things, and their assistants may need time to become comfortable working with them. Boston Reed's Dental Assistant program is designed to provide the student with the technical fundamentals for a successful career in a Dentist's office.
Certification:
Some states require dentals assistants to be certified; requirements vary by state. To get certification, dental assistants must pass the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam. To take the exam, dental assistants must be a graduate of an accredited program or have graduated high school and completed the required amount of on-the-job training. Applicants must also have current certification in CPR.
Licenses:
Some states require that dental assistants be licensed or register with DANB to complete regulated tasks, such as coronal polishing, in a dentist’s office; requirements vary by state.
Pay:
In 2011, the average annual wage for a dental assistant was $34,740. The lowest 10 percent averaged $23,080 and the top 10 percent averaged $47,420. Wages will vary by employer, location and experience.
Job Outlook:
Employment of dental assistants is expected to grow by 31 percent from 2010 to 2020.
The Dental Assistant program is currently offered online. Boston Reed offers other programs at over 150 locations across the United States.
Information sessions are a great way to find out more about allied health careers, and the programs offered to get them started. See if there are any in your area. Sign up today!
1. Click here and then enter your zip code
2. Select "Information Session" from the drop down list. and press go.
3. Find the location that you would like to attend and call or register online.
Note: Not all information sessions allow you to register online. Please call us at 800-201-1141 if you have any questions.
