Many people feel nervous and apprehensive when they go to the dentist, even for procedures as routine as a cleaning. One of a dental assistant’s many jobs is to put patients at ease – before, during, and after their dental procedures are completed. If you are a natural caregiver with a friendly and soothing manner as well as a passion for oral health, you could be very successful as a dental assistant.
Most dental assistant training programs can be completed in as little as nine months to a year. You can even take online classes to become a dental assistant. Many well known colleges offer degree programs online. So how do you select the right one from all the online dental assistant schools out there?
First off, you’ll want to make sure you are only enrolling in dental assistant training online from an accredited school. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) has approved more than 280 dental assistant training programs. Choosing from accredited online dental assistant programs is important, as accreditation ensures you will be receiving the highest quality education. To determine if a school you are considering has been accredited by the CODA, you can visit the website of the American Dental Association at www.ada.org.
You’ll also need to decide on the type of program you are interested in. Some medical and dental assistant diplomas online can be completed in a year, sometimes less. However, you may also have the option to select a two-year associate degree program. You will have to complete some on the job training after any program, and certification or licensing tests may be required in some states.
Some online dental assisting schools may offer additional coursework that could allow you specialize in a specific area of interest. In addition to employment in solo and group dental practices, dental assistants may find jobs in hospitals, orthodontic offices, oral surgery offices, periodontal offices or prostodontics practices.
Earning your dental assistant degree online can cost $5000 or more in tuition and fees for a one-year program. You may also be responsible for purchasing textbooks, workbooks, uniforms, lab coats, and lab supplies and fees. After graduation, you may have to pay for certification or licensing tests given by your state. Financial assistance may be available to some (through school funded or government student loans) but unless you plan to pay for school out of your savings, you may find you need at least a part time job to support your education. Fortunately, working while completing dental assistant training online should be a breeze.
Dental assisting is a career with an exciting future. Technological advancements mean the field of dentistry is frequently changing, and well-educated dental assistants will change with it. If you’re ready to take online classes to become a dental assistant, check out our other resources to learn more about the career of dental assisting and what to expect in the future.
