Employment Trends
Between 2006-2016, being a Dental Assistant will be one of the fastest growing occupations, with job openings expected to increase by 29 percent.

Training Required

• Many dental assistants learn their skills on the job, although an increasing number are trained in dental-assisting programs.
• High school students interested in a career as a dental assistant should take courses in biology, chemistry, health, and office practices.
• For those wishing to pursue further education, look for one- and two-year training programs approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation within the American Dental Association (ADA). Most programs take 1 year or less to complete and lead to a certificate or diploma. More information
• NOTE: Private vocational schools offering 4- to 6-month courses in dental assisting are not accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Typical Work Activities

• Sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare and lay out the instruments and materials required to treat each patient, and obtain patients’ dental records.
• Hand instruments and materials to dentists and keep patients’ mouths dry and clear by using suction or other devices.
• Prepare materials for impressions and restorations, take dental x rays, and process x-ray film as directed by a dentist.

Work Styles:

• Dental assistants work directly under the guidance of the dentist and must be able to take direction.
• There is continuous contact with patients, often of varying ages.
• Dental assistants must wear protective clothing to protect themselves and their patients from infectious diseases.
• Some dental assistants hold multiple part-time jobs by working at dental offices that are open on different days.

Examples of Work Locations
Dentist Offices: The typical staffing pattern in dentists’ offices consists of one dentist with a support staff of dental hygienists and dental assistants.

Stepping Stone Positions
Being a Dental Assistant can be an entry-level job into the health care industry if you have a high school diploma and did well in science classes at school. The next step on the career ladder is to obtain a post-secondary education and training to become a dental hygienist.

Education Resources

• There are many ways to earn a GED or obtain post-secondary education without going into debt. Some Goodwills and public One-Stop Career Centers offer free training for growth jobs.
• Community colleges are another great resource for occupational skills training. Talk to the college financial aid office or visit the Federal Pell Grant Program to see if you qualify for need-based aid.
• Be cautious of signing up for expensive short-term training at private schools. As noted above, these schools’ dental assisting training programs are not accredited.

Job Search Resources
American Dental Association
Dental Jobs

More information >>