Dental Assistants

Medical Assisting Careers › Dental Assistants

See Available Dental Assistants Schools

Job Description:

Dental assistants play an integral role in delivering quality dental care to the patients. The presence of dental assistants can significantly boost the service efficiency of dental clinics, and allow dentists to take on more important functions.

Responsibilities of dental assistants are greatly varied. They can be assigned to perform a wide range of duties including administrative, clinical, and laboratory tasks. Some of the routine tasks delegated to dental assistants include the following:

• gather vital information from patients regarding dental history, purpose of visit, and past treatments
• prepare and set up the equipments needed for the dental procedure
• assist patient before, during, and after the procedure
• file, sort, and keep patients' records
• answer phone calls, and schedule dental appointments
• follow-up laboratory results
• educate patients about proper oral hygiene
• keep track of dental supplies and communicate with suppliers
• take impressions of patient's teeth for study cast
• handle payments and insurance claims

Overall, dental assistants work under the close supervision of dentists. They cannot perform any types of dental procedures unlike the dental hygienist.

Work Environment:

Most dental assistants work at a well-lighted, air-conditioned, clean, and relaxing dental clinic. They are required to wear gloves, mask, eyewear, and other protective covering during dental procedures. They usually stand beside the dentists so they can easily hand over the needed instruments. Full-time dental assistants work 40 hours and 5 days a week. Meanwhile, part-time dental assistants typically work in the evening or during weekends.

Education and Training Requirements:

There is no set requirement or standard training needed to be able to work as an entry-level dental assistant. However, aspiring dental assistants are still encouraged to take formal training and education from credible community colleges or vocational schools. Short courses on dental assisting usually last for 4 to 6 months, while certificate programs usually take nine to eleven months to complete. Most dental assistants undergo on-the-job trainings to effectively hone their skills.

Salary Range:

Dental assistants can earn roughly around $26,980 - $38,960 annually. Those who have acquired certifications, and have higher educational degrees can earn up to $46,150 yearly. Most dental assistants enjoy functional benefits in the form of paid vacations, retirement plans, and medical insurance.

Job Outlook:

The employment rate of dental assistants is expected to increase by 36 percent until 2018. Moreover, job prospects are very promising especially to those who have gained relevant experiences. Plenty of lucrative career opportunities will become available for both entry-level and experienced dental assistants.

Begin a rewarding career as a dental assistant as early as NOW by checking out our extensive list of dental assisting schools!

Dental Assistants Schools:

Arizona Schools

The Bryman School* (Phoenix) - Dental Assistant, Hospital Unit Coordinator, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding, Pharmacy Technician, Practical Technologist in Radiology, Surgical Technologist, Massage Therapy

California Schools
Academy of Professional Careers * (Indio) - Administrative Medical/Dental Assistant, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, Holistic Health Practitioner, Massage Therapy, Optical Technician
Everest College* (Alhambra, Anaheim, City of Industry, Gardena, Los Angeles, Ontario, Reseda, San Bernadino, San Francisco, San Jose, Wilshire)- Dental Assisting, Massage Therapy, Medical Administrative Assistant, Medical Assisting, Medical Insurance Billing & Coding, Pharmacy Technician, Medical Laboratory Assistant, Phlebotomist, Medical Office Assistant, Medical Office Management, X-Ray Technician, Surgical Technologist, Medical Clinical Assistant
Clarita Career College (Canyon Country, Lancaster) - Medical Assistant, Administrative Medical Assistant, Medical Laboratory Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Dental Assistant, Massage Therapy
Heald College* (Concord, Hayward, Stockton) - Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Medical Office Administration, Health Information Technology
High-Tech Institute (Sacramento) - Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding, Pharmacy Technician, Surgical Technologist, Dental Assistant, Massage Therapy
Kaplan College* (Bakersfield, Fresno, Stockton) - Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Medical Office Specialist, Coding/Billing, Nursing, Healthcare & Rehab Technician, X-Ray Tech, Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Ultrasound, Radiologic Technology, Pharmacy Tech, Respiratory Therapy, Massage Therapy and MORE
San Joaquin Valley College* (Bakersfield, Fresno, Visalia) - Clinical and Administrative Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, Health Care Insurance Specialist, Pharmacy Technology, Surgical Technology, Veterinary Technology, Health Care Administration, Respiratory Care Practice
Santa Barbara Business College* (Bakersfield, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Ventura) - Medical Assisting, Medical/Dental Office Systems, Pharmacy Technician
United Education Institute (Ontario, Van Nuys, Huntington Park, San Diego) - Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Medical Billing & Coding
West Coast College (Victorville, Citrus Heights, Pleasant Hill, Sacramento, San Leandro) - Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, Massage Therapist

Florida Schools
ACT - Jacksonville (Jacksonville) - Dental Assisting
Angley College (DeLand) - Medical Assisting, Medical Office Administration, Dental Assisting, Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, Therapeutic Massage
ATI College of Health (Miami) - Dental Assisting, Diagnostic Ultrasound Technician, Medical Assisting Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Respiratory Therapist
Central Florida Institute* (Orlando, Tampa Bay) - Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant/Basic X-ray, Noninvasive Cardio Technician, Advanced Cardiovascular Technologist - ECHO, Surgical Technologist - Operating Room Scrub
Florida Education Center (Lauderhill) - Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Medical Office Specialist, Pharmacy Technician
Sanford-Brown Institute (Tampa) - Dental Assistant, Diploma
Sanford-Brown Institute (Ft. Lauderdale) - Dental Assistant, Diploma

Georgia Schools
ACT: Advanced Career Training (Atlanta, Riverdale) - Dental Assistant, Massage Therapy, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing and Insurance Coding
Everest Institute (Norcross) - Dental Assisting

Hawaii Schools
Heald College (Honolulu) - Dental Assisting, Health Information Technology, Medical Assisting, Medical Office Administration

Idaho Schools
Academy of Professional Careers (Boise) - Administrative Medical/Dental Assistant, Dental Assisting, Holistic Health Practitioner, Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician

Illinois Schools
Everest College (Burr Ridge, Chicago) - Dental Assisting

Indiana Schools
Everest College (Merrillville) - Dental Assisting
Professional Careers Institute (Indianapolis) - Dental Assistant, Dental Assisting/Administration, Massage Therapy, Massage Therapy/Medical Assisting, Medical Assistant, Medical Assisting/Administration, Medical/Dental Administration

Kentucky Schools
ATA Career Education (Louisville) - Dental Assisting, Medical Coding

Louisiana Schools
Everest College* (New Orleans) - Dental Assisting, Medical Administrative Assistant, Medical Assisting, Medical Insurance Billing/Coding, Pharmacy Technician

Massachusetts Schools
Everest Institute* (Brighton) - Dental Assisting, Masage Therapy (Modular), Medical Administrative Assistant, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician

Michigan Schools
Everest Institute (Dearborn, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo) - Dental Assisting

Missouri Schools
Allied College (North St. Louis/Maryland Heights, South Arnold/Fenton) - Dental Assistant
High-Tech Institute (Kansas City) - Dental Assistant
Missouri College (St. Louis) - Dental Office Administration, Dental Assistant
Everest College (Springfield) - Dental Assisting

Nebraska Schools
Hamilton College* (Omaha) - Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Practical Nursing, Massage Therapy
Vatterott College (Omaha) - Dental Assistant, Practical Nursing, Advanced Medical Assistant, Alcohol/Drug Abuse Counselor, Medical Assistant, Veterinay Technician, Medical Administrative Assistant

New Mexico Schools
ATI Career Training Center (Albuquerque) - Dental Assisting

Nevada Schools
High-Tech Institute (Las Vegas) - Dental Assistant

Ohio Schools
Akron Institute (Cuyahoga Falls) - Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Medical Biller/Administrator
Remington College - Cleveland West (North Olmsted) - Medical Assisting, Medical Insurance and Coding, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technician

Oregon Schools
Anthem College - Portland (Beaverton) - Dental Assistant, Massage Therapy, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding, Pharmacy Technician, Surgical Technologist

Pennsylvania Schools
Bradford School (Pittsburgh) - Dental Assisting
Career Training Academy™ (New Kensington) - Dental Assistant
CHI Institute * (Broomall) - Dental Assistant, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, Surgical Technician
Sanford-Brown Institute (Formerly Ultrasound Diagnostic School) (Philadelphia) - Dental Assisting, Medical Assistant, Coding & Billing, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Non-Invasive Cardiovascular & Surgical Technology, Massage Therapy
Thompson Institute (Philadelphia) - Dental Assisting

Tennessee Schools
High-Tech Institute (Nashville) - Dental Assisting
Remington College* (Nashville) - Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, Dental Assisting

Texas Schools
Everest Institute (Austin, Greenspoint) - Dental Assisting
Milan Institute (Amarillo) - Administrative Medical/Dental Assistant, Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Office Administration, Pharmacy Technician
Academy of Healthcare Professions* (Austin, Houston North Loop, Houston Southwest) - Dental Assistant, Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist, Medical Assistant, Medical Coding and Billing Specialist, Phlebotomy Technician, Dental Assistant, Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound, Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist, Massage Therapy, Surgical Technologist
ATI Career Training Center* (Dallas, Hurst) - Dental Assisting, Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, Respiratory Therapy Technology
Career Centers of Texas* (Corpus Christi, El Paso, Fort Worth) - Medical Assistant, Medical Office Specialist, Dental Assistant, Insurance Processor, Patient Care Assistant Technician, Medical Assistant Clinical/Clerical, Pharmacy Technician, Surgical Technician, Medical Office Specialist, Radiologic Technologist
High-Tech Institute (Irving) - Basic Massage Therapy, Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding, Pharmacy Technician, Surgical Technologist
National Institute of Technology (Houston - Greenspoint) - Dental Assisting, Medical Assistant, Massage Therapy, Medical Administrative Assistant, Medical Assisting, Medical Business and Clinical Specialist, Medical Insurance Billing & Coding, Pharmacy Technician
Kaplan Career Institute (San Antonio) - Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant Clinical/Clerical, Medical Office Specialist, Pharmacy Technician
San Antonio College of Medical and Dental Assistants (McAllen) - Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant Clinical/Clerical, Medical Office Specialist, Pharmacy Technician
Southeastern Career Institute* (Dallas, Midland) - Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Medical Office Specialist, Pharmacy Technician
Texas Careers* (Beaumont, Lubbock) - Dental Assisting, Medical Assistant, Medical Office Specialist, Patient Care Assistant Technician, Nurse Aide, Vocational Nursing

Utah Schools
Eagle Gate College* (Murray) - Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, Dental Assisting, Office Management
Provo College (Provo) - Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, Physical Therapist Assistant, Therapeutic Massage Technology

Virginia Schools
ACT College* (Alexandria, Arlington) - Medical Assisting, Dental Assistant, Medical Administrative Specialist, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician
Everest Institute* (Chesapeake) - Dental Assisting, Massage Therapy, Medical Administrative Assistant, Medical Assisting, Medical Insurance Billing/Coding

Washington Schools
Everest College* (Everett, Tacoma, Port Orchard, Renton, Lynnwood) - Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Medical Billing, Pharmacy Technician, Medical Administrative Assistant, Medical Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist