Career Profile: 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!

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

California Schools
	(Indio) - Administrative Medical/Dental Assistant, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, Holistic Health Practitioner, Massage Therapy, Optical Technician
	(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
	(Canyon Country, Lancaster) - Medical Assistant, Administrative Medical Assistant, Medical Laboratory Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Dental Assistant, Massage Therapy
	(Concord, Hayward, Stockton) - Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Medical Office Administration, Health Information Technology
	(Sacramento) - Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding, Pharmacy Technician, Surgical Technologist, Dental Assistant, Massage Therapy
	(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
	(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
	(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
	(Victorville, Citrus Heights, Pleasant Hill, Sacramento, San Leandro) - Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, Massage Therapist

Florida Schools
	(Jacksonville) - Dental Assisting
	(DeLand) - Medical Assisting, Medical Office Administration, Dental Assisting, Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, Therapeutic Massage
	(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
	(Tampa) - Dental Assistant, Diploma
	(Ft. Lauderdale) - Dental Assistant, Diploma

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

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

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

Illinois Schools
	(Burr Ridge, Chicago) - Dental Assisting

Indiana Schools
	(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
	(New Orleans) - Dental Assisting, Medical Administrative Assistant, Medical Assisting, Medical Insurance Billing/Coding, Pharmacy Technician

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

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

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

New Jersey Schools
	(Omaha) - Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Practical Nursing, Massage Therapy
	(Omaha) - Dental Assistant, Practical Nursing, Advanced Medical Assistant, Alcohol/Drug Abuse Counselor, Medical Assistant, Veterinay Technician, Medical Administrative Assistant

New Mexico Schools
	(Albuquerque) - Dental Assisting

North Carolina Schools
	(Las Vegas) - Dental Assistant

Ohio Schools
	(Cuyahoga Falls) - Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Medical Biller/Administrator
	(North Olmsted) - Medical Assisting, Medical Insurance and Coding, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technician

Oregon Schools
	(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
	(Broomall) - Dental Assistant, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, Surgical Technician
	(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
	(Nashville) - Dental Assisting
	(Nashville) - Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, Dental Assisting

Texas Schools
	(Austin, Greenspoint) - Dental Assisting
	(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
	(Dallas, Hurst) - Dental Assisting, Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, Respiratory Therapy Technology
	(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
	(Irving) - Basic Massage Therapy, Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding, Pharmacy Technician, Surgical Technologist
	(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
	(Beaumont, Lubbock) - Dental Assisting, Medical Assistant, Medical Office Specialist, Patient Care Assistant Technician, Nurse Aide, Vocational Nursing

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

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

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

* Program Availability Varies By Location and Often Changes. To get the most up-to-date information, use the links we provide to request additional information from a local campus representative.

* DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org. Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. In New York, DeVry University operates as DeVry College of New York. DeVry University operates as DeVry Institute of Technology in Calgary, Alberta. DeVry is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. AC0060. DeVry University is authorized for operation by the THEC. www.state.tn.us/thec. Nashville Campus - 3343 Perimeter Hill Dr., Nashville, TN 37211 Program availability varies by location.©2010 DeVry Educational Development Corp. All rights reserved