A dental assistant is a popular and growing career choice for those who love to interact with people while being part of the dental field. But a common question many people ask is whether they need a degree to become a dental assistant.
If you are also in the same boat, read this blog to get your answer!
What Education Is Required To Become A Dental Assistant
Unlike many healthcare careers, becoming a dental assistant does not require a four-year degree. You can enter this field by taking short courses, certifications, or diploma programs, which are specifically designed for dental assisting. Each of these courses or programs lasts around 9 months to a year, depending on the content being taught.
These courses are offered at colleges, vocational schools, and technical training centers. Typically, they require around 900 hours to complete, including about 300 hours of hands-on practice. You can learn practical skills, for example, sterilization protocol, taking X-rays, and dealing with dental patients. This helps to land a good job in the field.
However, if you want a more detailed education, you can go for a 2-year associate degree program. These programs take about two years and include both dental assisting training and core college courses. It is mostly helpful if you plan to sustain and grow in this field.
What Are the Certification and State Requirements for Dental Assistants?
The rules for becoming a dental assistant are not the same everywhere. In some states, you can be trained on the job without formal education or certification. However, your duties may be limited. In other states, you must complete an accredited assisting program, pass state exams, and get relevant certifications.
Is On-the-Job Training Enough?
Some people also start their careers with just on-the-job training. This means you are trained while at work without any formal schooling. While this path requires no certifications or prior education, it might mean slower career growth, fewer responsibilities, and lower pay.
On the flip side, if you have a relevant educational background, you can enjoy more job opportunities, a higher salary, and more responsibilities in the dental field.
Course Details Offered at Infuse Dental Assistant School
The dental assisting course offered at Infuse Dental Assistant School is a complete 131-hour course, including both lectures and labs. It is spread over 13 weeks of training plus a 50-hour externship in a dental office.
Quizzes and tests are conducted to track performance during the course. Certifications are awarded on the successful completion of all components of the course.
Overall Insight
You don’t require a formal degree to become a dental assistant. Short courses, certifications, or diploma programs are enough to enter this field. However, if you want to get a detailed education, you can go for a 2-year associate degree program.
Enroll in dental assistant courses offered at Infuse Dental Assistant School for a mix of clinical education and practical skills. Call us at (219) 224-6467 for more details.