If you want to become a dental assistant in Indiana, be assured that working in healthcare, particularly dentistry, is a practical and rewarding career choice. The process of becoming a dental assistant is quick and flexible, depending on our goals and educational route.
Are you wondering how long it takes to become a dental assistant in Indiana? Here is a quick recap for your reference.
Educational Requirements to Become a Dental Assistant in Indiana
Here are some educational routes you can take to become a dental assistant in Indiana:
On-the-Job Training
Some dental offices in Indiana are willing to hire people with no formal dental assisting education and train them while they work.
This type of training usually takes about 2 to 6 months, depending on how quickly you learn and the tasks involved. It’s the fastest way to start working as a dental assistant.
However, your responsibilities may be limited, and you might not qualify for certain certifications or advanced duties unless you pursue additional education later.
Formal Dental Assisting Programs
Many attend a dental assisting program at a community college, technical school, or specialized training center. These programs provide complete education in areas such as dental terminology, chairside assisting, infection control, and radiology.
Most programs last 9 to 12 months if taken full-time. Some schools also offer shorter 12-week programs combining online coursework with hands-on experience in real dental offices, making them a great option if you want to start your career quickly.
Certifications
In Indiana, dental assistants don’t have to be certified to work, but certifications can help you get better jobs and do more tasks. The most well-known certification is the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
To take the CDA exam, you must either finish a CODA-accredited dental assisting program or have two years of work experience as a dental assistant. Studying for and passing the CDA exam can add 2 to 3 months to your timeline.
Do You Need Additional Certifications to Take X-Rays?
If you want to take dental X-rays in Indiana, the law says you need a limited dental radiographic license. To get this, you must complete a state-approved radiography course and pass the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam. Many dental assisting schools include this training and help you get the license while still in the program.
So, How Long Does It Really Take?
If you choose to go to a formal dental assisting school and get certified, it usually takes about 12 months or more to become fully qualified. However, if you pick a faster, accelerated program and quickly get your X-ray (radiology) certification, you could be ready to start working in as little as three months.
Overall Insight
The time it takes to become a dental assistant in Indiana depends on your chosen path. If you learn on the job, you can become a dental assistant in about 2 to 6 months. However, if you go to a dental assisting school, it usually takes 9 to 12 months, or as little as 3 months if you choose an accelerated program.
Infuse Dental Assistant School offers comprehensive dental assistant courses in Indiana. Call us at (219) 224-6467 to kickstart your career.