What is the fastest you can become a dental assistant?
If you have ever considered dental assisting as a profession, you probably wonder how quickly you would be able to become trained and employed in the field. You are in luck because it is possible to learn the essential skills without a big time commitment.
So, what is the fastest you can become a dental assistant? Depending on the nature of the program you opt for and your schedule, you can become a dental assistant in as little as nine months or up to a year.
Find out what you need to know to getting started in a dental assisting career.
What Do Dental Assisting Programs Cover?
Dental assisting programs prepare students for various activities so that when they start working in the dental office, they will be well prepared. The curriculum usually includes:
- Radiography: Hands-on learning for the safe taking and processing of dental X-rays
- Patient Care: Learning how to educate patients through oral hygiene and pre- and post-procedure care
- Infection Control: Understanding sterilization techniques to maintain a clean and safe dental environment
- Chairside Assistance: Learning how to assist the dentist during procedures, including proper instrument passing and ensuring patient comfort
- Office Administration: Learning to master scheduling appointments, managing dental records, and processing billing and insurance claims
These programs take you through the technical and interpersonal skills that will set you up for success in the professional world.
How Long Does It Take to Complete a Dental Assisting Program?
Most dental assisting programs last nine months to a year if you go to school full-time. Some programs also offer an accelerated track, where you can finish in only six months. Exactly how long it will take depends on your chosen program—certificate, diploma, or associate degree.
Certificate and Diploma Programs
Certificate and diploma programs are the quickest way to become a dental assistant. These programs are shorter because they only include the minimum number of hours necessary to equip the graduate with the basic skills to be a productive dental assistant.
Associate Degree Programs
If you would like more advanced training, then an associate degree program may be right for you. These programs, though they may take a bit more time—usually two years—often include classes in advanced procedures and expanded functions that can be used to transition into higher-paying jobs.
What to Expect from the Training
While your training experience will depend on the program and courses you choose, you can expect certain core components.
Classes
Your first classes in dental anatomy, terminology, and office procedures will give you the foundational knowledge to understand the basics of dental care.
Hands-on Lab Training
Lab classes give you hands-on practice in mixing materials, placing dental dams, and taking impressions, among other important fundamental skills—all under instructor guidance.
Externships
Most programs offer the opportunity to be placed in an externship. This is huge because it provides real-world experience in a functioning dental office.
Most of these dental assisting programs accommodate their students by offering part-time or evening classes, keeping in mind that many of them are working. They also have online and hybrid programs for students, so you could take courses at home while still doing in-person labs and externships as required.
Why Is Dental Assisting a Good Career Choice?
Dental assisting is a fulfilling career with opportunities for growth and the ability to impact patients’ lives. Some common reasons why people choose this career path include:
- Speedy Work Entry: Because many of the programs can be completed in under one year, you can start your career much sooner than most other careers.
- High-Demand Profession: As a dental assistant, you are not only a valuable assistant in the office but also an invaluable member of the team
- Job Security: According to various studies, the number of dental assistants is foreseen to grow over the next years, creating many job opportunities for new graduates
- Variety of Roles: In this field, people get the chance to do many functions, including assisting the dentist chairside and managing the dental office
To learn more about how our dental assisting program could help jumpstart your career, speak with us today.
Call Us to Learn More About How Quickly You Can Become a Dental Assistant
If you are ready to take the first step towards a rewarding career, contact us today. We can explain how fast you can become a dental assistant and help you determine if this career is right for you. With flexible program options and hands-on training, you can reach your career goals in no time. Do not wait; start your journey today and make a difference in patients’ lives.
