What are the qualifications of an entry-level dental assistant?

Question

Zippia Team · Accepted Answer

To qualify to be a dental assistant, you need to graduate from an accredited dental assisting program. These are completed at a community college or a technical school. Some states do not require dental assistants to have any educational training, but training can be beneficial for learning the skills necessary to be a dental assistant.

In the educational programs, aspiring dental assistants will complete coursework that includes both classroom and hands-on clinical training. If you are seeking even more hands-on experience, you may choose to pursue an externship. Externships can provide invaluable real-work experience and training.

Certification and licensing requirements vary by state. Most requirements include passing the Dental Assistant National Board Exam, after which you can begin working. Some dental assistants may choose to get specialized training in one specific area such as pediatric dentistry or oral maxillofacial surgery, which requires more certification.