What degree do you need to be a dental assistant?

Question

Zippia Team · Accepted Answer

To be a dental assistant, you need a degree from an accredited dental assisting program. These are often completed at either a community college or a technical school. Some states do not require dental assistants to have any educational training, but these programs are extremely beneficial in learning the skills necessary to be a successful dental assistant.

In both of these programs, aspiring dental assistants will have coursework that includes both classroom teaching as well as hands-on training in clinical settings. If you are seeking even more hands-on experience, you may choose to pursue an externship, which can provide invaluable real-world training.

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