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This question is about orthodontist assistant education.
What degree do you need to be an orthodontist assistant?
You need a dental assisting certificate or associate's degree in orthodontics assisting. Each state determines the requirements needed for you to practice as an orthodontist assistant. However, many states have very similar requirements.
The path towards becoming a certified orthodontic assistant typically involves earning at least a two-year associate's degree in dental assisting from an accredited institution. The coursework includes dental terminology, anatomy, patient care, medical ethics, instrumentation, etc. These professionals also learn how to work with orthodontic devices, radiology, records management, etc.
Aspiring orthodontist assistants with an associates degree have a better chance of passing the certification exam, among other advantages. The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) offers a Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA) Certification that indicates your expertise in the field. The COA assessment includes two components: an orthodontic assisting exam and an infection control test.
The orthodontic assisting exam consists of 210 multiple-choice questions; comparatively, the infection control test includes 100 multiple-choice questions. The COA designation is not a requirement to work as an orthodontic assistant in most states.
There are several advantages to taking the exam and becoming certified. You not only stand out from other candidates, but you also have a higher earning potential and greater opportunities for job advancement.
To become a Certified Orthodontic Assistant, most states require you to be licensed. To earn a license you must pass a licensing exam and complete a state-approved training program and obtain a certification from the Dental Assistant National Board (DANB).
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