How Long Does It Take to Become a Dental Assistant?

Dental Assistant Career Information

A dental assistant is a professional who supports the operations of a dental office by performing administrative and clinical duties, such as scheduling appointments, preparing patients, sterilizing instruments, or taking x-rays.

The career outlook for dental assistants is positive, with a projected employment growth of 8% from 2023 to 2033 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you’re interested in a dental assisting career, it typically takes anywhere from 9 months to 1 year to complete your training, depending on which educational path you choose. For a more detailed explanation of the educational requirements, let’s take a closer look below.

Dental Assistant Education Requirements

High School/GED

Finishing high school takes four years while completing a GED certificate takes about three months. If you’re a high school student interested in a dental assisting career, you might want to consider taking classes in biology, chemistry, and anatomy.

On-the-Job Training

Some aspiring dental assistants choose to learn the role and responsibilities of a dental assistant by training on the job. Under the guidance of an experienced dental assistant, dental hygienist or dentist, you would learn dental terminology, names of instruments, daily tasks, scheduling appointments, filing patient records, interacting with patients, and other typical dental office activities. How long it takes to complete on-the-job dental assistant training depends on the dental office.

Community College

Most community colleges offer dental assistant training programs. These programs typically take 2 years to complete, and graduates typically earn an associate degree. In addition to your dental assistant classes, most community college training programs require you to take general education classes, like English or math. Depending on your course of study, you could earn an associate’s degree, diploma, or certificate.

Trade or Vocational School

Most aspiring dental assistants choose to enroll in a dental assistant training program at a postsecondary institution, such as vocational school or a technical college. These training programs normally take anywhere from 9 months to 1 year, and most graduates obtain a certificate or diploma.

The curriculum typically consists of both classroom bookwork and hands-on training in a clinical setting. Most dental assisting training includes classes on oral anatomy, dental office administration, dental materials, and dental radiography.

For example, Delta Technical College (DTC) offers a Dental Assisting Program that provides students hands-on training in both basic and routine clinical and office tasks. This program equips the dental assistant student with the skills required to perform in a clinical, laboratory or office setting.

DTC’s Dental Assisting Program also includes employment preparation and concludes with an externship that gives you experience working in a real dental office.

Certifications

Certification and licensing requirements can differ from state to state. Some states require dental assistants to be certified, so it is important to check with the dental board of the state where you will work. If certification is needed, it is typically a Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) certification.

How much time it takes to become certified depends on the type of certification. While some certifications can be obtained as a student or recent graduate of a dental assisting program, others require a minimum amount of in-the-field work experience.

How Long is Dental Assistant School?

Going to trade or vocational school is a popular choice if you want to enter the field ready to work as an entry-level dental assistant!

Delta Technical College (DTC) offers a Dental Assisting Program that can be completed in less than a year (9 months). At DTC, you’ll receive hands-on training that includes both clinical and administrative skills, including:

Radiographs & Impressions
Equipment Sterilization
Lab Work
X-Ray Procedures
Patient Education
Infection Control
Restorative Dentistry & Dental Charting
Prosthodontics & Dental Office Lab
Dental Radiology & Office Administration
Dental Specialties & Preventative Dentistry

How Do I Get Certified as a Dental Assistant?

Dental assistants undertake a variety of job duties, although the scope of responsibilities can vary, depending on the dental office or the state where you work. The DANB offers several different certifications for dental assistants. Industry bodies like the American Dental Association or American Medical Technologists can also provide credentials for dental assistants.

How to be a Dental Assistant in Mississippi

In Mississippi, dental assistants must meet a number of state-specific requirements if they seek to operate dental x-ray equipment. They must hold a DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification or successfully complete a Mississippi Board-approved radiology seminar and exam within 90 days prior to application. See danb.org for the full list of requirements.

Delta Technical College (DTC) students at the Ridgeland, MS campus will sit for the DANB Radiology Health & Safety (RHS) and the Infection Control Exam (ICE), which are two of the three tests that are required for a dental assistant certification.

DTC also offers a Dental Radiology Seminar for dental assistants to earn x-ray certification.

Some certifications, especially those for advanced duties or positions, have minimum work experience requirements. It can take a few years for dental assistants to qualify for these types of certifications.

Start Your Dental Assistant Career at Delta Technical College

If you’re looking for a career where you can play an essential role in helping patients love their smile, dental assisting could be the career path for you!

Dental assistants play a key role in supporting dental practices around the country. Delta Technical College (DTC)’s Dental Assisting Program gives you the hands-on dental assistant training you need to pursue a career as a dental assistant.

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