As far as choosing a career goes, becoming a dental assistant has a lot of advantages. Dental assistants are always in demand, which means that there’s a lot of stability and job security. Plus, the work is interesting and satisfying — dental assistants get to help people stay healthy and happy by providing care in dental offices. However, you will need some training and education to become a dental assistant, and it’s essential that you choose the right school or educational program to get the qualifications and skills you need.

Female dental assistant holding a clipboard standing in a dental office.

Requirements For Becoming a Dental Assistant

As a dental assistant, you’ll be responsible for a variety of tasks, from administering anesthesia to preparing patients for exams and assisting in dental procedures. As such, there are a number of requirements you’ll need to meet before you can become a dental assistant.

  1. The first requirement is that you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a General Education Degree (GED).
  2. You’ll also need to complete either a formal dental assisting program or an accredited on-the-job training program. Fortunately, most dental assistant programs don’t take very long to complete, especially when compared to educational programs in other medical fields.
  3. Complete an externship. An externship is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a dental office setting. It’s usually done in a dental office where you will work under the supervision of experienced dentists and other dental professionals.
  4. Some states require that you pass a licensing exam, so you should check your state’s specific requirements before enrolling in any dental assisting program. A good dental assisting program will prepare you for your state’s licensing exam.

Tips For Choosing The Right Dental Assisting School

Now that you have a better understanding of what’s required to become a dental assistant, you’ll want to choose the right dental assisting school for you. The last thing you want to do is spend time and money on a program that doesn’t provide you with the qualifications and skills you need.

Here are some tips to help guide your search for the perfect dental assisting school:

  1. Do your research: Invest some time in researching the various dental assisting programs available in the area you want to work in. Check out their website to get an idea of what kind of curriculum they offer, as well as what kind of resources and support they provide. Additionally, look up reviews from previous students.
  2. Make sure the program meets your needs: If you plan on working or taking care of your family at the same time, it’s important that the program you choose provides the scheduling flexibility you need. Here at the South Florida Dental Assisting School (SFDAS), we offer a 12-week program at one of the most affordable tuition rates for dental assisting schools in the area. Additionally, we offer night classes to accommodate your current schedule.
  3. Make sure the program is accredited: Make sure that any school you are considering is fully accredited by an approved accrediting agency. SFDAS is accredited by the Florida Board of Dentistry as well as the Commission for Independent Education.
  4. Ask about any advanced certifications that are available: Advanced certifications may be available for dental assistants with a comprehensive knowledge of the profession. However, be sure to find out what additional training and qualifications are necessary in order to pursue these certifications. For example, the SFDAS offers radiology and expanded function certifications.
  5. Find out if there’s a job placement program: At SFDAS, we provide job placement assistance to all of our graduates.

Enroll in Our Dental Assisting Program Today

Becoming a dental assistant can be an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding career — but it’s important that you go to the right dental assisting school. If you’re looking for a comprehensive and affordable dental assisting program, then look no further than SFDAS. For more information about our 12-week program, contact us at the South Florida Dental Assisting School today.