How to Become a Dental Assistant

By allied health world contributing writer
Published: January 12th, 2010

Steps to become a dental assistant

Job shadow dental assistants at several dental practices to be sure you really understand the ins and outs of this field.
Enroll in a dental assistant training program. These typically take one year to complete.
Take the necessary test for your state to become licensed.
Make sure your CPR training and card are up to date.
Seek a job as a dental assistant.
Obtain and submit 12 continuing education credits per year.

Learn more about the tremendous benefits and other assets associated with dental assistant salary.

What challenges exist in this field?

People tend to take advantage of opportunities to avoid a trip to the dentist, and oftentimes skip their appointments. When dental patients do arrive at the dentist's office, they are not always in good spirits because they dread the forthcoming dental work. According to dental assistant Marcia King “It can be hard to maintain an upbeat attitude when you hear patients say ‘I hate being here’ so often.” It is also frustrating that people allow their insurance to dictate the kind of care they receive. How to Become a Dental Assistant

Learn more about the opportunties available to those individuals interested in dental assistant training.

What are the benefits of a career in this field?

The career of a dental assistant is a tremendous opportunity for people who consider themselves extroverts and enjoy working with and talking to other people. It is common for people to dislike going to the dentist, so making dental patients feel at ease is a very important task for a dental assistant. According to Marcia King, who has been a dental assistant of 10 years: “It is a great feeling to get that patient in who hasn't been to the dentist for 5-10 years and see them get much needed dental work done and their pain subside. Or to see someone who was ashamed of their smile leave after the work is completed smiling from ear to ear showing off a smile they hid for so long.”