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New Mexico Dental Assistants Schools
By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: January 25th, 2010
All dental workers, from dental assistants, to licensed and practicing dentists, can prepare early in life for their career by taking high school classes in biology, chemistry, and math. Dental assisting programs vary in length and content depending on the chosen certification, but can usually be completed in less than a year. Programs in dental assisting are usually very detail specific to the certification. There are a number of dental assistant schools in New Mexico.
Continuing Education for Dental Assistants in New Mexico
Dental assistants do not need to complete any continuing education in New Mexico, at least not legally or by requirement of the state. Dental assistants who are certified in Dental Radiography, Rubber Cup Coronal Polishing, Topical Fluoride Application, or Pit and Fissure Sealant Application will need to renew their certification triennially. The New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care will send a renewal application to certified dental assistants 2-3 months prior to the expiration of their certificate. Certification renewal requirements are: a completed renewal application, payment of the renewal fee, 30 hours of continuing education (if you are certified in dental radiography, you must have three hours in radiographic technique or safety and protection), proof of current CPR in the past 12 months of the renewal year, and a course in infection control.The easiest way to advance as a dental assistant is to pursue certifications. Dental assistants may also wish use their training and experience as prerequisites to apply to dental hygiene school.
It is also wise for dental assistants to check with their employer about possible reimbursement for continuing education.
Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Dental Assistants in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Rio Rancho and Roswell, New Mexico may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the St. Vincent Hospital, Presbyterian Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital and Memorial Medical Center.
Online / Distance Programs
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