Become a Dental Assistant in South Carolina - SC

By allied health world contributing writer
Published: January, 30 2010

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As of a May 2008 Bureau of Labor Statistics Report, there were approximately 3,300 registered dental assistants in South Carolina at that time. The market for jobs in dental work for dental assistants is expected to increase by as much as 30% by 2016, meaning jobs in South Carolina should continue to be plentiful. Dental assistant jobs are appealing because they require very little, if any, formal training.

Guidelines for Becoming a Dental Assistant in South Carolina

Entry-level dental assistants in the state of South Carolina do not need any education or training beyond a high school diploma. They are primarily on-the-job trained and learn their skills through the instruction of licensed dentists and dental hygienists.

Dental assistants wishing to earn the status of an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program or complete two years of full time employment under a licensed dentist. A board-approved structured course in radiation safety must also be completed if a dental assistant in South Carolina wishes to operate dental x-ray equipment.

The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) lists the specific functions and duties a dental assistant can and cannot perform. Visit their website at www.danb.org.