how to become a dental assistant without going to school

Becoming a dental assistant can be a great career opportunity if you have the right training and education. You can become a dental assistant without going to school, which will allow you to get started sooner and with less upfront costs.

how to become a dental assistant without going to school

If you are a dedicated and motivated person, then becoming a dental assistant might be the right career choice for you. If this describes you, then you have taken an important step in your journey towards becoming a dental assistant. The next thing that you need to do is find out how to become a dental assistant without having to go to school. Since there are many people who ask this question on a regular basis and I received similar inquiries from my friends as well, I decided that it might be useful if I created a comprehensive guide on how to become a dental assistant without going to school!

incorporates patient interaction with organizational tasks that are vital to the operation of a successful dental office. A day in the life of a dental assistant is exciting and fast-paced, as they are constantly learning new tasks and meeting new people. What’s more, with the right determination, it’s possible to become a dental assistant in as little as 15 months. Through hard work and dedication, you can have a career instead of a job.

How to Become a Dental Assistant

Like many positions, the requirements to work as a dental assistant vary dramatically from state to state. Some states require dental assistants to have an associate’s degree, while others accept a shorter certificate program or may require dental assistants to pass the Certified Dental Assistant exam. Typical programs offer essential knowledge that every successful assistant should know, while clinical sessions enable students to put their new skills to practice.

Dental Assistant Salary & Benefits

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2012, the median salary for a dental assistant was $34,500 a year. The majority of dental assistants are employed full-time, though there are part-time positions available. A dental assistant’s exact schedule varies based on the employer and may incorporate weekend and evening hours. Many dental offices offer a selection of benefits, such as health insurance and paid time off.

On a daily basis, dental assistants wear scrubs, gloves, masks, and goggles to keep them safe from disease and prevent the transmission of their patient’s bodily fluids. They work with medical and office equipment to complete the multiple facets of their job.

Steps to Become a Dental Assistant

Research and Apply
Individuals who feel as if they have the aptitude to become a dental assistant should first understand their specific state’s requirements. Once they have found a compatible program, it is time to complete an application.

Though applications vary, prospective students must include a copy of their high school transcript with their application. Students should also complete the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what federal and institutional-based aid that they are eligible to receive.

Estimate Program Expenses and Prepare Financially
Once the institution has processed a student’s FAFSA, the student receives an accurate estimate of the program’s costs. Then, they must determine how they are going to pay for school. Student loans, grants, and personal cash flow are all possibilities. However, prospective students should make sure that they do not commit to working more hours than they can manage. Their education should not suffer because they are working too many hours.

An accelerated dental assistant program is a fantastic option for students concerned with reducing their work hours. These programs are ideal for those who want to become a dental assistant in less than 15 months. Though students must commit to being full-time students for the program’s duration, these fast-paced programs can minimize the time they spend out of the workforce or working reduced hours. Students attend sessions continuously throughout the year so that they can get their degree as quickly as possible.

#2012Memories #GreatTimes #GreatYear #Highlights #Graduation #ClassOf2012 #College #ECPI #MCI #Blessed #Tha http://t.co/HCWRZOLH— ◆Latrell (@__Dyyyme) January 1, 2013

The Most Important Step could be Your Next!

Many people are unhappy in their current career, but fear making a major life change. A career as a dental assistant is a rewarding possibility for anyone who enjoys customer interaction and the atmosphere of a medical office. Interested? Contact ECPI University’s College of Health Science today. Through our year-round program, you could earn your Associate of Applied Science in Health Science with a concentration in Dental Assisting in just 15 months. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!