How to Become a Dental Assistant

Quick Answer: Becoming a dental assistant takes 9-12 months through a certificate program or 2 years for an associate degree. Training costs range from $3,000-$8,000 (certificate) to $10,000-$20,000 (associate). Dental assistants earn $26,900-$67,200 annually depending on experience, with a median salary of $44,820. The field is growing 8% with 56,400 job openings each year. This is one of the fastest paths into healthcare.

What does a dental assistant do?

Dental assistants are essential members of every dental team. They prepare patients for treatments, assist dentists during procedures, take X-rays, and keep dental offices running smoothly. It’s a hands-on healthcare role that combines clinical skills with patient care.

Daily Responsibilities

• Prepare patients for dental treatments and explain procedures
• Sterilize instruments and prepare treatment rooms between patients
• Hand tools and materials to the dentist during procedures
• Take dental X-rays (radiographs) and impressions
• Apply sealants, fluoride, and other preventive treatments (in some states)
• Update patient charts, records, and appointment schedules
• Educate patients on oral hygiene and post-treatment care
• Manage inventory and order dental supplies
• Process dental insurance claims and billing

Work Environments

• Private Dental Offices – General or family dentistry (most common)
• Specialty Clinics – Orthodontic, pediatric, periodontic, or oral surgery practices
• Dental School Clinics – Training and clinical support environments
• Public Health Programs – Community health centers and mobile dental units
• Hospitals – Oral surgery departments and emergency dental care
• Corporate Dental Chains – Multi-location practices with standardized systems

Physical and Mental Demands

Dental assisting requires standing for most of the day, often in one position while assisting with procedures. You’ll work in close proximity to patients, using fine motor skills to handle small instruments and materials. The work involves bending, reaching, and occasional lifting of equipment.

Mentally, dental assistants must multitask effectively - anticipating the dentist’s needs while keeping patients calm. You’ll need to follow precise infection control protocols and maintain focus during procedures that may last an hour or more.

Personality traits that fit

• Compassionate – Helping anxious patients feel comfortable
• Detail-oriented – Precise instrument handling and infection control
• Good communicator – Explaining procedures and aftercare to patients
• Team player – Working closely with dentists and hygienists
• Organized – Managing multiple patients and schedules
• Calm under pressure – Handling emergencies and nervous patients

Dental assistant credential types

Requirements vary by state. Some states require licensure, others only certification, and some have no formal requirements. Here’s the general credentialing landscape:

Note: Requirements vary significantly by state. Some states allow on-the-job training without formal education, while others require accredited programs. Check your state’s dental board for specific requirements.

Step-by-step path to becoming a dental assistant

Step 1: meet basic requirements

Before starting your dental assisting career, you’ll need:

• Age: At least 18 years old for most programs
• Education: High school diploma or GED
• Immunizations: Hepatitis B vaccination (typically required)
• Background check: Required for patient care positions
• CPR certification: Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

Helpful high school courses include biology, chemistry, health sciences, and computer skills.

Step 2: choose your training path

Path A: accredited dental assisting program (most common)

Formal programs provide structured training and prepare you for certification.

Program details:

• Duration: 9-12 months (certificate) or 2 years (associate degree)
• Cost: $3,000-$8,000 (certificate) or $10,000-$20,000 (associate)
• Includes: Classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical externship

Benefits:

• Qualifies you for DANB certification
• Includes hands-on clinical experience
• Many programs have job placement assistance
• Required in some states

Path B: on-the-job training

Some states allow dental assistants to learn directly in dental offices.

What to expect:

• Learn while earning a wage
• Training provided by dentists and experienced assistants
• May limit your ability to perform certain procedures
• Not available in all states

Pros: Immediate income, no tuition costs Cons: May limit career advancement, not accepted in all states

Path C: career changer route

Switching from another healthcare field? You may have advantages:

• Related experience credit: Medical assisting, phlebotomy, or nursing experience is valuable
• Shorter programs: Some programs offer accelerated tracks for healthcare workers
• Transferable skills: Patient care, infection control, and medical terminology

Step 3: complete required training

Accredited programs typically cover:

• Dental anatomy and oral health
• Dental materials and pharmacology
• Infection control and sterilization
• Chairside assisting techniques
• Dental radiography (X-rays)
• Dental office management
• Patient communication and care
• Medical emergencies in dental settings

Clinical externship: Most programs include 200-300 hours of supervised clinical experience in actual dental offices. This hands-on training is essential for developing real-world skills.

Progression milestones:

• Month 1-3: Anatomy, terminology, infection control basics
• Month 4-6: Chairside assisting, instrument identification, materials
• Month 7-9: Radiography training and certification
• Month 10-12: Clinical externship in dental office

Step 4: get certified

While not always required, national certification significantly improves job prospects and pay.

Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) through DANB:

• Eligibility: Graduate from accredited program OR have equivalent work experience
• Exam components: General Chairside (GC), Radiation Health and Safety (RHS), Infection Control (ICE)
• Format: Computer-based, multiple choice
• Cost: $375-$450 for all three components
• Pass rate: Approximately 80%
• Valid for: 1 year (must recertify annually)

How to prepare:

• Review program materials thoroughly
• Take DANB practice exams
• Use DANB’s official study guides
• Join study groups with classmates

Step 5: obtain state credentials

After certification, complete any state-specific requirements:

1. Check your state dental board’s requirements
2. Submit license or registration application
3. Provide proof of training and certification
4. Pass any required state exams
5. Pay application fees ($25-$100)
6. Complete background check if required

Step 6: maintain your credentials

CDA renewal:

• Renewal period: Annual
• Continuing education: 12 hours per year
• Renewal fee: $60-$75
• Must maintain: CPR certification

Training Programs

Accredited dental assisting programs

Look for programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). These programs meet national standards and qualify graduates for DANB certification.

What to look for in a program

• CODA accreditation – Essential for certification eligibility
• Clinical externship – Real-world experience in dental offices
• Radiography training – X-ray certification included
• Job placement rate – Ask about graduate employment statistics
• Certification pass rates – High DANB pass rates indicate quality

Cost Breakdown

How to pay for training

• Financial aid: Federal grants and loans for accredited programs
• Payment plans: Many schools offer monthly payment options
• Scholarships: ADAA and other organizations offer dental assisting scholarships
• Employer sponsorship: Some dental offices pay for training with work commitment
• Veterans benefits: GI Bill covers approved dental assisting programs
• Workforce grants: Many states offer healthcare training funding

Salary and Job Outlook

Salary by Experience Level

According to BLS data, dental assistants earn:

The mean (average) annual wage is $49,302. Dental assistants in specialty practices or with expanded functions credentials typically earn more.

Highest-paying settings

• Oral Surgery Practices: Complex procedures, higher pay
• Orthodontic Offices: Specialized skills required
• Periodontic Practices: Advanced gum treatments
• Corporate Dental Chains: Often better benefits packages
• Hospital Dental Departments: Higher pay, more benefits

Additional earnings opportunities

• Expanded functions: Additional procedures mean higher pay
• Specialty certifications: Orthodontic, oral surgery specializations
• Office management: Taking on administrative responsibilities
• Overtime: Busy practices often need extra hours

Job Outlook (2022-2032)

• Growth rate: 8% (faster than average)
• Current employment: 368,100 nationwide
• Projected employment: 397,548 by 2032
• Annual job openings: 56,400

Strong demand continues due to:

• Aging population needing more dental care
• Increased focus on preventive dentistry
• Expanded scope of practice in many states
• Dental insurance coverage expansion
• Growing cosmetic dentistry market

Career Advancement

Typical progression:

Entry-Level Dental Assistant → Experienced Dental Assistant → Lead Dental Assistant → Office Manager

Or specialty path:

Dental Assistant → Expanded Functions DA → Dental Hygienist → Dental Hygiene Educator

Valuable Specializations

• Orthodontic assisting – Braces, aligners, retention
• Oral surgery assisting – Extractions, implants, sedation
• Pediatric dental assisting – Working with children
• Periodontic assisting – Gum disease treatment
• Expanded functions (EFDA) – Coronal polishing, sealants, impressions

Certifications that increase pay

• Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA) – Specialty certification
• Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA) – Preventive procedures
• Expanded Functions Certificate – State-specific advanced duties
• Dental Practice Management – Administrative career path

Pathways to other careers

Many dental assistants use their experience as a stepping stone:

• Dental Hygienist – Requires additional 2-year degree (median salary $81,400)
• Dental Office Manager – Administrative leadership role
• Dental Sales Representative – Product and equipment sales
• Dental Educator – Teaching in dental assisting programs

Pros and Challenges

Advantages

• Fast training – Working in under a year
• Growing field – 8% job growth, 56,400 annual openings
• Work-life balance – Most offices have regular hours, weekends off
• Meaningful work – Helping patients achieve healthy smiles
• Clean work environment – Modern dental offices are pleasant workplaces
• Variety of duties – Mix of clinical and administrative tasks
• Career advancement – Multiple paths to higher positions

Challenges

• Physical demands – Standing for long periods, repetitive motions
• Exposure risks – Bodily fluids, X-ray radiation (with proper protection)
• Patient anxiety – Managing nervous or fearful patients
• Entry-level pay – Starting salaries can be modest
• Certification requirements – Ongoing education and renewal costs
• Strict protocols – Must follow precise infection control procedures

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to become a dental assistant?

Certificate programs take 9-12 months. Associate degrees take 2 years. Some states allow on-the-job training, which can take 6-12 months. You can be job-ready in under a year through an accredited certificate program.

How much does it cost to become a dental assistant?

Certificate programs cost $3,000-$8,000. Associate degrees cost $10,000-$20,000. Including certification, books, and supplies, total costs range from $3,850-$9,425 for certificate programs or $11,050-$21,825 for associate degrees.

What is the fastest way to become a dental assistant?

Enroll in an accelerated certificate program (some as short as 6-9 months) or pursue on-the-job training in states that allow it. The fastest path to certification is through an accredited program that includes DANB exam preparation.

Can I become a dental assistant without going to school?

In some states, yes. About half of U.S. states allow on-the-job training for dental assistants. However, formal education makes you more competitive and is required for DANB certification.

Do dental assistants make good money?

The median salary is $44,820, with experienced assistants earning $53,000-$67,000. While not the highest-paying healthcare career, dental assisting offers solid pay for the training investment and good work-life balance.

Is dental assisting a good career?

Dental assisting offers fast training, good job growth (8%), and comfortable working conditions. It’s a good fit if you enjoy patient care, want healthcare experience, and prefer regular weekday hours.

Is it hard to become a dental assistant?

The training is manageable for most students. Challenges include learning dental terminology, mastering infection control protocols, and developing chairside skills. Most people with attention to detail and good people skills can succeed.

How much do dental assistant students make during training?

Students in formal programs don’t earn wages - they pay tuition. However, clinical externships provide valuable experience. Those in on-the-job training programs may earn entry-level wages ($12-$15/hour) while learning.

What’s the difference between a dental assistant and a dental hygienist?

Dental assistants help dentists with procedures and manage office tasks. Dental hygienists perform teeth cleanings, take X-rays independently, and provide preventive care. Hygienists require more education (associate or bachelor’s degree) and earn higher salaries (median $81,400).

Can I become a dental assistant with a criminal record?

It depends on the offense and your state. Healthcare positions involving patient contact typically require background checks. Minor offenses usually aren’t disqualifying, but felonies may limit opportunities. Contact your state dental board for guidance.

Am I too old to become a dental assistant?

No. Many people enter dental assisting as a second career. Maturity and life experience are valued in patient care roles. The main consideration is physical ability to stand for long periods.

What skills do I need to become a dental assistant?

Key skills include attention to detail, good communication, manual dexterity, ability to follow instructions precisely, organizational skills, and comfort working closely with patients. Empathy and patience are essential for helping anxious patients.

How to get started today

1. Check your state’s requirements – Visit your state dental board website to understand licensing requirements
2. Research accredited programs – Look for CODA-accredited programs in your area
3. Visit dental offices – Shadow a dental assistant to see the job firsthand
4. Apply to programs – Submit applications to 2-3 programs to compare options
5. Get CPR certified – Complete BLS certification before or during your program

Dental assistant salary by state

Top earners often work in specialty dental clinics or hold expanded-function certifications.

Related Careers

If you’re interested in dental or healthcare careers, explore:

• Medical Assistant
• Pharmacy Technician
• Phlebotomist

Certification and training resources

National resources:

• Dental Assisting National Board (DANB): danb.org – Certification and career resources
• Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA): ada.org/coda – Find accredited programs
• American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA): adaausa.org – Professional organization
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm

State dental boards: Search “[Your State] dental board” to find your state’s licensing requirements and approved programs.

Start your dental assistant training today

Ready to begin your dental assisting career? Many programs can have you certified and working in under a year. Explore accredited programs in your area: