Best Dental Assistant Schools in Georgia

If you want to become a dental assistant in Georgia, the first step is choosing the right training program. The school you pick will affect how quickly you graduate, how much hands-on experience you get, and how well you're prepared for certification.

What a Dental Assistant Does in Georgia

Dental assistants work alongside dentists, helping with procedures, sterilizing tools, taking X-rays, and guiding patients through treatment. In Georgia, many dental assistants also perform expanded duties such as taking impressions or applying sealants-but only if they have the proper training and meet state requirements.

According to the Georgia Board of Dentistry, dental assistants must complete board-approved training or hold national certification for certain expanded functions.

Steps to Become a Dental Assistant in Georgia

Georgia does not require you to be licensed to work as a basic dental assistant. However, if you want to perform expanded duties, you will need additional training and certification.

Here's the typical path:

1. Earn your high school diploma or GED - This is required for most dental assisting programs.
2. Complete a dental assistant training program - Choose a CODA-accredited or state-approved school.
3. Pass any required exams - Many go for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exams for more opportunities.
4. Apply for expanded duties certification (if desired) - For specific tasks like coronal polishing or fluoride application.
5. Maintain CPR certification - Most dental offices require this.

Training Program Lengths

Here's a quick look at the typical duration of dental assisting programs in Georgia:

Best Dental Assistant Schools in Georgia

These schools have solid reputations, offer hands-on training, and can prepare you for national or state-level credentials. Always confirm program details directly with the school.

1. Augusta Technical College - Dental Assisting Program

• Location: Augusta, GA
• Program Type: Diploma
• Highlights: CODA-accredited, includes clinical rotations, prepares graduates for DANB exams.
• Website: https://www.augustatech.edu/

2. Albany Technical College

• Location: Albany, GA
• Program Type: Diploma and Degree Options
• Highlights: Offers both entry-level and expanded duties training, small class sizes.
• Website: https://www.albanytech.edu/

3. Lanier Technical College

• Location: Gainesville, GA
• Program Type: Diploma
• Highlights: Modern lab facilities, partnerships with local dental offices for clinical experience.
• Website: https://www.laniertech.edu/

4. West Georgia Technical College

• Location: Multiple campuses
• Program Type: Diploma
• Highlights: Strong job placement support, accredited by CODA.
• Website: https://www.westgatech.edu/

5. Athens Technical College

• Location: Athens, GA
• Program Type: Diploma
• Highlights: Intensive clinical and lab experience, prepares students for expanded duties.
• Website: https://www.athenstech.edu/

Choosing the Right Program

When comparing schools, consider:

• Accreditation: Look for CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation) approval.
• Clinical Experience: Make sure your program provides real-world training in dental offices.
• Schedule: Daytime, evening, or weekend options can make it easier to fit school into your life.
• Graduate Support: Job placement and career services can help you land your first role.

Expanded Duties and Certification in Georgia

If you want to do more than entry-level duties, Georgia offers Expanded Duties Dental Assistant (EDDA) certification. You can qualify by completing an approved course in each specific duty you want to perform.

Common expanded duties include:

• Coronal polishing
• Topical fluoride application
• Pit and fissure sealants
• Radiographic procedures

The Georgia Board of Dentistry maintains a full list of approved courses and instructors on its official website.

Why Certification Matters

Even though Georgia doesn't require basic dental assistants to be licensed, earning credentials from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) can:

• Increase your job opportunities
• Give you access to better-paying positions
• Show employers you meet a national standard

The most common DANB credential is Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), which requires passing three component exams.

Final Tips for Starting Your Dental Assisting Career

Here's what to keep in mind before you enroll:

• Visit the school - Tour the labs and meet instructors.
• Ask about externships - Hands-on training is crucial.
• Understand total costs - Factor in books, uniforms, and exam fees.
• Review graduation rates - This can reflect program quality.

Starting a career as a dental assistant in Georgia can be a fast process-many students complete training in under a year. But the right school will make sure you not only finish quickly, but also feel confident stepping into a dental office on day one.

Next Step:
Review the schools listed above, check their admission requirements, and schedule a visit. Your choice of program will be the foundation of your dental career.

Sources:
[^1] :Georgia Board of Dentistry - https://gbd.georgia.gov/
[^2] :U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Dental Assistants - https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm

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