Best Dental Assistant Schools in Maine

If you want to start working as a dental assistant in Maine, the first step is getting the right training. Maine has accredited programs that prepare you for both clinical and administrative dental work. Picking the right school will help you meet state requirements and gain the skills you need for day one on the job.

Dental Assistant Licensing in Maine

In Maine, dental assistants are regulated by the Maine Board of Dental Practice. The state recognizes several levels of dental assisting, including Dental Assistant, Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA), and specialty certifications like radiography.

State Requirement: Dental assistants in Maine performing certain tasks, such as taking X-rays, must be certified by the Maine Board of Dental Practice.

Here is the typical process for becoming a dental assistant in Maine:

1. Choose a CODA-accredited program or equivalent training.
2. Complete classroom and clinical instruction in dental assisting skills.
3. Apply for state-required certifications, such as radiography if you'll take X-rays.
4. Pass required exams, which may include the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) tests.
5. Maintain certification through continuing education.

Top Dental Assistant Schools in Maine

The schools listed below provide Maine-approved dental assistant training. All have programs designed to meet entry-level requirements in dental offices.

1. University of Maine at Augusta - Bangor Campus

• Program: Certificate in Dental Assisting
• Length: 1 year (two semesters, including summer session)
• Accreditation: Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
• Highlights: Includes clinical rotations, preparation for DANB exams, and radiography certification eligibility.
• More info: UMA Dental Assisting Program

2. York County Community College - Wells, ME

• Program: Certificate in Dental Assisting
• Length: 9 months
• Accreditation: CODA
• Highlights: Small class size, hands-on lab experience, and strong employer connections in southern Maine.
• More info: YCCC Dental Assisting Program

3. Mid-Maine Technical Center - Waterville, ME

• Program: Dental Assisting (High School Technical Education with clinical exposure)
• Length: 1 year (for eligible high school juniors/seniors)
• Accreditation: State-approved vocational training
• Highlights: Allows students to explore dental assisting before full-time schooling, includes externship experience.
• More info: MMTC Dental Assisting

4. Lewiston Regional Technical Center - Lewiston, ME

• Program: Dental Assisting and Health Sciences
• Length: 1-2 years (high school program)
• Accreditation: State-recognized secondary technical education
• Highlights: Combines dental-specific skills with general healthcare training for a broader career base.
• More info: LRTC Programs

Comparing Dental Assistant Programs in Maine

Tip: Choosing a CODA-accredited program ensures you have the option to take the DANB Certified Dental Assistant exam, which can improve your career opportunities.

What You'll Learn in a Maine Dental Assistant Program

Across these programs, coursework often covers:

• Dental anatomy and terminology
• Infection control and sterilization
• Dental materials
• Chairside assisting techniques
• Radiography (X-ray) procedures
• Administrative duties like patient scheduling and billing
• CPR and first aid

Clinical hours in real dental offices are usually part of the program. These externships give you hands-on skills that employers look for.

Certification and Continuing Education

After you complete your training, you may apply for your Maine dental assisting license. If you perform expanded functions or radiography, you must hold the proper permits from the Maine Board of Dental Practice.

Renewal Requirement: Licenses and certifications must be renewed according to the Board's schedule, with proof of continuing education.

Continuing education covers updates in dental technology, infection control, and patient safety. Most certifications require a set number of CE hours every renewal period.

Why Formal Training Matters

Some dental offices may hire and train assistants on the job, but completing an accredited program gives you several advantages:

• Meets Maine's certification training requirements
• Gives you clinical experience before you apply for jobs
• Prepares you for national certification exams
• Improves your chances of career advancement

Employers often prefer candidates who have completed a formal program and can step into the role with minimal training.

Next Steps to Get Started

If you're ready to begin a dental assisting career in Maine:

1. Review the CODA-accredited programs at UMA or YCCC.
2. Contact admissions to confirm application deadlines and tuition.
3. Visit campuses or attend open houses to see lab equipment and facilities.
4. Apply for financial aid if needed.
5. Begin coursework and stay on top of state licensing requirements.

Starting at the right school is the best way to meet Maine's licensing standards and build a successful career in dental assisting.

Sources:

[^1] :Maine Board of Dental Practice - Licensing and Permits: https://www.maine.gov/dental/
[^2] :Commission on Dental Accreditation - Search Results for Maine: https://coda.ada.org/find-a-program/search-dental-programs

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