Best Dental Assistant Schools in Missouri

If you want to become a dental assistant in Missouri, the most important step is choosing the right school. Good training can prepare you for the technical skills, safety requirements, and patient care responsibilities this job demands.

Missouri offers several accredited dental assistant programs, from short certificate courses to full diploma programs. The state doesn't require a license for general dental assisting, but certain expanded duties do require Missouri Dental Board certification and passing specific exams.

Below, you'll find the best dental assistant school options in Missouri, what to expect in class, and the steps to get started.

Steps to Become a Dental Assistant in Missouri

While Missouri doesn't require all dental assistants to be licensed, employers often prefer candidates who have completed formal training. Follow these steps:

1. Choose an accredited program approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) or recognized by the Missouri Dental Board.
2. Complete classroom and lab work including dental anatomy, infection control, chairside skills, and radiology.
3. Gain hands-on experience through an externship in a dental office.
4. Pass the Missouri Expanded Functions exam if you want to perform duties beyond basic assisting, such as placing and carving restorations.
5. Keep CPR certification current as required by most offices.

Missouri Dental Practice Act: To perform expanded functions, you must earn a Missouri Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) permit through Board-approved coursework and exams.

• Missouri Dental Board

Best Accredited Dental Assistant Schools in Missouri

Here are some of Missouri's top schools for dental assisting, based on accreditation, industry reputation, and program quality:

Tip: Contact each school for the most current tuition rates, start dates, and program details. Admission requirements can vary.

What Training Includes

A Missouri dental assistant program usually covers:

• Dental anatomy and terminology
• Radiology - theory and hands-on X-ray training
• Infection control - OSHA-compliant procedures
• Chairside assisting techniques
• Laboratory procedures - impressions, models, and materials handling
• Office administration - patient records and scheduling
• Externship - supervised training in a real dental practice

Training blends classroom instruction with active, hands-on skills development. Expect to spend time learning in a dental lab before moving into a clinic setting for patient care.

Expanded Functions and Certification

If you plan to perform duties beyond basic chairside assisting, Missouri requires additional credentials:

• Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) certification for placing fillings, taking final impressions, applying sealants, and more.
• Successful completion of a Board-approved EFDA course.
• Passing the Missouri Dental Board's EFDA exam.

The Missouri Dental Board provides detailed rules and approved course listings here: https://pr.mo.gov/dental-assistants.asp

How to Choose the Right School

Before enrolling, compare programs based on:

• Accreditation - Look for CODA recognition or Missouri Dental Board approval.
• Program length - Ranges from 8 months to 1 year for most certificates/diplomas.
• Externship opportunities - These are critical for job readiness.
• Exam preparation - Ask how the school prepares you for Missouri's EFDA exam.
• Graduate placement rates - Higher rates often indicate strong employer connections.

Career Outlook in Missouri

Dental assisting is a solid choice if you enjoy working on a team, have good hand-eye coordination, and communicate well with patients. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady demand for dental assistants nationwide due to increased access to dental care and advances in dental treatment¹.

While not all Missouri dental assistant jobs require certification, completing a recognized program can improve your hiring chances and open more opportunities.

Getting Started

Here's a quick next step plan:

1. Make a list of Missouri dental assistant programs that fit your location and schedule.
2. Request information and tour at least two campuses.
3. Ask each school about EFDA preparation and externship placement.
4. Enroll in a program and keep track of your credentials for future renewal.

Starting with the right training is the best move you can make. Missouri offers multiple high-quality programs that can prepare you for a long-term career in dental care.

Next Step: Visit the Missouri Dental Board's Dental Assistants page to review current rules, approved expanded functions courses, and exam details before enrolling.

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