Dental Assistant: Training, Radiography, and Certification

Updated September 26, 2025

Table of Contents
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Dental assistants support dentists during procedures, manage instruments, and handle patient care and office tasks. States regulate certain duties—always confirm your local rules.

Training and Externships

  • Trade school programs with lab and chairside practice
  • Externships in dental offices to build real‑world skills

Credentials

  • State‑specific approvals (especially for radiography)
  • DANB exams and certificates (varies by state)

What You’ll Learn

  • Infection control, chairside assisting, radiography basics, impressions
  • Patient communication and scheduling systems

Start Here

  1. Confirm your state requirements; see States
  2. Explore programs: Programs
  3. Plan compliance (immunizations, background, CPR); see Admissions

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