| Most community colleges, trade schools, and technical | | | | dental assistant schools? There are many different |
| institutes offer dental assistant programs that can be | | | | types of dental assistant programs available. The type |
| completed in less than one year. There are other | | | | of program that is required of each individual depends |
| programs that may take up to two years, while a few | | | | on many factors. The duties performed by dental |
| programs may be completed in as little as nine weeks. | | | | assistants is usually regulated by the state, therefore, |
| The American Dental Association (ADA) usually does | | | | the type of training programs depends on the state. |
| not accredit a dental assistant program that is shorter | | | | The majority of the United States requires dental |
| than one year. The length of the course required to | | | | assistants to complete certification through the Dental |
| becoming a dental technician is usually determined by | | | | Assisting National Board and pass an exam in order to |
| the state. Many states do not require accreditation by | | | | become certified. These types of programs are |
| the ADA to begin your dental career. | | | | available in every state. In order to qualify for one of |
| In some states, dental technicians are not required to | | | | these programs, a high school diploma is required. |
| have any special training other than a high school | | | | Anyone who is interested in becoming a dental |
| diploma. In these cases, the dental assisting tech will | | | | assisting technician should call their local community |
| learn their specific duties on the job, either by the | | | | college or trade school and ask about the |
| dentist or another dental tech. It is recommended that | | | | requirements to join their dental assistant programs. In |
| students take courses in biology, chemistry, health, and | | | | most cases, it is relatively easy to get into some sort |
| office practices in high school if they plan to become a | | | | of dental assisting program. The programs usually |
| dental tech after they graduate. In other states, it is | | | | consist of classroom, laboratory and preclinical |
| required that dental techs attend one of the many | | | | instruction on dental assisting skills. Whether your state |
| dental school programs and become either licensed or | | | | requires any formal dental assisting education, it is a |
| certified. To become licensed, students usually must | | | | good idea to get into one of the programs. They are |
| attend dental assisting schools for at least ten months. | | | | very helpful in preparing you for the duties that may be |
| What type of certificate and degree are available at | | | | required in the dental office. |