Are you interested in becoming a dental assistant? What if I told you that you could kickstart towards your career in as little as six months without the need for a traditional college degree or the hefty tuition fees that often accompany it? If you’re serious about pursuing this path, the dental assistant training program you choose will make all the difference. So let’s explore the various dental assistant training options available and help you determine which one might be the best fit for your goals and lifestyle.
Traditional On-Campus Programs
The Popular Choice
When most people think of pursuing a new career, the default option is often enrolling in a traditional on-campus program at a community college or university. This could be in the form of an associate degree or a certificate program. These programs are widespread, and many people believe that attending school in person is the most legitimate way to gain the skills and knowledge needed to become a dental assistant.
The Drawbacks
While traditional on-campus programs have their merits, they come with a host of challenges that may not make them the best option for everyone, especially busy adults looking to change careers quickly.
Long Course Duration
One of the biggest drawbacks of traditional on-campus programs is the length of time they take to complete. Many of these programs require up to two years of study. For adults who want to start working and earning money as soon as possible, this can be a major disadvantage.
You might assume that the longer duration means a more comprehensive education. However, that’s not always the case. On-campus programs often include courses that have little to do with dental assisting, such as electives like “Introduction to Theater,” which can be frustrating for those who are eager to focus solely on their career-specific training.
Not Adult-Friendly
Another significant issue with traditional programs is their lack of flexibility. Classes typically follow a rigid schedule, requiring students to attend multiple times a week. This can be particularly challenging for adults who have other responsibilities, such as jobs or families. If you miss a class due to illness or a personal emergency, you may fall behind, and catching up can be difficult, if not impossible. In some cases, you might even have to wait months to retake a class, delaying your graduation and entry into the workforce.
High Tuition Costs
Lastly, the financial burden of traditional on-campus programs cannot be ignored. Depending on where you live, tuition for a degree program can reach as high as $30,000 or more. For most people, this means taking on significant student loans, which can be daunting, especially when combined with other expenses like parking, gas, textbooks, and, in some cases, accommodation.
When you add up the time, cost, and inflexibility, it’s clear that traditional on-campus programs may not be the most practical choice for many aspiring dental assistants.
On-the-Job Training
The Tempting Alternative
Some people may consider bypassing formal education altogether by seeking on-the-job training. The idea here is simple: find a dental office willing to train you from scratch, allowing you to learn the ropes while earning a paycheck.
The Reality Check
While this might sound like an appealing alternative, the reality is that on-the-job training is rarely a viable option, especially for those without any prior experience in healthcare.
Difficulty Finding Opportunities
First and foremost, finding a dental office that offers on-the-job training can be incredibly challenging. Most dental practices prefer to hire candidates who already have some form of formal training, as this reduces the time and resources they need to invest in bringing you up to speed.
Certification and Licensing Requirements
Moreover, in many states, working as a dental assistant requires some form of certification or licensing. To obtain this, you typically need to complete a recognized training program. Therefore, even if you do find a practice willing to train you, you may still need to enroll in a formal program to meet state requirements.
Online Dental Assistant Programs
The Modern Solution
Given the challenges associated with traditional on-campus programs and the improbability of securing on-the-job training, many people are turning to online dental assistant programs. These programs are particularly well-suited for busy adults who need flexibility and affordability.
Benefits of Online Dental Assistant Programs
Faster Completion Time
One of the most significant advantages of online dental assistant certification is the shorter duration. Many of these programs can be completed in as little as six to nine months. This allows you to enter the workforce much faster compared to traditional programs, giving you a head start towards your new career.
Unlike on-campus programs, online courses are streamlined, focusing exclusively on the core curriculum required to become a dental assistant. You won’t waste time on unrelated electives, allowing you to complete your education more efficiently.
Affordability
Another major benefit of online programs is their cost. Most online dental assistant programs cost less than $2,000. This is a fraction of the cost of traditional programs, which can easily exceed $10,000, not including additional expenses like transportation, parking, and materials.
The affordability of online programs means you’re less likely to need student loans, and if you do, the amount will be much smaller, reducing your financial burden after graduation.
Convenience and Flexibility
Perhaps the most significant advantage of online programs is the convenience they offer. You can complete your coursework from the comfort of your own home and at your own pace. This flexibility is ideal for adults who are balancing multiple responsibilities, such as work or family obligations.
With online education, you’re not tied to a rigid schedule. If something comes up, you can adjust your study time without worrying about missing classes or falling behind. This flexibility makes it much easier to manage your time and complete your education on your terms.
Addressing Common Concerns
While the benefits of online dental assistant programs are clear, you may still have some concerns, particularly about the hands-on experience required to start towards your career.
Hands-On Training
One common question is how you’ll gain the necessary hands-on experience if you’re studying online. The good news is that many online dental assistant lessons include a clinical component, where you’ll be required to complete a certain number of hours in a real dental office. This experience is crucial for developing the practical skills you’ll need on the job and for meeting state certification requirements.
Some programs may partner with local dental offices to facilitate this part of your training, while others may require you to arrange it independently. Either way, this hands-on experience ensures that you’re not just learning theory but also applying what you’ve learned in a real-world setting.
Certification and Licensing
Another concern might be whether an online dental assistant program will qualify you for certification and licensing. Most reputable online dental assistant programs are designed to meet the requirements for certification in various states. Before enrolling, it’s essential to research the specific requirements in your state and choose a program that aligns with those requirements.
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Choosing the Right Program
Given the options available, how do you choose the right dental assistant training program for you? Here are a few factors to consider:
Your Goals and Timeline
First, consider your career goals and how quickly you want to start working. If you’re eager to begin your career as soon as possible, an online program may be your best option due to its shorter duration.
Your Budget
Next, think about your budget. If cost is a significant concern, an online program is likely the most affordable option. However, ensure that the program you choose is reputable and offers the education and credentials you need to succeed.
Your Learning Style
Finally, consider your learning style. If you thrive in a structured environment with face-to-face interaction, a traditional on-campus program might be more suitable, despite its drawbacks. However, if you need flexibility and prefer to learn at your own pace, an online program will likely be a better fit.
Preppy’s Dental Assistant Online Training Program
With our fully online dental assistant training program, you could become job-ready faster and more affordably than ever before. Unlike traditional programs that can take up to two years, Preppy lets you earn your dental assistant certification in as little as 4-6 months, all at your own pace, from the comfort of your home. No prior experience is required, and you’ll gain real-world experience through an externship opportunity with one of our many partners, giving you a competitive edge in the job market. Start towards your exciting and rewarding career as a dental assistant with Preppy today!
Conclusion
Choosing the right dental assistant training program is a crucial step in starting towards your new career. While traditional on-campus programs have been the go-to option for many years, they come with significant challenges, including long durations, high costs, and inflexibility. On-the-job training, while tempting, is often difficult to secure and may not meet certification requirements.
For busy adults looking to change careers quickly and affordably, online dental assistant courses offer a modern solution. These programs provide the necessary education and credentials while allowing you to learn at your own pace and at a fraction of the cost of traditional programs.
Before making your decision, consider your goals, budget, and learning style to choose the program that best fits your needs. With the right training, you could be well on your way to a rewarding career as a dental assistant in just a few months.
Also read: Dental Assistant Degree – Do You Need It?
About:
Preppy was founded by higher education expert, Grant Aldrich, whose work on college affordability and accessibility has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader’s Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.
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