If you’re considering a career as a dental assistant, you’re on the verge of stepping into a rewarding profession. Dental assistants are integral to dental practices, often working closely with top dentists and contributing to the overall patient experience. However, before you dive into this career, it’s crucial to make informed decisions, especially regarding your training. Grant Aldrich will guide you through essential tips and considerations to ensure you choose the right dental assistant program, particularly if you’re leaning towards an online dental assistant certification.
Why Choose a Dental Assistant Career?
Before delving into the specifics of selecting a program, let’s explore why a dental assistant career might be the right choice for you. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for dental assistants is around $45,000. This career offers not only a stable income but also the opportunity to work alongside skilled professionals in a dynamic healthcare environment. Additionally, dental assisting is a growing field, with the BLS projecting a steady increase in demand for qualified professionals (According to recent data from the BLS http://bls.gov).
Given the critical role dental assistants play, dental offices are typically discerning when it comes to hiring. To stand out in this competitive field, you need to ensure that your training is comprehensive and equips you with the skills and credentials that employers value.
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The Advantages of Online Dental Assistant Programs
If you’re eager to kickstart towards your dental career quickly, online dental assistant programs offer a compelling route. With the convenience of online learning, you can complete your training in as little as four to six months. This accelerated pace is one of the key advantages of online programs, allowing you to enter the workforce much faster than traditional on-campus alternatives.
However, not all online dental assistant programs are created equal. Many of them lack critical components that can make or break your success in the field. In the following sections, we’ll explore three essential elements that any credible online dental assistant program should have.
1. University-Accredited Certification: The Foundation of Credibility
In the healthcare industry, where you receive your education matters. Just as dentists and doctors aim to graduate from the best schools, aspiring dental assistants should seek training from reputable institutions. A university-accredited certificate not only adds weight to your resume but also signals to potential employers that you are serious about your career and committed to high standards of education.
While it may seem challenging to obtain a credible university certificate through online training, some programs have partnered with well-known, nonprofit universities to offer just that. When choosing an online dental assistant program, ensure that it is affiliated with an accredited institution. This affiliation can be a game-changer, tipping the scales in your favor during the hiring process.
2. National Certification: A Must-Have for Career Advancement
Certification is a crucial step for any dental assistant. Holding a nationally recognized certification, such as the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) certification issued by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), can significantly boost your employability.
The NELDA certification is an entry-level credential that demonstrates your competence in essential areas of dental assisting, including anatomy, infection control, and radiology. To earn this certification, you’ll need to pass a series of exams administered by DANB. Therefore, it’s vital to choose a program that prepares you thoroughly for these exams.
A program that includes preparation for the NELDA certification exams ensures that you’re not only job-ready but also capable of meeting industry standards. Employers often prefer certified candidates because certification indicates that the assistant has been tested and verified by a reputable national institution.
3. Hands-On Experience: The Externship Advantage
One of the most significant challenges of online education is gaining practical, hands-on experience. In dental assisting, this experience is non-negotiable. You’ll be working closely with patients, performing tasks that require precision and confidence. This is where an externship becomes invaluable.
An externship provides the real-world experience you need to apply what you’ve learned in your online courses. It bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. When comparing candidates, employers often favor those who have completed an externship because it shows that the candidate has not only learned the material but has also applied it in a clinical setting.
When selecting an online program, prioritize those that offer an externship as part of the curriculum. Even better, look for programs that arrange the externship for you. This not only saves you time and effort but also ensures that you gain experience in a reputable dental practice.
Key Features of an Ideal Online Dental Assistant Program
Now that we’ve covered the three essential elements of a robust online dental assistant program—university certification, national certification preparation, and hands-on experience—let’s discuss other features that can enhance your training experience.
Affordability
Dental assistant programs can be expensive, with tuition for on-campus degree programs ranging from $25,000 to $40,000. Certificate programs can also cost anywhere from $5,000 to $12,000. These high costs often necessitate student loans, leading to debt before you’ve even started your career.
An ideal online dental assistant course should be affordable, allowing you to receive quality education without incurring significant debt. Some online programs are priced as low as $1,599, making them accessible to a broader range of students.
Accreditation and Reputation
The reputation of the institution offering the program is critical. Employers may be wary of graduates from unknown or for-profit colleges. Therefore, it’s best to choose a program affiliated with a well-known, nonprofit, and accredited university. This not only enhances your resume but also gives you confidence in the quality of the education you’re receiving.
Self-Paced Learning
One of the biggest advantages of online learning is the flexibility it offers. However, this flexibility is only beneficial if the program is truly self-paced. Busy adults, especially those with families or jobs, need the ability to study at their convenience. A self-paced program allows you to balance your education with other responsibilities, ensuring that you don’t miss out on learning opportunities due to scheduling conflicts.
Fast Completion
Time is of the essence when you’re eager to start towards your career. Traditional on-campus programs often require one to two years to complete, but an efficient online program should be laser-focused on dental assisting, allowing you to complete your training in as little as four to six months. This fast-tracked education enables you to start towards earning and gaining experience sooner.
Externship Coordination
As mentioned earlier, externships are vital for gaining practical experience. However, finding an externship on your own can be daunting. The ideal online program will coordinate this for you, ensuring that you gain the necessary hands-on experience in a reputable dental practice, regardless of your location.
Preppy’s Dental Assistant Online Training Program
If the features discussed above resonate with you, there’s good news—a program like this exists. The Preppy Dental Assistant Certification Program offers a comprehensive online education that includes all the critical elements discussed.
With Preppy, you receive a university-accredited certificate, preparation for the NELDA certification, and an arranged externship opportunity. The program is 100% online, self-paced, and designed to be completed in just four months. At a cost of only $1,599, it’s an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on quality. Additionally, Preppy’s dental assistant program is in partnership with Auburn, a top-ranked, nonprofit-accredited university, adding significant credibility to your resume.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Future
Choosing the right dental assistant training is a pivotal decision that can impact your career trajectory. By focusing on programs that offer university accreditation, national certification preparation, and hands-on experience through an externship opportunity, you position yourself as a strong candidate in the job market.
Online programs, when chosen carefully, can provide the flexibility, affordability, and comprehensive training needed to start towards your dental assistant career quickly and confidently. Preppy’s program is a prime example of what to look for in an online dental assistant training course, combining all the essential elements at an accessible price point.
Ultimately, investing in the right education will pay dividends in your career, helping you stand out in a competitive field and achieve long-term success as a dental assistant.
Also read: What is a Dental Assistant?
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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