Are you considering a rewarding career in healthcare? Becoming a dental assistant may be the perfect path for you! The great news is that you don’t need a college degree or spend years in school to become a dental assistant. In fact, there’s a new, revolutionary method that can help you launch your career in as little as four months.
So how to become a dental assistant?
In this guide, we will cover:
- How to get the right training without the hefty price tag or student debt.
- How to stand out in the competitive world of dental assisting, even as a beginner.
- How to gain hands-on clinical experience before you start working full-time.
- A simple three-step process to be job-ready in six months or less.
Why Dental Assisting Is a Great Career Choice
The demand for dental assistants is rising. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 55,000 dental assistant job openings are created each year, and the demand for dental assistants is projected to grow by 7% over the next decade. It’s a stable and promising career that offers growth and satisfaction.
Step 1: Education – Choose the Right Training Program
One of the most important steps to becoming a dental assistant is getting the right training. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes when choosing their training programs, wasting both time and money. The good news is that you can avoid these mistakes.
Common Training Mistakes:
- Spending thousands of dollars on expensive programs.
- Enrolling in unaccredited or outdated courses.
- Failing to gain hands-on experience, which leaves them less competitive in the job market.
The Solution:
- Enroll in a self-paced, online dental assistant program that prepares you for the certification exam and offers externship opportunities.
With a properly structured dental assistant training program, you can complete your education in as little as four months.
Step 2: Certification – Get Certified
Once you have the right training, the next crucial step is to get certified. In the dental assisting world, certification can set you apart from others.
The primary certification you’ll need is the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA), issued by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). This certification shows employers that you meet national industry standards and are competent to perform dental assistant duties.
Why Certification Matters
While some dental assistants may rely on on-the-job training, most clinics and hospitals prefer or even require their employees to be certified. Even if you’re hired without certification, employers may still ask you to get certified within a few months. So, it’s better to be prepared and certified beforehand.
What NELDA Certification Requires:
- Passing three exams: Anatomy, Morphology, and Physiology, Infection Control, and Radiation Health and Safety.
- Meeting education and experience requirements.
Becoming a certified dental assistant is one of the best ways to enhance your credibility and open more job opportunities.
Step 3: Experience – Gain Hands-On Clinical Experience
Another key to becoming a successful dental assistant is gaining real-life clinical experience. While training gives you the knowledge, hands-on experience ensures that you can apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting.
Many dental assistant training programs offer externship opportunities, allowing you to work in a dental clinic while completing your studies. This gives you a chance to:
- Understand the day-to-day operations of a dental clinic.
- Build relationships with professionals in the field.
- Strengthen your resume with practical experience.
Traditional Education vs. Alternative Pathways
Traditional Pathways
Historically, dental assistants were required to enroll in full-time programs, often at a community college or university. These programs, while thorough, come with several downsides:
- High Costs: Tuition for these programs can range from $4,000 to $25,000. Many students are forced to take out loans, leading to student debt.
- Long Durations: Certification programs often take one to two years to complete. That’s a lot of time to spend in school when you could be working and earning a salary.
- Inflexible Schedules: Traditional programs require you to attend classes in person, multiple times a week. This can be difficult for adults with busy lives, families, or current jobs.
The Better Alternative: Online and Self-Paced Programs
A more modern approach to dental assistant training is the online, self-paced program. These programs allow you to:
- Save time: Complete your certification in as little as four months.
- Save money: Avoid costly tuition fees. Online programs often cost a fraction of what traditional programs charge.
- Study on your own schedule: Self-paced programs allow you to balance your current responsibilities while working toward your new career.
The Ideal Training Program for 2024
When choosing a dental assistant training program, look for one that meets the following criteria:
- Online and Self-Paced: You should be able to study from the comfort of your home and at your own speed.
- Accredited: Ensure that the program is accredited by a recognized institution. This adds credibility to your resume.
- Affordable: Look for a program that fits your budget and doesn’t require taking out loans.
- Certification Preparation: The program should prepare you for the NELDA certification exams, giving you the knowledge and confidence to pass them.
- Externship Opportunity: A good program will include an externship opportunity component, allowing you to gain hands-on experience.
Preppy’s Dental Assistant Program: A Recommended Solution
If you’re looking for a program that checks all these boxes, consider Preppy’s Dental Assistant Certification Program. This program was designed to solve the common problems faced by dental assistant students. It’s an online, self-paced, and affordable program that partners with an accredited university.
Here’s what Preppy offers:
- 100% Online and Self-Paced: No need to drive to classes. You can study at home, at your own pace, with a flexible schedule that fits your life.
- Faster Completion Time: You can complete the program in as little as four months, which means you can start working sooner.
- Accredited University Certificate: Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate from a reputable, accredited university, boosting your resume.
- NELDA Exam Preparation: Preppy’s program is specifically designed to prepare you for the NELDA certification exams.
- Externship Opportunity Included: Unlike many other online programs, Preppy includes an externship opportunity so you can gain real-life clinical experience.
What’s the Cost?
While many dental assistant programs are expensive, Preppy’s program is insanely affordable at just $1,599. That includes everything—training materials, certification preparation, and the externship opportunity. Plus, they even offer payment plans to make it easier to manage.
Also read: Best Dental Assistant Training – Which Program Should You Choose?
Conclusion: Start Your Career as a Dental Assistant in 2024
Becoming a dental assistant doesn’t need to take years or drain your finances. By choosing the right training program—one that is online, self-paced, affordable, and accredited—you could become a certified dental assistant in just four to six months.
If you’re serious about starting towards your career in dental assisting, Preppy’s Dental Assistant Certification Program is a fantastic option that ticks all the boxes.
Are you ready to take the first step toward a new, rewarding career in healthcare? Don’t wait. Get started today!
Also read: Essential Tips Before Enrolling in a Dental Assistant Program
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.
Time is money. Instead of programs that could take 2 years, Preppy provides you with education in a few months through immersive online training.
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We look forward to speaking with you. You may also call 800-729-1317.
