Does a Dental Assistant in Colorado Have to Be Licensed?
If a career as a dental assistant in Colorado has piqued your interest, you may be wondering what skills, certifications, and licenses are required. Also, whether you need to obtain vocational training. Soft skill requirements are the same regardless of where you live, but education and licensing requirements vary from one state to the next. Below are the requirements for Colorado.
Do You Need a License to Be a Dental Assistant in Colorado?
License, no. Combined radiology and infection control certification—yes. That is, unless you find a dental clinic that is willing to provide in-house training, which is extremely difficult to find. So, you would be a “dental assistant” not a “certified dental assistant”.
You’ll need to take X-rays for almost every patient and the clinic’s hygiene is your responsibility. Neither of these duties are to be taken lightly, as they ensure the health and safety of you, the patients you treat, and every person in the dental clinic.
American Institute of Dental Assisting (AIDA) prepares you to take the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam. Also, for the certified dental assistant exam if you plan on moving to a state that requires certification.
Do You Need to Go to School to Become a Dental Assistant in Colorado?
All states require a minimum of a GED or high school diploma. Even if you have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, most new to the field attend a fast-track vocational program before pursuing their career as a dental assistant.
Although radiology and infection control training can be conducted per the state regulations in a dental clinic, most clinics prefer their candidates to have vocational training and to have passed the RHS exam.
If the choice is between two candidates, one with vocational training and one without—the candidate with training is the better financial investment. Supervised training takes time and costs labor dollars. Your role is to streamline internal operations by lightening both the dental hygienist’s and the dentist’s load. If you need to be trained first, you slow down operations in the meantime.
What Vocational Schools Offer Radiology and Infection Control Training for a Dental Assistant in Colorado?
AIDA is an accredited dental assisting school. We don’t just provide radiology and infection control training, but we prepare you for the industry-specific skills required in your new career. You learn dental terminology, how to use dental tools and technology, and everything you need to pass your required certification exams.
While some schools only provide classroom training, our courses are a mix of classroom and hands-on experience in a live dental clinic.
Our live clinic training:
- Provides practice for both soft and hard skills.
- Identifies your individual areas of opportunity.
- Boosts your confidence in your new career.
What Soft Skills Are Required for Dental Assisting?
AIDA prepares you for the hard/technical skills you need to succeed. You will also need to naturally possess or further develop your soft skills. You are often the first face patients see, and many patients will be nervous. Your job includes putting patients at ease with compassion, education, and empathy.
Soft skills requirements include:
- Attention to detail
- Ability to follow instructions
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Strong organizational skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Empathy, compassion, and people skills
Want to Learn More About Becoming a Dental Assistant?
If you live in the Colorado Springs area and would like to learn more about becoming a dental assistant—reach out to AIDA.
Our program is 13 weeks long and we have convenient evening and weekend classes for students who need to work during the day.