Working as a Dental Assistant is a rewarding and in-demand career choice. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 44,000 job openings for dental assistants annually. Job security is higher than most industries, as open positions are projected to grow 11% from 2020 to 2030. You can be prepared to become a Dental Assistant in as little as 4 months!
What Does a Dental Assisting Job Entail?
Dental assistants are often the first face patients see after leaving the reception area. Job duties vary by state, but include:
- Ensuring patients are comfortable before and during their treatments.
- Patient intake, blood pressure, and pulse.
- Taking and developing x-rays.
- Completing dental pantographs.
- Providing patients with follow-up care instructions.
- Assisting the dentist and hygienist during treatments.
- Infection control and sterilization.
- Clerical and administrative tasks.
How Long Does It Take To Become a Dental Assistant?
This answer varies by the school you select. At the American Institute of Dental Assisting (AIDA), courses are 13-weeks long. At the end of the 13-weeks, you will receive certifications in RHS (radiology health and safety) and ICE (infection control exam) through DANB (dental assistant national board). Once certified, you can apply for open positions in over 39 states throughout the country including Colorado.
Why Choose AIDA?
AIDA is a trade school accredited by the Colorado Department of Higher Education. There are a variety of things that make our program unique:
- AIDA was founded and guided by a working dentist with over 36 years of experience.
- Our classes are small, and we offer evening and weekend classes for working adults.
- You can begin your new career faster than a traditional college, and with significantly less debt.
- We offer financing options including county grants, private funding, scholarships, and flexible payment plan options.
- Students don’t just work with plastic dummies. They are provided with true hands-on experience with live patients.
- We are the only school in the state to provide chairside assistance in live patient clinics.
- Unlike most programs, our program includes training in digital radiography to perform x-rays and pantographs.
- Unlike most programs, students are trained to use Soft Dent software, the most widely used software in dentistry.
- Many of our students are hired by the dental office they complete their internship/externship.
- We offer a 7-week continuing studies program for your Expanding Duties Dental Assistant (EDDA) certification.
Is Job Placement Assistance Included with the Program?
Yes! While we cannot guarantee job placement, we prepare you for career success. Our job placement assistance includes:
- CV and cover letter preparation.
- Interview tips and mock interviews.
- Clinical reviews and internship/externship opportunities.
- Job seeking strategies and direct placement of job leads.
Ready to Learn More!
If you’ve always wanted to be a dental assistant or are looking for an exciting new career in the dental field—we invite you to reach out to learn more!