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Considering a career as a dental assistant? Like all new jobs, you can’t fully understand what there is to love until you’re in your career. The AIDA team is passionate about dental assisting and we’re always excited to hear how happy our students are in their new field. What you’ll find rewarding is unique to you, but we thought we’d share our top 5 favorite things!

#1 Rewarding Career

From assisting with general dentistry to oral surgery and confidence-boosting smile transformations, you have a positive impact on your patient’s life. Dental health is directly related to whole-body health, so your role positively impacts their health too.

Many patients are nervous about going to the dentist. Since you’re the first face they see, you’re a calming and reassuring presence. You’ll quickly form genuine connections with your patients. From assisting during their visit to sharing their personalized dental care plan and answering patient questions.

#2 Team Environment

If you enjoy working as part of a truly cohesive team, dental assisting delivers! You’ll work closely with both the dental hygienist and the dentist to ensure smooth operations and quality patient care. Your role may also include some clerical duties, so you may work with the office manager and receptionist.

This isn’t to say that you don’t have autonomy, as you’ll make many of the purchasing decisions for your practice. Your role includes infection control, so you’ll likely be responsible for stocking new supplies. Your input on upgrades and time and cost-saving equipment will also be vital to your dental practice.

#3 Salary and Job Security

In Colorado, the median salary for dental assistants is the same as the national average at $22.42 per hour, or $43,046 per year. Top salaries in the state max out at almost $29 per hour. In terms of job security, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nationwide job growth is 7%, which is higher than the national average of closer to 5%.

As an entry-level assistant, you’ll start at the lower end of the pay scale.

According to Indeed, nationwide salary is as follows:

• $19.70 for entry-level candidates
• $21.47 for 1 to 2 years of experience
• $24.65 for 3 to 5 years of experience
• $25.76 for 6 to 9 years of experience
• $27.96 for 10+ years of experience

#4 Growth Opportunities

One way to accelerate your pay scale and command a higher salary at any time in your career is to continue your education. Each state’s Dental Board outlines what job duties dental assistants can perform and what training is required. In Colorado, there are two job titles: dental assisting (DA) and expanded duties dental assisting (EDDA).

As an entry-level candidate, you’ll start at the lower end of the pay scale, but EDDA training may bring you in at $1 more per hour. With tenure, EDDA training qualifies you for a wider range of positions and allows you to reach the top of the pay scale.

#5 High Quality of Life

Quality of life is another reason we love dental assisting. While dental practices are without a doubt fast-paced, stress is low. The ambiance is calm, and you won’t take your work home with you.

You’ll also have a set schedule, that is typically Monday through Friday and maybe a short day on alternating Saturdays. You’ll have holidays and 3-day weekends off.

Want to Learn More About Dental Assisting?

If you live in or around Colorado Springs, we invite you to schedule a tour at the American Institute of Dental Assisting. Our school empowers you to complete DA training in just 13 weeks and EDDA training in an additional 7 weeks.

Unlike many programs in the area, we offer hands-on training in a live dental clinic. We also offer evening and weekend classes so you can continue to work during the day. Reach out to schedule your tour!

In the State of Colorado, there is no formal certification for dental assisting. However, there are two defined sets of job duties—standard dental assisting (DA) and expanded duties dental assisting (EDDA). You begin your training to learn standard DA job duties. To command a higher salary, you can continue your education with EDDA training. Below we outline the job duties for each of these positions.

Standard Dental Assistant Job Duties

AIDA’s 13-week dental assisting training program ensures you are competent and confident completing the job duties below. Unlike many programs in the area, we offer hands-on training in a live dental clinic.

• 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.

Expanded Duties Dental Assistant Job Duties

Many of our students continue their education directly after their standard training. However, you can wait and complete your 7-week EDDA training at any time. With EDDA training, you’ll continue with the job duties above and add on the positive challenge of the job duties below.

• Applying multiple techniques of Pit and Fissure Sealants.
• Fluoride Application.
• Placing multiple methods of isolation techniques for restorative dentistry of Matrix Systems.
• Place, condense, carve, finish, and polish Amalgam and Composite Restorations.
• Trim and polish intermediate crowns and bridges.
• Place temporary crowns and bridges.

The Salary Difference Between DA and EDDA

Your EDDA skill set will streamline and optimize operations within your dental practice. This increases your likelihood of reaching the top of the pay scale. Keep in mind that if you complete your EDDA training directly after your DA training, you’re likely to begin with an entry-level salary.

If you obtain your EDDA training after you’re established in your career, you’re likely to increase your salary by $1 to $2 per hour upon completion. Be sure to discuss what your pay increase will be before you continue your education.

According to Indeed, in Colorado:

• The starting salary for all dental assistants is around $16.80 per hour.
• The median salary for standard DAs is between $21 to $22 per hour.
• With EDDA training, the median salary rises to around $23 per hour.
• With EDDA training and tenure, the salary maxes out at $29 per hour.

The Benefit of Hands-On Training

AIDA wants to see you excel, which is why both of our programs include hands-on training in a live dental clinic. With most programs in the area, your first day on the job is your first time working with patients. This can be nerve-racking, so we provide the opportunity for real-life dental assisting.

Working with patients while you’re training provides you with:

• The opportunity to practice both your hard and soft skills.
• Feedback for your individual areas of opportunity.
• A greater sense of confidence starting your new career.

Want to Learn More About Dental Assisting?

If you live in the Colorado Springs area and want to learn more about training to be a DA or continuing your education as an EDDA, reach out to AIDA. We’ll book a live tour of our facilities and answer all of your questions.

And yes, we have evening and weekend classes so you can continue to work while you complete our program!

The healthcare industry is growing faster than most industries in the nation. As a result, job security is high! In addition to the high demand, healthcare provides rewarding career opportunities. If you’re deciding between pursuing dental assisting or medical assisting, the information below will help you narrow down your options. Although each career path have a lot in common, there are some defining differences.

Dental Assistant and Medical Assistant Job Duties

Dental assistants and medical assistants play a primary role in ensuring patient comfort. They’re often the first face patients see and a primary point of contact throughout their visit. Both professionals show patients to their treatment room and pass patient medical history, questions, and concerns on to a licensed professional. Below is a general list of their job duties.

Dental Assistants (DA)

Dental assistants primarily work in dental clinics, but may also work for an endocrinologist, public health facility, dental supplier, or dental manufacturing company. A defining difference is that DAs must have the dexterity to maneuver small tools in a small treatment area.

• 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.

Expanded Duties Dental Assistant (EDDA)

With EDDA training dental assistants can also:

• Apply multiple techniques of Pit and Fissure Sealants.
• Apply fluoride.
• Place multiple methods of isolation techniques for restorative dentistry of Matrix Systems.
• Place, condense, carve, finish, and polish Amalgam and Composite Restorations.
• Trim and polish intermediate crowns and bridges.
• Place temporary crowns and bridges.

Medical Assistants (MA)

Medical assistants assist doctors and nurses in a variety of medical centers. From private practices to large clinics, hospitals, elderly care centers, and more. MAs need to be comfortable working with the whole body.

Job duties often include:

• Taking medical histories and documenting symptoms.
• Taking vitals and recording height and weight.
• Explaining treatment procedures to patients.
• Preparing patients for examinations.
• Assisting the physician during examinations.
• Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens.
• Performing basic laboratory tests.
• Instructing patients about medication and nutrition.
• Preparing and administering injections.
• Taking electrocardiograms (ECGs).
• Wound care and changing dressings.
• Infection control and sterilization.
• Administrative and clerical duties.

Education and Certification Requirements

Although some states require DAs and MAs to be certified, in Colorado certification is not required for either career path. However, most employers prefer candidates to have formal training from an accredited program. Accredited programs prepare students for their hands-on job duties and include CPR training (to prepare for CPR certification) and infection control training. DAs must also complete the Radiation Health and Safety Exam in order to perform X-rays.

In terms of time, Standard Dental Assistant Training only takes 13 weeks at AIDA, and 7 more weeks for Expanded Duties Dental Assistant Training. Medical assistant programs in the state take a minimum of 9 months.

At AIDA we prepare you for all the certifications you’ll take through DANB (Dental Assistant National Board). Plus these certificates are recognized in over 39 states so you’ll be able to transfer your certifications to many states around the country.

Salary, Job Security, and Quality of Life

Now that you know what to expect in terms of job duties and training, let’s dive into other essential deciding factors when choosing your career path.

Salary

According to Indeed, in Colorado, dental assistants:

• Start at an average of $17.23 per hour.
• Have a median salary of $22.17 per hour.
• Max out at around $28.53 per hour.

*Maximum salary typically requires EDDA training.

According to Indeed, in Colorado, medical assistants:

• Start at an average of $16.83 per hour.
• Have a median salary of $21.01 per hour.
• Max out at around $26.25 per hour.

Job Security

The nationwide expected job growth in most industries is 5%. The job growth for dental assistants is 7%, and 14% for medical assistants.

Benefits

Either career path typically offer attractive medical, dental, vacation time, and 401K. Medical assistants who work in hospitals and large medical facilities may enjoy more attractive benefit packages.

Quality of Life

Dental assistants most often work a set and predictable schedule. Typically, Monday through Friday, no later than 6 pm, with short shifts on Saturdays.

Medical assistants may be required to work night shifts, doubles, and swing shifts and may need to be on call. It takes time to build seniority for day shifts and weekends off.

Would You Like to Learn More About Becoming a DA for your career path?

If you’ve decided that dental assisting is right for you, we invite you to schedule a free tour at AIDA. Our program stands out because we provide hands-on training in a live dental clinic. We also have convenient evening and weekend classes, as most of our students continue to work full-time.

Reach out today to schedule your tour!

If you’re considering a dental assistant career, investing in formal education is the easiest path to entry. Although the Colorado State Dental Board allows supervised Dental Assistant training in a dental practice, it’s challenging to find a practice that will invest the time and resources to train in-house. In addition, formal education provides you with confidence in your new career. It’s also likely to increase your starting and ongoing salary.  

Let’s dive in and explore the costs of dental assisting programs in the area, as well as the key differentiators. 

How Much Do Dental Assistant Training Programs Cost? 

Prices vary greatly from one school and curriculum to the next. Let’s take a look at the price differences from 2 of the American Institute of Dental Assisting’s (AIDA’s) closest programs.  

The prices stated below are subject to change:  

• AIDA: $5,995 for DA (13 weeks), $3,995 more for EDDA (7 more weeks).  
• Pikes Peak State College: $15,000 to $20,000 for a 4-semester program.  
• Pima Community College: $9,000 to $12,000 for a 2-semester program.  

Do Programs That Cost More Provide Better Training? 

Your decision should balance both price and quality. Due to familiarity, you may be tempted to choose a college over an independent program. AIDA takes great pride in the fact that we provide exemplary dental assistant training at an accessible price point. For your peace of mind, we are licensed by the Colorado Department of Higher Education. We also have glowing Employer Testimonials regarding the preparedness of the graduates they’ve hired.  

Our program is so revered that we have a lengthy list of local practices that call us when they have job openings.  

Pikes Peak and Pima undoubtedly provide high-quality training. There are a few key differences to be mindful of: 

• The college programs above are designed to encourage a traditional 2-year associate degree.  
• If you take your DA classes individually at the colleges above, you may need to fulfill other Health Sciences prerequisite courses, such as Biology.  
• Pikes Peak includes the national dental assisting certification, but if you plan on working in the state of Colorado—this certification isn’t recognized.  

• The college programs above may include internships or externships, but the quality of the hands-on experience varies greatly depending on where you’re assigned. 
• AIDA provides hands-on dental assistant training in a live dental practice that is invested in developing your skills and providing individual and meaningful feedback. 
• AIDA’s program prepares you for the Infectious Control (ICE) and radiation (RHS) exams and includes CPR training and certification. ICE and RHS certifications are required in 39 states, so you’ll be prepared if you plan to work out of state. Colorado law requires the RHS certification. 
• Other DA vocational schools in the area don’t provide hands-on training. Internships or externships may be available.  
• AIDA provides career placement assistance that includes resume and cover letter assistance, mock interviews, job leads, and more.  

What Are AIDA’s Payment Options? 

Our program is designed to empower you to begin your new career as soon as possible. We understand that most of our students need to work full-time while completing our program. For this reason, we have convenient evening and weekend classes. 

Now, let’s dive into our scholarships, financing, and payment options*: 

• We offer in-house credit that requires $1,500 down, with the balance paid over the course of the program. 
• We offer scholarships up to $500. Scholarships are available under individual circumstances and require the submission of an essay.  

• We refer students to Pikes Peak Work Force (PPWF) to apply for a job training scholarship when they have funding available.  
• Students with eligible credit can apply for 2 different credit options. 
• Depending on the circumstances, we may provide longer financing periods. 

* The scholarships, financing, and payment options above are subject to change. 

Want to Learn More About AIDA? 

If you’d like to learn more about AIDA’s DA or EDDA programs firsthand, reach out today to schedule a free tour of our campus!  

If you’re considering a career as a dental assistant, one of your top considerations is your initial and ongoing salary. There are a variety of factors that have a significant impact on how much you can make as a DA. Below we outline how to command the highest starting salary and how to accelerate your raise cycle.

Factors That Influence a Dental Assistant’s Salary

There are 5 key factors that will impact how much you can earn. Understanding these factors helps you guide your career path and maximize your earning potential.

• Initial Education—dental assistants who seek formal education typically start at $4 more per hour.
• Continuing Education—if you seek Expanded Duties Dental Assistant (EDDA) training you can make another $1 to $2 per hour.
• Experience—like most positions, you’ll make a lower salary to begin with and more with tenure.
• Practice location—in addition to nationwide salary averages, each state and city has a salary range.
• Practice type—you will typically make more money if you work in a specialty dental practice.

What Are Specialty Dental Practices?

Specialty dental practices most often hire tenured DAs. In addition to your hard skills, they prioritize the soft skills that align with the demographic they serve. For example, you must be patient and excellent with children to work in a pediatric dental clinic.

Specialty dental practices include:

• Oral surgery
• Cosmetic dentistry
• Restorative dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Pediatric dentistry
• Geriatric dentistry

Do I Have to Go to School To Become a Dental Assistant?

Each state’s education and certification requirements vary. In the state of Colorado, there is no formal certification process. Dental practices are allowed to provide supervised hands-on training for DAs who don’t go to school. However, hands-on training is an expense, and few practices will invest the time.

While certification isn’t required, most practices prefer candidates who’ve sought education from an accredited school. Formal education doesn’t just make your application stand out, it allows you to command up to $4 per hour more in your starting salary.

With 2 weeks off per year, $4 more per hour totals:

• $160 per week
• $640 per month
• $8,000 per year

Factor in annual raises and investing in education adds up quickly in your favor.

What Is the Average Dental Assisting Salary in Colorado?

According to Indeed, the starting salary for dental assistants in Colorado is around $16.80 per hour. The median salary is $21 to $22 per hour. With EDDA training, the median salary rises to closer to $23 per hour and maxes out at $29 per hour with tenure.

By city, as of 2021, Dental Post found the average salary by city to be:

• $45,370 in Boulder
• $40,330 in Colorado Springs
• $45,780 in Denver
• $46,610 in Fort Collins
• $38,460 in Grand Junction
• $37,260 in Greeley
• $39,450 in Pueblo

What Is EDDA Training?

Expanded Duty Dental Assisting is a form of education you can seek any time after your initial training. EDDA training provides a positive professional challenge. It empowers you to perform additional job duties, delivering more value for your dental practice.

Standard DA job duties 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.

Expanded duties DA job duties include:

• The standard job duties above.
• Applying multiple techniques of Pit and Fissure Sealants.
• Fluoride Application.
• Placing multiple methods of isolation techniques for restorative dentistry of Matrix Systems.
• Place, condense, carve, finish, and polish Amalgam and Composite Restorations.
• Trim and polish intermediate crowns and bridges.
• Place temporary crowns and bridges.

Do Dental Assistants Have Good Benefits?

In addition to your salary, your new career typically comes with a competitive range of benefits, including:

• Quality health insurance
• Discounted dental care
• A 401K retirement plan
• Paid sick days
• Paid vacation time

Ready to Choose the Start Date for Your DA Education?

If you’ve decided that dental assisting is right for you, we invite you to consider a tour at the American Institute of Dental Assisting. In addition to being licensed by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, we provide hands-on training in a live dental clinic. This real-world experience gives you a competitive advantage and isn’t something included in most DA curriculum.

Our Dental Assisting Program is 13 weeks long with an additional 7 weeks of training if you complete your EDDA Training directly afterward. Many of our students continue to work full-time, which is why we have convenient evening and weekend classes.

Reach out today to learn more!

The Importance of Continuing Education for Dental Assistants  

Once you settle into your new career as a dental assistant, you may find yourself craving more of a challenge. Also, searching for a way to command a higher salary. This is the ideal time to consider continuing education with Expanded Duties Dental Assistant (EDDA) training. Let’s dive in and explore what EDDA is and how it impacts your career.  

What Is Expanded Duties Dental Assisting? 

EDDA training is something you can consider once you’ve completed your initial training as a dental assistant. This could be directly after your initial training, or at any point thereafter. This continuing education allows you to perform a wider range of job duties. It also provides you with a positive professional challenge, while further lightening the load of your dentist and dental hygienist. 

EDDA training delivers: 

• A competitive advantage—as a new dental assistant, you’ll stand out from applicants who aren’t continuing education. If you’re already employed, it will make you more valuable to your current dental practice.   
• Career satisfaction—continuing education imparts a few new skills, empowering you to provide more hands-on care to the patients in your dental clinic.  
• A higher salary—in Colorado, the starting salary for new DAs is around $16.80 per hour. The median salary is between $21 and $22 per hour. With EDDA training, the median salary rises to around $23 per hour, and with tenure maxes out at around $29 per hour. 

Just be mindful that even with EDDA training, new dental assistants typically start at an entry-level salary.  

What Does EDDA Training Entail? 

Although the Colorado State Board of Dentistry doesn’t recognize EDDA designation, they allow you to perform your new job duties with direct or indirect supervision. In addition to your existing skill set and job duties, Expanded Duties Dental Assistant Training allows you to: 

• Apply multiple techniques of Pit and Fissure Sealants. 
• Apply fluoride.  
• Place multiple methods of isolation techniques for restorative dentistry of Matrix Systems. 
• Place, condense, carve, finish, and polish Amalgam and Composite Restorations. 
• Trim and polish intermediate crowns and bridges. 
• Place temporary crowns and bridges. 

Is There Continuing Education Beyond EDDA? 

Still craving more of a challenge? For many, dental assisting is a gateway to becoming a dental hygienist. It takes between 2 to 3 years of continuing education to become a dental hygienist. Your experience as a dental assistant doesn’t accelerate your education, but having worked in a dental practice you’ll have an advantage. You’re already familiar with terminology, equipment, job duties, and workflow. In addition to the entirely new skill set, your salary will drastically increase.  

As of September 2023, the salary for dental hygienists is between $41 and $63 per hour, averaging $51 per hour.  

Can I Take EDDA Training Before I Begin Working? 

Yes! Many of American Institute of Dental Assisting students complete the 7 Week EDDA Training directly after their 13 Week Dental Assistant Training. We also have many tenured dental assistants continue their education when they are ready for more. With this in mind, we have evening classes, so you don’t have to take time off of work. 

Ready to Continue Your Education With EDDA Training? 

AIDA is accredited by The Colorado Department of Higher Education. We take great pride in the fact that both our DA and EDDA curriculums take a deeper dive than most programs. This includes providing you with hands-on experience and personalized feedback in a licensed dental office.  

We want you to succeed and provide you with the foundation required to thrive in your new career. Reach out today to learn more about continuing your education with EDDA training.  

Want to assess the current job market and your long-term job security before you invest in going to school for dental assisting? The dental assistant demand continues to grow, both in–state and across the nation. Let’s take a look at the numbers. 

How is the Dental Assistant Demand in Colorado?

The outlook for dental assistant employment opportunities remains promising in Colorado. According to CareerOneStop, there is continued growth in the field. They estimate that there were approximately 6,070 dental assistants in the state in 2014 with an estimated growth of 29% between 2014 and 2024—growing to approximately 7,800+ positions.  

In addition to new positions, you must also factor in job openings due to retirement, career change, and exploring other opportunities in the dental field. This might include continuing education to become a dental hygienist.  

How is the Dental Assistant Demand Nationwide? 

As with most all positions in the medical field, job growth is higher than the national average for most occupations. At 8%, nationwide dental assisting job growth is slower than in Colorado but higher than in most industries. This accounts for approximately 56,400 new jobs nationwide each year.  

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the total average job growth is: 

• 5% for all occupations 
• 8% for dental assistants 
• 12% for all other healthcare support occupations 

Why Job Growth Matters? 

Job growth is important to consider for a variety of reasons. With AI looming, there’s concern that many jobs will be rendered obsolete. However, dental assistants and hands-on medical care will always be required. This provides you with the peace of mind that your new career choice will have longevity.   

In addition, a strong job market: 

• Increases the likelihood of finding employment after passing the RHS exam.   
• Helps you measure the return on investment of your education. 
• Allows you to be more selective in the positions you accept. 
• Allows you to command a higher salary once you’ve achieved tenure. 
• Empowers you to move in or out of state with a high likelihood of being able to find quality employment. 

Do I Need to Be Certified as a Dental Assistant in Colorado? 

Each state’s requirements are unique. In Colorado, there is no such thing as a “certified” dental assistant. While certification is not required, you must pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam, or complete supervised training in a live clinic. While Dental Assistant demand is growing, most dental clinics won’t invest the time required for hands-on training, which is why most entering the field invest in fast-track vocational training. 

The RHS exam ensures you comprehend how to take X-rays in a safe and compliant manner. The exam includes Infection Prevention and Control (ICE), which is an essential part of your job duties as a dental assistant. 

Our course prepares you for the RHS exam and CPR certification. At the completion of our program, you will receive a Dental Assistant certificate of completion.

Why Choose AIDA Over Other Dental Assisting Schools? 

There are many schools in the area to choose from. Below are just a few reasons we urge you to consider the American Institute of Dental Assisting. 

• Our curriculum is a mix of classroom and hands-on experience in a live dental clinic. 
• We train in advanced technology including digital X-rays and Dentrix software.  
• Our instructors have a minimum of 10 years of experience as dental assistants.  
• Our Dentist, Dr. Humphreys, has over 36 years of experience, providing you with meaningful feedback.  
• We have evening and weekend classes to accommodate those who work during the day. 
• We offer a variety of financing options to fund your ongoing education. 
• Our course is just 13 weeks long, so you can begin applying for jobs in less than 4 months. 
• You can add on an additional 7 weeks for Expanded Duties Dental Assisting.  

If you would like to learn more about AIDA’s curriculum reach out to our recruiter today!  

Do You Have to Go to School to Start a Dental Assistant Career in Colorado?

Are you considering a dental assistant career? One of the first questions you may have is whether formal education and certification are required. If not education, what skills you require to succeed. You may also be wondering about job security and earning potential. This blog covers all this and more!

Do You Need a Degree to Be a Dental Assistant?

Requirements vary by state, but a college degree is not required. However, all states require a GED or high school diploma. Many states require certification, but not Colorado. You will need to obtain radiology and infection control training.

American Institute of Dental Assisting (AIDA) prepares you for both your radiation and infection control exam. Also, for the certified dental assistant exam if you move to a state that requires certification.

How Do I Obtain Radiology Training?

Most dental clinics prefer to hire candidates that have previous experience or training from an accredited dental assisting school. However, some dental clinics will invest time in hands-on and fully supervised training per the state’s requirements. These clinics are few and far between, as the training is a significant investment in time and labor dollars.

So, most new to the field attend a school that prepares them to take the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam.

How to Select a Dental Assisting School?

One of the many ways AIDA stands out from our competitors is that we offer hands-on training in a live dental clinic. This provides you with confidence and peace of mind when you begin your new dental assistant career, and a competitive edge when applying for jobs!

These determining factors will help you narrow down your options:

• If you’ll be working full-time, ensure they have evening and weekend classes and live clinic timeslots.
• Ensure you understand the length of their course and the different types of courses that they offer.
• Explore their payment plans and financial aid options.
• Prioritize schools that offer hands-on training in a live dental clinic.
• Ask if the school provides job placement assistance.

How in Demand Is the Dental Assisting Field?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average growth rate of most industries in any given 10-year period is 5%. However, the demand for dental assistants is expected to be 8% between 2021 and 2031!

Nationwide there are approximately 56,400 dental assistant job openings per year. In our state, there are approximately 7,300 employed dental assistants.

Everyone requires dental care, so even if you move out of state, you have a viable and in-demand career path.

How Much Money Do Dental Assistants Make?

Like all professions, you are likely to start at the lower end of the pay spectrum. Currently, the average salary in Colorado is $21 per hour. Without experience, you may begin at closer to $18 per hour. Investing in Expanded Duties Dental Assisting (EDDA) training may increase your entry-level and ongoing salary.

According to Dental Post, as of 2021, the average salary in our state is as follows:

• Boulder employs around 600 DAs with an average annual salary of $45,370.
• Colorado Springs employs around 1,300 DAs with an average annual salary of $40,330.
• Denver employs around 4,100 DAs with an average salary of $45,780.
• Fort Collins employs around 600 DAs with an average salary of $46,610.
• Grand Junction employs around 250 DAs with an average salary of $38,460.
• Greeley employs around 350 DAs with an average salary of $37,260.
• Pueblo employs around 250 DAs with an average salary of $39,450.

Ready to Learn More!

AIDA’s 13-week dental assisting program is designed with working professionals in mind, which is why we offer evening and weekend classes and clinic timeslots. To strengthen your resume at any time after your initial training, we offer a 7-week EDDA program.

Reach out today to learn more!

What Is a Dental Assistant Salary in Colorado?

One of the exciting things about becoming a dental assistant is the competitive wage you earn after just 13 weeks of training! It’s also a rapidly growing field with impressive job stability. Let’s dive in and explore factors such as the estimated starting dental assistant salary, median salary, expanded duties salary, and benefits.

What Is the Nationwide Dental Assisting Salary?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that as of 2021, the average for a dental assistant salary was $18.59 per hour, which is $38,660 per year. There are approximately 358,600 dental assisting jobs nationwide. Industry growth is expected to increase by 8% from 2021 to 2031. This is an estimated 56,400 new job openings per year. Percentage-wise, this is a much faster job growth rate than most industries. This is because everyone needs a dentist!

New job openings include:

• Positions in new dental practices
• Replacing retiring dental assistants.
• Replacing those who pursue their dental hygienist degree.
• Replacing those who transition to a different industry.

What Is a Dental Assistant Salary in Colorado?

Indeed reports that the median salary for dental assisting in Colorado is $22.03. The starting salary is closer to $16 and the high-end salary for those with both tenure and expanded duties training is $29.

In addition to an attractive starting salary, most dental clinics provide:

• Quality health insurance.
• Discounted dental care.
• 401K retirement plans.
• Paid sick days.
• Paid vacation time.

How to Earn More Money as a Dental Assistant?

As someone new to dental assisting, you will start on the lower end of the pay spectrum and your wages will increase with tenure. However, you may also be able to increase your salary by working in a specialty practice or investing in EDDA training.

Working in a Specialty Practice

Working in a dental clinic that provides specialty dental and oral health care services may increase your earning potential. Specialty providers charge more, so they can pay more.

This might include working in a clinic that specializes in:

• Oral surgery
• Cosmetic dentistry
• Restorative dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Pediatric dentistry
• Geriatric dentistry

EDDA Training

Our Expanded Duties Dental Assisting Program (EDDA) is an additional 7 weeks of training. You can take this training directly after your 13-week program, or at any time in the future. As a new hire, it may not provide you with much of a pay increase, but it may accelerate your pay scale as you can perform more job duties than a standard dental assistant.

If you are already a dental assistant, investing in EDDA training may result in a pay raise upon completion.

New or tenured, EDDA training makes your resume stand out.

What Additional Job Duties Can You Perform With EDDA Training?

We take a deep dive into the difference between standard dental assisting and expanded duties in this blog post, but here’s a quick overview:

Standard training job duties 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.

Expanded duties training job duties include:

• The standard job duties above.
• Applying multiple techniques of Pit and Fissure Sealants.
• Fluoride Application.
• Placing multiple methods of isolation techniques for restorative dentistry of Matrix Systems.
• Place, condense, carve, finish, and polish Amalgam and Composite Restorations.
• Trim and polish intermediate crowns and bridges.
• Place temporary crowns and bridges.

Want to Learn More About a Career in Dental Assisting?

If you would like to learn more about the hands-on training at the American Institute of Dental Assisting, reach out to schedule a free tour!

We have convenient evening and weekend classes, you can apply for financial aid, and our program includes hands-on training in a live dental clinic.

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.