If you’re eager to begin a dental career without spending years in school, dental assisting might be the perfect fit. The time it takes to become a dental assistant can vary depending on your chosen pathway, ranging from a few months to just over a year. This flexibility allows aspiring professionals to jumpstart their careers quickly. Let’s explore the details of how long it takes to become a dental assistant and what factors influence the timeline.
Pathways to Becoming a Dental Assistant
The timeline for becoming a dental assistant depends on the approach you take. Below, we explore the two primary pathways: on-the-job training and formal dental assistant programs.
On-the-Job Training: A Few Months to a Year
Some dental offices hire entry-level candidates and provide on-the-job training. This option typically doesn’t require formal education and focuses on learning through direct experience under the supervision of seasoned professionals. The training duration varies by employer, ranging from a few months to a year.
While this pathway may allow you to start working sooner, it often comes with limitations. Without formal education or certification, your responsibilities may be restricted, and your earning potential could be lower compared to certified dental assistants.
Formal Dental Assistant Programs: 9 to 12 Months
Enrolling in a dental assistant program is the fastest and most comprehensive way to start your career. At institutions like American Career College (ACC), the Dental Assistant Program can be completed in as few as 10 months.
Here’s what the timeline for a formal program typically includes:
- Classroom Learning (Blended Format): Some programs like ACC’s combine two days per week of in-person instruction with online coursework, allowing for flexibility. During this time, you’ll study topics like dental anatomy, radiography, infection control, and patient care.
- Hands-On Training: Throughout the program, students practice clinical skills using real-world equipment. This hands-on experience helps prepare graduates to be job ready.
- Externship: Most programs include a clinical externship, such as ACC’s 160-hour externship, where students work in dental offices to apply their skills in a professional environment.
Certification and Licensing: 2 to 6 Additional Months
Certification isn’t always required to work as a dental assistant, but earning credentials can significantly enhance your career prospects. If you choose to pursue certification, here’s what the process may involve:
- Preparing for the Exam: After completing a program, you may spend 1-3 months reviewing material for the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) exam or other certifications, such as the Coronal Polish and Pit and Fissure Sealant certifications.
- Taking the Exam: The timing of certification exams varies, but most candidates can sit for their exams within a few months of completing their program.
Certification through these governing bodies carries significant weight in the profession. The DANB certification is nationally recognized and can enhance career mobility. Many employers prefer or require credentials from these organizations, as they demonstrate a commitment to professional excellence and adherence to industry standards.
At ACC, students receive focused preparation to help them excel on these exams.
Summary of Timelines
- On-the-Job Training: Several months to a year, depending on the employer.
- Formal Education: 9 to 12 months (10 months at ACC).
- Certification: 2 to 6 months, depending on readiness and testing schedules.
Why Choose a Formal Program?
While on-the-job training offers a quicker start, formal education provides significant advantages, including comprehensive skill development, job readiness, and eligibility for certifications. Programs like ACC’s Dental Assisting program offer a clear, structured path that prepares students for success in a range of dental settings.
Your Future in Dental Assisting
Completing a dental assistant program is an investment in your future. In just 10 months, you can be ready to enter the workforce with the skills and confidence to excel. Graduates of ACC’s program are prepared to take on clinical and administrative roles, assist in various dental procedures, and even pursue advanced certifications.
Ready to take the next step? Explore ACC’s Dental Assisting program to learn more about how quickly you can start your journey to a fulfilling career.
