Certifications for Dental Assistants
Dental assistants play a crucial role in helping dentists provide effective services. Their roles include bill processing, scheduling, laboratory testing, and patient care in general dentistry or specialty practices. Obtaining a professional certification can open up better job opportunities within the dental assisting field. Starting in this career path means training in a dental assistant program from a reputable educational institution. Keep reading for more insights on becoming a certified dental assistant.
Steps to Become a Certified Dental Assistant
These are the steps to follow to become a certified dental assistant and qualify for the best dental assistant jobs.
1. Complete Your High School Education
The basic entry requirement for a career path as a dental assistant is having a high school diploma. If you didn’t complete high school, you can take GED (General Educational Development) tests to get a high school diploma equivalent certificate that will allow you to pursue vocational training.
2. Attend a Training Program
Attending a dental assistant training program is essential for the success of your career. There are many dental assistant training options, but not all programs are created equal. Ensure that the institution you’re considering is accredited by an organization like the Accreditation Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) so you can be confident that the training you receive will effectively prepare you to enter the workforce.
The time it takes to complete a dental assistant education program varies. At the Institute of Medical and Business Careers (IMBC), students can receive their dental assisting diploma in about one year.
3. Take a Certification Exam
Students who complete the dental assisting program at IMBC will be prepared to sit for the Pennsylvania Dental Radiology Exam. The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) offers three different certifications for dental assistants looking to improve their credentials to open up more job opportunities: Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant, National Entry Level Dental Assistant, and Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant.
Other certifications exist for infection control, radiation, and orthodontics for those looking to specialize in one of those areas of dental care.
4. Apply for a License
Depending on your state, you may have to apply for a practicing license to work as a dental assistant. When applying for a license, you must submit your certificate or diploma from your educational institution, go through a background check, and pay the fee required by the Board of Dentistry. Additionally, depending on the state requirements, you may have to register as a dental assistant.
5. Build Your Resume
A resume is an essential tool to help you secure dental assistant jobs. In addition to your work experience, include your certifications, leadership positions, service projects, or the special awards you’ve earned. You can then apply for jobs and complete your continuing education courses annually.
Prepare For Your Dental Assisting Career at IMBC
Working as a dental assistant means a career that helps people feel better about themselves and maintain their overall health. If that sounds appealing to you, then consider the dental assistant training program at IMBC. You’ll train in our large labs with actual dental equipment and tools, receive classroom instruction on-site by our experienced teachers, and participate in an internship that will let you apply your skills in a real dental setting with the guidance of professionals. Contact us today to learn more.