How Long Does It Take to Become a Dental Assistant?

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Dental Assistants play a vital role in ensuring patients receive the best care during their visit, and you can help make that happen. Completing a Dental Assistant Program may be the best first step if you want to get started in the dental field. In less than a year, you can receive the training to assist with all aspects of the dental office. If you’re looking to start a new career fast, dental assisting may be a good choice for you.

 

A Dental Assistant is a person who helps keep things running smoothly in a dental office. They may work in the front of the office, greeting patients, scheduling appointments, preparing or filing records, or they may work in the back office, preparing patients for their exam, assisting chairside with the procedure, and sterilizing equipment and tools.

 

Dental Assistants may work in a dentist’s office, orthodontist's office, pediatric dental office, or even with an oral surgeon. With so many responsibilities, it’s important for Dental Assistants to complete a thorough training program that prepares them for a satisfying career. Luckily, a quality training program can still be completed in as few as ten months. Imagine a year from now, starting a new, exciting career in a dental office. If that sounds ideal to you, give us a call or fill out an online form today.

How Long Does a Dental Assistant Program Take to Complete?

Typically, Dental Assisting Programs can be completed in less than a year. The Dental Assisting Program at UEI College can be completed in as few as ten months. The program consists of 8 modules, including an externship in a real dental office. Each module takes approximately a month to complete and includes a combination of online learning, live online lectures, and in-person, hands-on labs to practice skills using state-of-the-art equipment. Our courses are designed to be flexible, with day and evening classes available.

Is it Difficult to Become a Dental Assistant?

Completing your training to become a Dental Assistant can be challenging, but it’s achievable. We keep things interesting with online coursework and hands-on experiences. When you come on campus, you’ll work side by side with other Dental Assistant students to practice skills you’re sure to use out in the field. Some skills you’ll practice:

  • Taking dental X-rays
  • Sterilizing equipment
  • Comforting patients
  • Completing administrative tasks
  • CPR and taking vitals
  • Creating dental casts
  • Proper tooth brushing

At the end of your modules, you’ll complete an externship in a dental office in your community, giving you the opportunity to perfect your skills and gain real-life experience that can be added to your resume. We’ll help match you with this opportunity and find an office willing to work with you part-time or full-time.

At UEI College, we remain at your side to ensure you have the support you need to achieve a fulfilling career. Our courses are designed with your success in mind. In our Dental Assisting Program, class sizes are small to ensure you get the one-on-one direction you need from instructors who have worked in the field. Tutoring is available for extra guidance, and peer mentors help motivate each student to do their best.

What Does a Day in the Life of a Dental Assistant Look Like?

A day in the life of a Dental Assistant is challenging and fast-paced. Your duties may differ depending on the type of dental office you work in or the size of the office, but a dental assistant may be responsible for:

  • Reviewing the day’s schedule and having patient records ready for the dentist
  • Preparing tools and equipment for the day’s exams and ensuring proper sterilization
  • Stocking equipment and ensuring enough inventory
  • Greeting patients
  • Assisting with x-rays and preparing patients for their exam
  • Acting as an extra set of hands during an exam as instructed by the dentist.
  • Ensuring the office is clean and ready for the next appointment

A Dental Assistant’s job is to ensure the office is running smoothly. They may be the first to make patients feel comfortable when they enter the office. A Dental Assistant may also be asked to share follow-up instructions with a patient and teach about proper oral hygiene.

Consider Enrolling at UEI College To Become a Dental Assistant

UEI College is obsessed with student success. We are excited to help you get started on your journey toward a new career. If you have a passion for making people smile and a desire to work in the dental field, the Dental Assistant Training Program may be a good fit for you. Give us a call today to take a tour of our dental assisting laboratories and gain a better understanding of exactly what our school is like.

If not having a high school diploma has kept you from pursuing your dreams in the future, please reach out. We have programs available to assist you with receiving your high school diploma while you train for your new career.

Financial assistance to help pay for your Dental Assisting Program may be available for students who qualify.

Learn How to Become a Dental Assistant in California!

Enroll in UEI College's Dental Assisting Program.

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