There are a few things you should know before you enroll in a Dental Assisting school.
First, understand that you should aim for comprehension instead of memorization. It will help you succeed in exams and your career. Also, be sure to set realistic study goals.
Right Dental Assisting School
Location
A good dental assisting school locations will teach you not only the practical skills and techniques you need to work as an assistant and the science behind them. On-the-job training focuses on quickly getting you up to speed to perform duties but needs to provide a solid foundation of why these skills are essential.
Dental Assistants are among the most sought-after entry-level medical jobs due to their comparatively high salary* and positive job outlook. If you’re interested in pursuing this hands-on career and want to enter the field quickly, picking the right program for your training is essential.
Many colleges offer comprehensive training programs to become a dental assistant. You can prepare for the National Entry Level Dental Assistant exam (NELDA) by enrolling in state-approved and Commission on Dental Accreditation-accredited programs.
Academics
It is important to take the academics offered into account while selecting a dental assistance program. Most programs take nine to twelve months, depending on the school, to complete. In certain circumstances, for students to graduate from the program, they might also need to finish an externship.
Ensuring that the school employs top-notch faculty members is also crucial. Ideally, faculty members should have extensive experience in the industry, and they should have worked chairside for a significant amount of time before moving into academia. Many schools will post professor biographies online, allowing prospective students to see the teachers’ backgrounds they’ll be working with.
Classes in the dental assisting curriculum usually include lectures and laboratory work. In addition, the program may require students to pass a series of exams. Some schools, like NYSMDA, provide clinical agreements with dozens of dental practitioners throughout the state, giving their students hands-on, real-life experiences in the field.
Student Life
In addition to completing classroom lectures, DA students must pass several tests. These include the school’s microbiology course, two radiology courses, and the NYPDA exam, which is required for most Dental Assistant jobs. Students can succeed in their exams by using the materials and study advice included in the school’s curriculum.
Many DA programs have flexible schedules, making it easy for students to work around family and job commitments. While program durations can differ, the majority of DA programs last less than a year.
During their time in the DA program, students will gain hands-on clinical training and the skills needed to succeed. Additionally, the program will get students ready for licensing exams, which will facilitate their employment search as DAs. Many programs offer externship opportunities in specialty practices, such as pediatrics, orthodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery, and general dentistry. The school will often assist students with finding these opportunities.
Cost
The cost of attending dental school can play a significant role in your career choices. While scholarships and grants are the best options for financial aid, many students still need help paying for their education. Here’s where loans can be helpful.
Federal loans are less expensive than private loans, which is good news. They are also often interest-free for six months following graduation and for the duration of your education.
A successful career in dentistry can make a significant difference in your life by providing a quality education. The most important decision when choosing a dental assistant program is to find one that suits your needs and budget. Make sure you spend enough time thoroughly investigating each choice. You can choose the right dental assisting school for your career with the proper research.
