Dental Assistant Training Online

The dental assistant field is growing rapidly and so is the demand for dental assistant training in Georgia. In the next decade, the number of dental assistant jobs is expected to increase by over 30% nationally, with strong growth expected in Georgia as well.  That figure comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics which is considered the most accurate source for information on jobs.  The reports says that more than 100,000 dental assistant jobs will be created and that the employment outlook for trained dental assistants is “excellent.” This guide will help you find accredited dental assistant training in Georgia.

Dental Assistant Education

No formal training is required for entry level dental assistant jobs, beyond a high school diploma or GED. However, dental offices are becoming more complex and more vital responsibilities are being given to dental assistants who must have proper education. For this reason, most dentists and other employers are only considering those who have passed a training course in dental assistance and have been qualified as Extended Duty Dental Assistants, or EDDAs. If you are interested in finding the top jobs with the best pay, here is how you become an EDDA.

1. Complete a Qualifying Education Program:  Many schools in Georgia offer dental assistant programs. Make sure that you choose one that has been accredited by CODA, the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

2. Pass the comprehensive exam administered by the Dental Assistant National Board: The exam demonstrates the knowledge and skill required to fulfill all the duties of an EDDA. Once the exam is passed, you’ll be known as a Certified Dental Assistant.

3. Hold a CPR certification.

Dental Assistant Requirements in Georgia

As mentioned, to find an entry level job, you do not have to be an EDDA.  However, that may change in the years ahead as more responsibilities are given to dental assistants.  In addition, many dentists are only hiring EDDA-qualified assistants to help them in their practice because they need assistants with advanced training. Career counselors are recommending that all those who want to be successful as dental assistants get EDDA certification.

The State of Georgia requires that you be an EDDA in order to do any work in the dental office other than very simple assistance work.  An EDDA is allowed to polish teeth, provide fluoride treatments, work with restorative fillings, and provide extended patient care in many ways off-limits to a regular dental assistant. The best jobs continue to go to Extended Duty Dental Assistants.  They experience the most successful careers and receive the highest pay.

Conclusion

With strong job growth for dental assistance, it is an excellent time to consider it as a career.  The first thing to do is to get more information about dental assistant training in Georgia.  You can locate an accredited school in your area and get started on your education.  With the growth in the field, jobs are expanding and the outlook for a rewarding career at very good pay is outstanding.

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos163.htm

http://www.danb.org/PDFs/Charts/Georgia.pdf

There is an increased demand for dental assistant training in Virginia.  This is because the field is rapidly growing and because the responsibilities in the dental office for assistants are being expanded.  In terms of job growth, the number of jobs is expected to expand by 36% in the next 10 years.  That information comes from the report developed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), regarded as the most accurate source of information on jobs numbers. The BLS states that the demand for dental assistants is growing “much faster than average” for all careers which is the highest rating the Bureau gives.  The report also categorizes job prospects for those with dental assistant training in Virginia and elsewhere as “excellent.” Because of the high demand for dental assistants, wages are also increasing.

Dental Assistant Education

Technically, in Virginia the only education you need to apply for work as a dental assistant is to have a high school diploma or GED.  However, because the field of dentistry is becoming more complex and more of the work is being done by dental assistants, most employers are requiring specific training as a dental assistant. The designation for those with no formal training is Dental Assistant I. Those with formal education achieve Dental Assistant II status and have a much better chance of getting good jobs.  In Virginia, these are your options for getting the training you need:

1. Degree Program: You must complete dental assistant training at an accredited college or school. The accreditation must be from the Commission on Dental Accreditation, or CODA.

2. Pass the exam given by the Dental Assistance National Board, or the DANB.  The exam demonstrates comprehensive knowledge and skill in all the tasks required of a dental assistant.  When you pass the exam, you have the title Certified Dental Assistant, or CDA.

Dental Assistant Requirements in Virginia

If you want to become a Dental Assistant II with better career opportunities and pay, you’ll need to get your degree and pass the DANB exam as outlined above.  The final step is to apply to the Virginia Board of Dentistry for registration as a Dental Assistant II.  They will need proof of your education and your status as a CDA. Once you are a registered CDA with the State of Virginia, your responsibilities can be increased.  Your salary is also like to increase since you will be more valuable as a registered CDA.

Conclusion

If you are willing to get the training you need, a rewarding career can be yours as a Certified Dental Assistant II.  Your first step is to locate a nearby school that offers a CODA accredited program.  Once you do, you can begin your dental assistant training in Virginia and prepare for a career that offers great personal reward and very good pay.

http://www.danb.org/PDFs/Charts/Virginia.pdf

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos163.htm