undergraduate
Dental assisting
Best schools with dental assisting
What is a dental assisting major?
This curriculum trains individuals to provide patient care, take dental radiographs (x-ray photographs), prepare patients and equipment for dental procedures, and discharge office administrative functions under the supervision of dentists and dental hygienists. Course topics include medical record-keeping, general office duties, reception and patient intake, scheduling, equipment maintenance and sterilization, basic radiography, pre- and post-operative patient care and instruction, chairside assisting, taking tooth and mouth impressions, and supervised practice.
of students said hands-on experience was a highlight of this major.
of students found this major to be difficult.
of students said they were motivated to select this major because it fit their passion & interest.
of students and alumni plan on being or are currently employed in an occupation related to this major.
of students said balancing many projects & deadlines was a challenging aspect of the major.
How much do dental assisting majors make?
This data isn't currently reported, but we're working on it!
How popular is dental assisting as a major?
Each year, around 20 students obtain a bachelor’s degree and around 1,760 students obtain an associate degree in dental assisting. In 2021, 22 students received a bachelor's degree and 1,635 students received an associate degree. This is 10% more dental assisting majors than there were in 2020. Dental assisting is one of the most popular majors within dental studies.
Advice from dental assisting majors
Share your experienceOne of the most important skills that you need in this major is time management. Making a to-do list and keeping in touch with your classmates helps a lot. Also, reading ahead will help you so much. Understanding the concept a little bit will help you to follow along in class and lessen your studying later on. Good luck!!
Be aware that during your time in school , there are plenty of dental offices hiring due to dental assistant shortages , the only downside is that most require X ray certifications which is mandatory , as well as some offices are willing to train , you just have to be willing to learn . Not only that , always remember the key aspects of the field , and try to master the hands on procedures such as coronal polishings and X Rays which are done to day in the offices .
Study hard and never give up, even though you are being packed to the brim with information it will all be worth it in the end! Also don't get behind and keep your social life up it will make things so much easier, especially having a study buddy.
Always take your time in understanding each concept and ask questions when something doesn’t seem right.
