A dental assistant facilitates many tasks within a dentist’s office. These individuals have specialized knowledge in dental health and safety. They may be responsible for administrative tasks, teeth cleanings, taking X-rays, and patient education. They may also assist the dentist in more advanced procedures such as root canals.
To become a dental assistant, most hiring managers will require you to have completed a dental assisting program, which is typically 1-2 years. At the end of this course, you’ll need to get certified as a dental assistant. A bachelor’s degree is not required, though if taken in a related field, might give you a leg up. Previous experience in a dental setting, like working as a receptionist in a dentist’s office, will be attractive to hiring managers.
