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(800) 814.5124
  • Programs
    • Allied Health
      • Dental Assisting
      • Massage Therapy
      • Medical Assisting
      • Medical Coding Specialist
      • Medical Coding Specialist Hybrid
      • Phlebotomy
      • Basic Nursing Assistant
    • Mechanical Trades
      • HVAC/R Technician
      • Journeyman Welder
      • Journeyman Welder II
    • Truck Driving
      • Professional Truck Driving
      • CDL Training Course
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    • Continuing Education
      • Black Hawk College Partnership
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      • 1098-T
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      • Terms and Conditions
    • Catalog
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      • E-Learning MS Teams
      • E-Learning Canvas
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      • HEERF Quarterly Report – Q2 2022
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How Long Does it Take to Become a Dental Assistant?

What Is the Role of a Dental Assistant?

How Long Does It Take to Be a Dental Assistant?

The time it takes to become a dental assistant depends on the specific steps one takes to the career. In some states, it may be possible to enter the field after high school, and in others, it will be necessary to take additional steps, such as formal dental assistant training at a post-secondary institution and certification or licensing.

Dental Assistant Career Path

StepsDescriptionDetailsDuration
Step 1GED or High School DiplomaCareer-Relevant Courses: Anatomy, Biology & Chemistry3 Months to 4 Years
Step 2Dental Assistant TrainingPost-Secondary Institution or On-the-Job Training9 Months to 2 Years or Varies with Employer
Step 3Dental Assistant CertificationPass 3 DANB Exams: General Chairside Assisting (GC), Radiation Health & Safety (RHS) & Infection Control (ICE)Time to Meet Eligibility Requirements Varies, Plus 4 Hours for Exams
Step 4Dental Assistant LicenseMeet State Licensing Requirements & Pass ExamVaries by State
Step 5Dental Assistant RegistrationMeet State Registration Requirements & Pass ExamVaries by State

Midwest Technical Institute (MTI) offers 9-month dental assistant training at its campuses in:

  • Moline, Illinois
  • Springfield, Illinois
  • East Peoria, Illinois
  • Springfield, Missouri

MTI prepares its students for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) Radiology Health & Safety (RHS) and Infection Control (ICE) exams. Those who wish to complete the certification process will need to meet relevant work experience requirements and pass the General Chairside Assisting (GC) exam.

How Long Is Dental Assistant School?

Dental assistant training can take months or years, depending on the post-secondary educational institution. Vocational schools and community colleges are two common places to receive allied health training in dental assisting.

 Community CollegeVocational School
Program DurationVaries; typically 2 years for an associate’s degree9 to 12 Months
CourseworkCourses Similar to Vocational School Plus General Education ClassesOral Anatomy, Office Administration, Radiography, Dental Equipment & More
CredentialAssociate DegreeCertificate or Diploma
ConsiderationsMore Time in School, But Credits May Transfer to Bachelor’s Degree ProgramCareer-Focused Training & Quicker Entry into the Dental Assisting Field

Starting a Career as a Dental Assistant

Sources

  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm#tab-4

  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm#tab-2

  • Dental Assistant Programs: Degrees, Certificates & Diplomas

Filed Under: Careers

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