Are you looking for a new career? Something that you’ll find fulfilling, fun and financially rewarding? If you want to secure your future and expand your skill set, join the rapidly growing career field of dental assisting. When you become a dental assistant, you’ll be an essential part of the dental team who holds the knowledge, skill and experience to provide chairside support during various dental procedures in general, cosmetic and restorative dentistry. You’ll also learn how to use high-tech equipment such as digital x-ray machines and provide patient care. Vancouver Dental Assisting School prepares you to enter the dental profession confidently and provides everything you need to know about becoming a dental assistant. 

What Are The Main Roles of a Dental Assistant? 

The role of a dental assistant may vary from office to office depending on their particular skills and certifications. The primary role of a dental assistant is to provide hands-on support to dentists and complete prep work for each patient so they can move efficiently during appointments. Dental assistants help prepare for dental procedures by setting up the room with necessary equipment and tools, and to assist the dentist chairside during the procedure. A dental assistant ensures that the appointment and procedures go smoothly. In addition, the dental assistant’s role is to complete patient intake paperwork, update patient records and complete labwork under the dentist’s direction. 

A quick guide to dental assistant duties in the dental office, which typically include: 

• Preparing examination and treatment rooms
• Preparing patients for treatment
• Assisting the dentist during all procedures
• Anticipating the dentist’s needs and providing them with the correct instrument
• Taking dental impressions 
• Providing oral hygiene supplies and informational materials
• Sterilizing and preparing equipment and tools
• Taking and developing x-rays
• Ensures patient comfort during appointments
• Scheduling appointments at the front desk before patient leaves

How To Earn a Dental Assistant Certification

The Vancouver Dental Assisting School offers hands-on training and small class size, so you get personalized attention and mentorship during your education. You’ll learn from some of the best dental assistants in the area, who are passionate teachers and excited to help you succeed. In addition, our program offers lifetime mentorship to students, which means you have access to the knowledge and support you need to succeed. We also offer financial assistance so you can feel comfortable about your choice to invest in your future. And when the time comes to look for employment in a dental office, we offer resume and interview preparation so you will feel confident of landing your dream job. 

Take these 3 simple steps to become a dental assistant

1. Complete our dental assistant certification program.

When you register for our 10-week program, you’ll get the training you need in less time and save thousands of dollars compared to 12-month programs. That means you can graduate and start earning an income faster. Why wait to enter your role as a dental assistant? You can get the training and skills you need in less time our comprehensive and immersive program. 

What Are The Prerequisites of Dental Assistant Schools?

There are no prerequisites to complete this course. You don’t even need a dental or healthcare background to enroll and succeed in becoming a dental assistant. All you need before going to dental assisting school is a high school diploma or GED, which you’ll need to qualify for the national certification exams.

2. Get certified to become a dental assistant.

Once you’ve completed your program, you can apply for a certification from the state, which is required to work in a dental office. Our instructors will guide you through the process and ensure you know exactly what you need to do. You can read more about the requirements and certifications on the FAQ page. 

3. Get a job and become a dental assistant.

Another benefit of the Vancouver Dental Assisting School is that we help graduates get jobs. We want you to succeed, so we’ll do everything we can to make sure you’re prepared to land your dream job. We’ll share information about what dentists and office managers are looking for in a great dental assistant, and we’ll help you with resume and interview preparation so you can showcase your skills, familiarity with the professional setting, terminology, tools, workflows and patient care. 

Should I Become a Dental Assistant?

Well, if you’ve come this far chances are you’re already strongly considering the dental assistant pros and cons (though we think it’s all pros, naturally) and how to become a dental assistant. So if you want a little more convincing that choosing a dental assistant career is an excellent opportunity, keep reading. 

5 reasons why becoming a dental assistant is a good idea 

Of course, we think you should go to dental assisting school, get your dental assistant certification and become a dental assistant. We know it’s a great career and you can start your path in as little as 10 weeks. Here are 5 more reasons why you should reserve your spot in our dental assistant program today. 

1. Your skills are in demand, which means job security

The dental field is growing, so the need for skilled dental assistants is too. A dental office can’t function without a good dental assistant and this role will be in high demand. 

2. You can work anywhere

Tired of the same old scenery and want to change it up? With a dental assistant certificate, you can work anywhere so you don’t have to feel tied down to any particular place. Your skills are in need across the country, so if you decide to move, there will be employment opportunities wherever you go. 

3. You’ll have good income potential

In just 10 weeks, you can earn around $37,000 a year (and more in some states). Right now, there is a high demand for dental assistants and the career is projected to grow even more in the coming years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

4. You’ll love the work environment.

If the thought of sitting at a desk staring at a computer screen gives you the Sunday scaries, or you’re tired of irregular hours typical in the retail and restaurant industry, you’ll love the fast-paced and dynamic role of a dental assistant. You get to work with your hands alongside a dedicated team while you help patients achieve optimal oral health – and all between the hours of 9 am to 5 pm (and some part-time positions are even available). Dental assistants get to help with various office procedures and enjoy a clean, safe and positive workplace. 

5. There’s always an opportunity for growth.

Becoming a dental assistant can be a gateway to other careers within the healthcare industry. You can use your dental assistant certification to further your training and education and set your eyes on becoming an expanded function dental assistant, dental hygienist, dental office manager, insurance claims and processing professional or someday a dentist. 

How To Find The Best Dental Assisting School For You

When looking for the best dental assisting school, there are many things to consider. If you’re currently employed and want to take our 10-week course while you keep your current job, then proximity to the dental school makes a difference. You’ll want to be close so you can balance your current job, learn a new one, and get the hands-on experience you need to become a great dental assistant. You’ll also want to evaluate your options based on the course strength, reviews and reputation, flexibility and cost. 

Dental assistant programs include certificates (this is what the Vancouver Dental Assisting School offers), diplomas and associate’s degrees. Associate’s degree programs require two years to complete – longer than most certificates and diplomas. Many certificate programs require 12 months, whereas our program takes 10 weeks and you get the same education and experience you’ll need to become a dental assistant. Most people choose the dental assistant program if they already know they want to become a dental hygienist in the future because an associate’s degree can be applied to education requirements to become a dental hygienist. 

Join The Best Dental Assisting School in Washington and Oregon

Reserve your spot today and join Vancouver Dental Assisting School. We’re ready to help you take your career to the next level and find new opportunities. With financial assistance and a comprehensive training program that includes classroom instruction and clinical experience, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge you need to become a dental assistant in just 10 weeks. We can’t wait to see you!