Dental Assistant Programs in Rhode Island
Every medical and dental clinic relies on professionals of varying levels of education to run smoothly. In a dental clinic, dental assistants and hygienists are the backbone of daily operations. By checking in patients, providing cleanings, and getting preliminary information for the dentist, dental assistants ensure that dentists can use their patient time to offer expert insight and care.
Before you can become licensed and work within your entire scope of practice, you must attend a Rhode Island dental assistant school.
Get more information on your options by contacting dental assistant classes in Rhode Island below.
Dental Assistant Schools in Rhode Island
There are many Rhode Island dental assistant training programs located throughout the state. If you want to begin working as quickly as possible, you may complete your education in about one year through a diploma or certificate program. These programs generally require few or no general education classes, focusing exclusively on dental assisting techniques and theories.
After learning about the anatomy of the mouth, memorizing tooth numbers, and learning about the uses of various dental tools, you may start to work with mannequin mouths and patients under the guidance of instructors.
Courses Offered at Rhode Island Dental Assistant Schools
- Oral Biology
- Preventive Dentistry
- Chairside Dental Assisting
- Dental Office Procedures
- Oral Radiography
- Dental Materials
If you don’t live near a conventional training program, you may learn about dental assistant programs online. You may have the freedom to complete your theory coursework online, but it’s still important to meet clinical experience requirements if you want to become licensed. You may work with a local clinic or school to get the clinical hours you need.
Once you have been accepted to a program, you can apply for scholarships and grants. The American Dental Association Foundation has specific grants for dental assistant, dental hygiene, and dentistry students.
Working as a Dental Assistant in Rhode Island
If you meet dental assistant requirements, Rhode Island may allow you to become certified and perform expanded functions. You may be interested in pursuing certification before you begin working, since certification may make you more appealing to employers.
You may apply for Certified Dental Assistant certification and provide proof of your education to perform expanded functions in a dental clinic. This process is regulated by the Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry.
The field of dentistry is quite stable in Rhode Island, so you may be able to get established in one of the state’s urban, suburban, or rural areas. On average, dental assistants earn $38,700 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017). Through the year 2024, job openings for dental assistants may increase 2% in Rhode Island (O*Net, 2017).
If you’re truly interested in a dental assisting career, this is the time to make your move.