Dental Assistant Schools in Illinois
Dental Assistant Programs in Illinois
Once you decide to start a career in the medical industry, you may have many options to compare and explore. If you are detail-oriented and highly focused, you may do well in the field of dentistry. Dental assistants play an essential role in dental offices across Illinois, ensuring that appointments start on time and giving dentists the tools they need to do their job.
To learn more about becoming a dental assistant, contact dental assistant programs in Illinois below.
Dental Assistant Schools in Illinois
As you start comparing schools in your area, you may need to select which degree best suits your career goals and your current level of education.
If you want to start working as soon as possible, consider getting started with a certificate or diploma. These programs are very similar and have nearly identical learning outcomes.
Depending on which school you decide to attend, you may graduate in one to two semesters. This learning path often only requires dental assisting coursework, rather than a combination of dental assisting classes and general education courses.
An Associate’s degree usually takes four or five semesters on a full-time basis. In addition to your dental classes, you complete a set curriculum of general education courses that build your overall body of knowledge.
The credits you earn in an Associate’s degree program may transfer to a Bachelor’s degree program if you advance your education in the future.
Dental School Illinois Courses
- Dental Anatomy
- Dental Science
- Principles of Dental Assisting
- Dental Materials
- Oral Radiology
- Dental Radiography
- Clinical Dental Assisting
Whether you pursue a certificate, diploma, or Associate’s degree, you should get lots of practical experience. Some Illinois schools have on-site dental clinics that offer low-cost or free services to low-income individuals. Dental assisting and hygienist students get to practice their skills and learn from licensed dentists.
Explore local and national scholarships once you get accepted to a dental assisting program. Colgate Professional pairs with other institutions to offer over one dozen scholarships to dental students.
Working as a Dental Assistant in Illinois
As long as you do not perform X-rays or expanded functions, you do not need a license to work as a dental assistant in Illinois.
Since many dental schools in Illinois offer training in these areas, you may consider becoming certified immediately after graduation or after gaining some work experience.
Between 2014 and 2024, job openings for dental assistants are expected to swell 11% in Illinois (O*Net, 2016).
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Illinois dental assistants earn an average income of $37,120 per year (2016). Your income may vary, depending on whether you work in a community dental clinic, a chain clinic, or a privately owned dental clinic.
You may build the skills you need at many dental assistant schools in IL.