Dental Assistant Programs in Massachusetts
When you become a dental assistant, you get exposure to a wide variety of dental procedures, surgeries, and specialties. You only need a little bit of training to get started, but throughout the course of your career, you can build your skills and learn advanced techniques that make you a great addition to the office.
Learn more about becoming a dental assistant by contacting dental assisting schools in Massachusetts today.
Dental Assistant Schools in Massachusetts
In addition to standalone dental assisting training schools, Massachusetts offers training through community colleges and technical schools. Degree options usually fall into one of three categories: a Certificate of Completion, a diploma, or an Associate’s degree.
The first two options may require less than one year of education, since they usually involve 30 or fewer credits. An Associate’s degree requires at least 60 credits, which works out to four semesters of study.
When it comes to dental assistant training, MA programs have similar outcomes, course requirements, and clinical expectations.
Dental Assisting Courses
- Dental Radiology
- Dental Materials and Procedures
- Introduction to Dental Assisting
- Dental Practice Management
- Dental Science
- Dental Seminar
These courses should help you master the theory of dental hygiene, which you then put to work in your clinical experience courses. Your early experience may come from working on mannequin mouths or other students, but you should be working with real patients by the end of your education.
There are quite a few ways to get financial aid in this type of program. Your school may offer scholarships for dental assisting students. If you can demonstrate financial need, you may qualify for federal grants. You should also look into scholarships funded by the American Dental Association Foundation.
Working as a Dental Assistant in Massachusetts
To meet Massachusetts dental assistant requirements, you must have proof of coursework in CPR and infection control. You can then register with the Massachusetts Board of Examiners in Dentistry. This allows you to get started as a basic dental assistant. If you want to offer expanded functions, including coronal polishing and x-rays, you need a more advanced assisting license.
Massachusetts is a promising place to begin your career in the world of dental assisting. Between 2014 and 2024, job openings are expected to increase 8% (O*Net, 2016). The average salary for a Massachusetts dental assistant is $42,080 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016).
As a new dental assistant, you may get started in a general dental clinic. Whether you choose a privately owned clinic, a chain clinic, or a community clinic, you may assist in cleanings, setting up appointments, and preparing equipment. As you become more experienced in this field and learn how to work more quickly, you may be interested in working in a dental specialty office.
Are you ready to take the next step in your healthcare career and explore your opportunities in dentistry?