Dental Assistant Programs in New Mexico
Dental care is one of the most important parts of healthcare. Without regular cleanings, teeth can quickly decay and cause infections. This can also lead to eventual loss of teeth and minimize your ability to eat without pain.
That’s why dental assistants are in such high demand in New Mexico. They do a lot of the day-to-day work in a dental office, ensuring that patients are kept on schedule and that dentists have everything they need to work efficiently.
If you’re ready to start a career in this field, contact dental assistant programs in New Mexico below.
Dental Assistant Schools in New Mexico
You may be ready to start your career in dental assisting with a certificate, diploma, or Associate’s degree. The first two options often take between six months and one year, while an Associate’s degree typically takes at least two years.
If you’re interested in becoming a basic dental assistant, any of these options can help you reach your goals. If you want to become certified in expanded functions, you may need the additional training and hands-on experience provided by an Associate’s degree program.
In a variety of courses, included those found below, you can learn how to become indispensable to New Mexico dental offices.
Courses Offered at New Mexico Dental Assistant Schools
- Introduction to Dental Assisting
- Dental Office Management
- Medical Terminology
- Oral Medicine
- Dental Radiology
- Dental Terminology
- Preventative Dentistry
- Dental Materials
Hands-on experience is essential. Not only does it help you work efficiently and accurately, it does a lot to make clients feel more comfortable when they’re in the dental chair. The more experience you get, the better off you may be by the time you reach graduation.
Once you select a dental assistant school in New Mexico, jump into the financial aid part of this process. The American Dental Assistants Association awards multiple scholarships to students each year, and it can be an excellent resource for you professionally.
Working as a Dental Assistant in New Mexico
In New Mexico, basic dental assistants are not certified or licensed. You simply need to demonstrate to your employer that you have the skills needed to perform basic functions.
To become certified in expanded functions, you must pass the Dental Assisting National Board Coronal Polishing Exam and the Topical Fluoride Exam. You must also pass the New Mexico jurisprudence exam. You can then apply for certification through the New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care.
In New Mexico, job openings for dental assistants are expected to increase 15% through the year 2024 (O*Net, 2016). The average salary for a dental assistant is $33,020 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016).
Are you ready to become a dental assistant and work in a fast-growing specialty?