Dental Assistant Programs in Oklahoma
If you’ve ever considered a career in dentistry, becoming a dental assistant may be the right choice for you. Dental assistants are the foundation of most dental clinics in Oklahoma. They provide both clinical and administrative support to dentists and dental hygienists.
Attending a dental assisting Oklahoma program provides you with plenty of theoretical education and hands-on training, creating a foundation of skills you need in the workplace.
Learn more about your options by contacting Oklahoma dental assistant schools below.
Dental Assistant Schools in Oklahoma
As an aspiring dental assisting student, you may need to decide whether you want to earn a certificate, diploma, or Associate’s degree. Certificate and diploma programs are fairly similar, typically requiring approximately one year of full-time education.
An Associate’s degree, on the other hand, includes about two years of full-time study. In both options, you get lots of hands-on experience with patients of different ages and dental needs.
If you are looking into dental assistant programs online, you may still need to collaborate with a local clinic to meet your clinical experience requirements.
Courses Offered at Oklahoma Dental Assistant Schools
- Clinical Procedures
- Dental Sciences
- Microbiology
- Dental Anatomy
- Dental Materials
- Dental Radiography
Scholarships make dental assistant training considerably more affordable. One of the options you may consider is the American Dental Association Foundation scholarship. This is open to dentistry, dental hygiene, and dental assisting students.
Working as a Dental Assistant in Oklahoma
Upon meeting Oklahoma dental assistant requirements, you may be interested in applying for licensure through the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry. In fact, a permit is required for all dental assistants.
You must get your permit within 30 days of beginning your work. All paperwork goes through the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry. Before you receive your permit, you must be under the direct supervision of a dentist.
Office-based training is also mandatory, since your place of employment may have specific procedures and standards. You must be fully educated in the requirements and responsibilities of each duty assigned to you by your supervising dentist.
Demand for dental assistants is increasing in Oklahoma, so this may be an excellent place to begin your career. Between 2014 and 2024, job openings for dental assistants may increase 12% in Oklahoma (O*Net, 2017).
On average, Oklahoma dental assistants earn $33,420 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017). Your income may depend on how much experience you have, whether you work in a metropolitan or rural area, and which type of clinic you work for. Some graduates work for privately owned clinics, while others work with low-income patients at community dental clinics.
The path to a rewarding and meaningful career in dentistry may begin right here. Check out the list of dental assistant schools in Oklahoma below.