Also called: Chairside Assistant
Hands dentists their instruments, takes X-rays, and helps patients feel comfortable.
Sets up trays, suctions during fillings, takes impressions and X-rays, sterilizes tools, and explains aftercare. Often trained in months and a common path to hygiene school.
BLS May 2024.
Certificate, about 1 year after high school. A 9-12 month certificate program or on-the-job training; some states require certification.
Ways in: Certification, On-the-job training, Trade school. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Dental Assisting (certificate).
Growing faster than average (about 6% over 10 years). Faster than average.
Low risk for 10 years. Digital scanners replace messy impressions, but suctioning, setting up trays and chairside help stay hands-on.
Age 18+. One way to start: Get a CPR/BLS card, then apply to dental offices that train assistants on the job First: CPR/BLS card; an x-ray certificate or registration in many states
Classes: Biology, Health-science CTE, Medical terminology.
Official data: O*NET occupation 31-9091.
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