Do you want to help people get and keep a confident, beautiful smile? A career in dental assisting might be right for you. Dental assistants educate patients on oral hygiene, prepare tools for procedures, offer a helping hand to dentists during treatment, and more. To start your career in smile preservation and confidence building, consider a dental assisting school and certifications in the field. At Healthcare Career College (HCC), students get the foundational knowledge and hands-on training needed to pursue nationally recognized credentials that can streamline entry into this profession in every state.
Are there Certifications Available for Dental Assistants?
Yes, there are certifications for dental assistants, and they can be highly valuable. The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) offers a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification that is generally recognized in 40 states. In California, dental assistant jobs require applicants to have the CDA certification, as well as the Basic Life Support Certification. To get the CDA certification, you’ll need to complete a dental assistant training program from an accredited institution like Healthcare Career College and then pass a series of three exams.
The DANB also offers several other certifications for dental assistants who want to demonstrate their competence in other specific areas of practice, such as infection control.
The Value of Certification in Dental Assisting
While dental assistant jobs are available without certification in some states, employers often prefer or even require certified candidates. Certification means the assistant is already trained to perform most tasks they may be asked to complete. Getting certification is also often a great way to boost wages and open up advancement options.
How to Become a Dental Assistant
The path to becoming a dental assistant typically begins with enrollment in a dental assisting school. Healthcare Career College offers an 11-month diploma program that’s designed to prepare you for dental assistant jobs in the front office or for clinical practice. You’ll get classroom instruction and hands-on training in a clinical setting.
After completing their training, graduates can sit for the DANB exam to earn their CDA credential. Some states may require additional exams or certifications depending on the duties allowed for dental assistants in that region. Continuing education is also an important part of the profession, as it keeps dental assistants current on new techniques and technologies.
Start Your Career with Healthcare Career College
If you’re ready to pursue dental assistant jobs that offer growth, stability, and opportunities for advancement, the right training makes all the difference. At Healthcare Career College, students gain real-world experience in dental procedures, office administration, and patient care. The program is designed to prepare graduates for certification exams and long-term career success.
Enroll in the dental assisting program at HCC today and take the first step toward a rewarding future in the dental field.