how to become a certified dental assistant

Becoming a certified dental assistant is just like any other job. It requires a significant amount of education, training, and preparation to succeed. This guide will help you understand what the requirements are for becoming a dental assistant and give you tips for success.

how to become a certified dental assistant

Steps to Become a Dental Assistant

Use these steps as a guide to pursue a career as a dental assistant.

Decide if being a dental assistant is right for you.two dental assistants cleaning patient's teeth

Connect with professional dental assistants in your dental office or through dental assisting schools and professional organizations. Ask about the duties they perform, what they like and dislike about their jobs, and whether you can shadow them for a day.

Determine the educational path that works best for you.woman showing mad dental assistant program options on laptop

Compare the advantages, disadvantages, and costs of on-the-job training, a certificate program, and an associate degree to help you decide how you’ll learn the skills needed to qualify for this role. If you’re pursuing a formal education, attending a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) qualifies you to take the CDA certification exam upon graduation.

Gain experience in the field.woman working on patient's teeth with dentist overseeing work

With your education, you’re prepared to pursue work. Your formal training can also increase your employment options and salary potential.

Consider earning certification to help you stand out from the competition.woman taking certification test on laptop

As you become more involved in dental assisting, consider earning certification in a specialty area of care to enhance your skills and increase your career opportunities.

What Does a Dental Assistant Do?

Dental assistants can work in a variety of settings. They typically start their day by preparing each dental room, ensuring supplies are fully stocked, and setting out patient charts and X-rays. Dental assistants need to be comfortable juggling several tasks at once since more than one patient is treated at a time.

Dental Assistant vs. Dental Hygienist


While dental assisting and dental hygienics may appear to be similar roles to those outside the dental industry, they are actually two distinct jobs.

  • Dental assistants perform a variety of tasks, including patient care, taking X-rays, and scheduling appointments. They need on-the-job training, a certificate, or an associate degree, and they earn a median salary of $41,180 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
  • Dental hygienists examine patients, clean teeth, and provide dental care. They must have an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene, and they earn a median salary of $77,090 per year.

States regulate the tasks that dental assistants can perform. Depending on the state, a dental assistant may be allowed to:

  • Apply fluoride to prevent cavities
  • Perform coronal polishing to remove plaque
  • Apply sealants and other anti-cavity treatments
  • Apply topical anesthetics to numb areas of the mouth

Dental Assistant Education: Degrees and Programs

You’ll need to complete a certificate program or earn an associate degree to learn the skills necessary to be a dental assistant. In some cases, on-the-job training can be an option.

Most dental assisting programs take nine to 11 months to complete and lead to a diploma or certificate. Associate degrees take two years to complete and include core classes such as English composition, math, and humanities.

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