Arkansas Dental Assistant Schools
Dental Assistant Programs in Arkansas
As the healthcare industry grows all over the United States, many people are realizing that this is the time to check out healthcare careers. In Arkansas, you may find that dental assisting is a great field to get established in.
Arkansas dental assistant schools help you communicate effectively with patients, properly use dental terminology, and perform common procedures under the supervision of a dentist.
Curious about your options? Contact dental schools in Arkansas to get started.
Dental Assistant Schools in Arkansas
To work as a dental assistant in Arkansas, you have to meet specific requirements. Schools offer technical certificates and Associate’s degrees. The first option takes about one year, while the second takes about four semesters of full-time study.
Your curriculum should touch on dental operations, chairside assisting, laboratory work, and office management. Whether you opt for a certificate or degree, you may find that many courses overlap. The topics below are found in many school curricula outlines.
Courses Offered at Dental Assistant Programs in Arkansas
- Chairside Assisting
- Dental Science
- Dental Biomedical Science
- Dental Radiology
- Preventive Dentistry
- Dental Materials
- Dental Clinical Experience
Since the need for dental assistants is growing quickly, there are many scholarship opportunities available. Colgate Professional works with the National Dental Association to provide scholarships to dental assisting students.
If you’re interested in completing your dental assistant training online, don’t forget about clinical work. If you do your theory work online, you still need hands-on experience to get your Arkansas license.
Working as a Dental Assistant in Arkansas
Before you can start working as a dental assistant, Arkansas requires you to complete your certification. The Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners requires proof of graduation from an accredited program and a passing score on the Arkansas jurisprudence exam. Meeting these standards gives you the title of Registered Dental Assistant. You must then complete your Arkansas dental assistant renewal forms every two years to stay licensed.
This field is growing extremely quickly in Arkansas, making this a convenient time to invest in a new career. O*Net anticipates a 20% increase in job openings between 2014 and 2024 (2016). The average salary for an Arkansas dental assistant is $32,520 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016). If you pursue certification in expanded duties, coronal polishing, or radiography, you may be able to strengthen your job outlook and boost your earning potential.
One of the benefits of working as a dental assistant is the excellent working environment. Many dental clinics are only open during typical business hours, so you may not have to work nights, weekends, or holidays. You can build a rapport with patients and learn from experienced dentists as you work.
Take the plunge and get involved in one of the fastest growing career paths in Arkansas.
Reach out to Arkansas dental assistant programs now to find the right program for you!
Arkansas
Arkansas Tech University
Campus Locations in: Russellville, AR
Matching Programs: Medical Assistant Program
Program Types Offered: Associate Degree
Programmatic Accreditation: CAAHEP
Blue Cliff College
Campus Locations in: Fayetteville, AR
Matching Programs: Clinical Medical Assisting – Diploma
Program Types Offered: Diploma
Bryan College
Campus Locations in: Rogers, AR
Matching Programs: Medical Assistant
Program Types Offered: Diploma