Dental Assistant Programs in Pennsylvania
With the right training and a thorough knowledge of dental procedures, a career in dental assisting may be in your future. As the demand for medical and dental services continues to increase, the need for medical professionals may also grow.
Becoming a dental assistant may give you the freedom to work in a variety of dental settings in Pennsylvania, spend your days workings with patients, and learning about the latest advances in dentistry.
If you’re ready to explore a career in the healthcare industry, get started today.
Contact dental assistant schools in Pennsylvania below.
Dental Assistant Schools in Pennsylvania
At dental assistant schools in PA, you may get to develop the core skills needed to work with patients in exam rooms, process patients when they come in for an appointment, and ensure that dentists maintain a manageable schedule.
Whether you opt for a short certificate program or a longer Associate’s degree program, your education should help you answer the question, “What does a dental assistant do?”
You can learn from licensed dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants. Your training may cover key skills like office management, X-rays, chairside assisting techniques, and the use of preventive examinations to avoid long-term issues.
Courses Offered at Pennsylvania Dental Assistant Schools
- Dental Science
- Dental Assisting Fundamentals
- Dental Radiology
- Oral Anatomy
- Dental Clinical Experience
- Dental Office Practice
- Preventive Dentistry
Whether you completed dental assistant programs online or in-person, don’t forget to take advantage of financial aid programs. Financial aid may significantly decrease the amount of loans you take out or how much you pay out-of-pocket.
Many nonprofit organizations and dental companies fund grants for dental assisting students. Colgate Professional partners with dozens of companies to make dental education more affordable.
Working as a Dental Assistant in Pennsylvania
Through your education, you should be able to meet Pennsylvania dental assistant requirements. These standards are set by the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry. They require that Expanded Function Dental Assistants complete an Associate’s degree program or a certificate program before applying for expanded functions certification. You must then pass a Pennsylvania Board of Dentistry exam that demonstrates your knowledge of expanded assisting functions.
The field of dental assisting is growing significantly in Pennsylvania, so this may be a great chance to get established in this field. From 2014 through 2024, job openings for dental assistants may increase 8% in Pennsylvania (O*Net, 2017). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Pennsylvania dental assistants earn an average of $34,890 per year (2017).
It’s important to explore different work settings to find the work environment that best suits you. If you want to give back to the low-income population of your community, look into working at a low-cost community clinic. This may involve workings nights or weekends to accommodate the work schedules of your patient base.
If you prefer a more stable work schedule, you may look into working for a private clinic. Specialty dental clinics are another good option.
Don’t wait any longer to find a career you love.