Become a Dental Assistant
Start a hands-on healthcare career supporting dentists and helping patients smile with confidence.
What Is Dental Assistant?
Dental Assistants support dentists by preparing patients, assisting during procedures, sterilizing instruments, and managing dental workflows.
They work chairside with dentists, handle radiography, maintain sterile environments, and help ensure efficient, comfortable patient visits.
What You'll Learn in Dental Assistant Training
Core Skills
- Chairside assisting
- Dental anatomy
- Radiography
- Instrument handling
- Patient preparation
- Scheduling and documentation
Safety & Compliance
- Infection control
- OSHA compliance
- HIPAA compliance
- Radiation safety
Tools & Technology
- Dental X-ray equipment
- Sterilization tools
- Dental instruments
- Practice management software
Admissions Requirements for Dental Assistant Training
Most Dental Assistant programs have accessible entry requirements designed to help motivated students start their career.
Requirements vary by program and training provider. Career-Bond partners will confirm specific requirements during enrollment.
Certifications for Dental Assistant
This program prepares you for nationally recognized certifications that employers value.
Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
Exam Focus: General chairside and infection control competencies
Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
State Dental Boards
Exam Focus: State-level dental assisting scope and duties
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA)
State Dental Boards
Exam Focus: Advanced dental procedures authorization
Certification requirements vary by state and employer. Career-Bond partners will help you understand the requirements in your area.
Dental Assistant Salary & Job Outlook
Growing demand driven by ongoing dental care needs and population growth
Career Outlook for Dental Assistant
Work Settings
Private dental practices; Group practices; Oral surgery clinics; Community health centers
Advancement Path
Advance into EFDA roles; Pathway to dental hygiene or office management
What Is the Difference Between Dental Assistant and Clinical Medical Assistant?
TL;DR: Dental Assistants specialize in oral healthcare and dental procedures, while Clinical Medical Assistants provide broader patient care across general medical settings.
Dental Assistant programs prepare students to work specifically in dental offices, focusing on chairside assisting, dental instruments, oral anatomy, infection control, and dental radiography. Daily responsibilities often include assisting dentists during procedures, preparing exam rooms, taking dental X-rays, and educating patients on oral care. Clinical Medical Assistant programs, by contrast, train students for general medical environments such as physician offices and clinics. The curriculum emphasizes taking vital signs, assisting with exams, administering injections, performing EKGs, and supporting both clinical and administrative workflows. Choose Dental Assistant if you want to work exclusively in oral healthcare with a focused clinical scope; choose Clinical Medical Assistant if you want broader medical exposure and flexibility across healthcare settings.
Supporting oral healthcare procedures and dental patient care
Providing broad clinical support in general medical settings
Short-term certificate to associate-level programs focused on dental assisting
Certificate to associate-level programs focused on outpatient clinical care
Chairside assisting, dental instruments, oral anatomy, infection control, dental radiography
Vital signs, patient prep, assisting exams, injections, EKGs, clinical workflow support
Dental assistant certification or state-required credentials depending on program
Clinical medical assistant certificates depending on program
Dental offices, specialty dental practices, oral surgery or orthodontic clinics
Physician offices, outpatient clinics, urgent care, specialty medical practices
Frequent chairside patient interaction during dental exams and procedures
Frequent patient interaction during exams, procedures, and clinical intake
Dental X-ray systems, sterilization equipment, dental charting software
EHR systems, clinical equipment, diagnostic tools including EKG machines
Expanded dental assisting roles, lead dental assistant, specialty dental practice support
Senior medical assistant, clinical team lead, pathway into specialized clinical roles
Students who want an oral-health-focused clinical role in dental settings
Students who want broader medical exposure and flexibility across healthcare settings
Dental Assistant
Choose Dental Assistant if you want to work exclusively in oral healthcare with a focused clinical scope.
Clinical Medical Assistant
Choose Clinical Medical Assistant if you want broader medical exposure and flexibility across healthcare settings.
Benefits of Dental Assistant Training
Dental Assistant Student Reviews
"The program helped me feel confident assisting during real procedures."
"I passed my CDA exam and got hired right away."
"I love helping patients feel comfortable during visits."
Dental Assistant FAQs
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