Dental Assistant Job Responsibilities

If your looking for a career where you can help people and be an important part of a professional team, then a dental assistant career may be what your looking for. These trained assistants are needed in dental offices to work with dentist and patients, providing important services that the dentist depends on to run a smooth and effective dental practice. Dental assistant responsibilities range from assisting the dentist during procedures to office duties, such as billing and insurance.

Education and Certification

All schools require a high-school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma. Training usually takes 9-12 months with an average of 1,230 hours of studies in a dental assistant approved program. Dental assistants do on-the-job training and receive training for certification in radiography and other expanded procedures. Upon completion of an accredited program the student will receive a certificate. Dental assistants who do on the job training can also be certified in x-ray and expanded procedures by taking more courses and becoming certified. National certification requires passing the dental assisting board exam. Florida offers 15 Board of Dentistry-approved dental assistant programs and 25 accredited programs. These include technical centers, community colleges and private colleges.

Cost and Financial Aid

Cost for accredited dental assistant programs is approximately $3,500 at a community college and $2,200 at a technical school, with higher cost at private schools priced at around $7,200. Financial aid is available for students who are qualified. Federal, state and private loans are available along with scholarship programs.

Career Opportunities in Florida

With ninety-four percent of all dental practices employing dental assistants, Florida suffers a shortage of these much needed professionals. Dental Organizations now use placement services to assist dentist with finding qualified dental assistants. With an average of 910 new openings for dental assistants per year in Florida and growth rate at 3.3 percent, this profession is the highest growing health-related job in this state. Many job opportunities offer on-the-job training and are entry-level positions.

Salary

Dental assistants make an average of $16.55 an hour as of 2009, depending of the practice they are employed by. Most dental practices also offer benefits such as health insurance, paid vacations and holidays. Some also offer continuing education reimbursement and pension plans, along with profit sharing.

Schools in Florida

• 

  Concorde Career College

  With over 15 years of experience in preparing adults for rewarding careers, Concorde is a recognized leader in training Healthcare Professionals. We offer short, manageable programs with day and evening classes to fit your busy schedule.

• 

  Ultimate Medical Academy

  Train for your new career today! Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) provides you the hands-on education and credentials you need to start a career in the fast-growing health care industry. We have two convenient campuses in Clearwater and Tampa, Florida and our sole focus is helping you succeed as an Allied Health Care professional.

• 

  Anthem College

  Anthem College delivers accredited, career-focused diplomas and degrees in a wide variety of fields to help you meet the challenges of these fast growing and ever changing industries.

  At Anthem College, you will find professionals ready to support your quest for a successful career. Anthem College offers programs to students who are entering the workforce for the first time as well as those who are looking to expand their existing career skills.

• 

  Kaplan College

  A college education is important in today’s workforce. Kaplan College gives you the right mix of professional experience and classroom instruction in our accelerated programs to help you succeed in your new career!

  Kaplan College can help you train for a new career with diploma programs ranging in just a few months.. Take advantage of all the benefits Kaplan College offers today!

  Kaplan College is pleased to offer discounts on tuition for qualifying active military personnel, veterans and military spouses. Please ask for more information on these discount opportunities.

  Kaplan Higher Education or its authorized agents and representatives may contact me via email or telephone to discuss these and other educational opportunities in the future.

• 

  Everest University

  At Everest University, our entire approach to education begins with the student in mind. We’re all about helping our students realize their dreams for a better future.

  We offer career training programs for jobs that are currently in high demand. This means your training can place you in a strong position to compete for the job of choice when it comes time to launch your career or move up the ladder where you’re presently employed.

• 

  Fortis College

  At Fortis, our students get the skills and training needed for great careers in industries that are in demand. You are now closer to your dreams than ever before!

  Fortis provides prominent education for anyone regardless of your previous educational background. Get the opportunity to receive all the personalized attention you deserve to achieve your career and educational goals!

• 

  ATA Career Education

  ATA Career Education is in the business of career education in occupations requiring career-oriented competencies or skills. We provide affordable, accelerated career education in areas of high job growth.Our operating objectives are to prepare graduates and professionals to obtain, and advance in, successful and rewarding careers in the areas of Information Technology and Allied Health. We monitor our students’achievements against stated student achievement goals. We use these assessments to develop plans to improve our programs, staff and services to our community.

• 

  Sanford-Brown Institute

  Sanford-Brown can help prepare you for a rewarding career in health and dental care, business, paralegal, criminal justice or information technology. With nearly 20 campuses in the Sanford-Brown Institute and Sanford-Brown College divisions, selecting a school that suits your particular career training and education needs is easy.

• 

  Lincoln College of Technology

  Lincoln College of Technology helps students achieve professional success through personalized career support and hands-on, job-specific education. our in-depth training programs are designed to meet the changing needs of today’s tough job market, and cover a variety of fields, including: Health Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Hospitality, Automotive Technology, HVAC Technology and Electrical Systems Technology.

• 

  Keiser University

  At Keiser University we are here to help you succeed by providing the professional and academic foundation to meet your educational goals and objectives. Keiser University continues to be a valuable partner to employers, the community, and, above all, a valued choice for students serious about their education and career.