New Mexico Dental Assistant Schools & Training Programs

About Dental Assistant Careers in New Mexico

Few people realize how crucial good dental assistants are in a dentist’s office. A competent dental assistant allows the dentist to focus more on the patient and less on peripheral details. Although some of the tasks may appear trivial, they are indispensable to the dentist.

The Dental assistant is largely responsible for the examination room. All of the tools must be cleaned, sterilized, and placed within easy access for the dentist. The assistant also makes sure that each tool is working properly. The assistant also clears the dentist’s vision when necessary, either through suction or retraction. Sometimes, he or she also performs clerical tasks in the office, works in the radiology lab, or keeps the work area clean.

Dental Assistant Salaries in New Mexico

A dental assistant’s salary in New Mexico averages around $30,000. An entry-level assistant may make less than that, while an experienced dental assistant will make more. The national average salary for dental assistants is approximately $36,000, although some make as much as $46,000.

While many dental assistants learn the trade in a dentist’s office, many are choosing instead to attend training schools to increase their earnings potential. Training programs may last less than a year, or up to eighteen months, depending on the program.

Job Outlook

Job prospects for dental assistants are good, according to the United States Bureau of Labor statistics. Dentists are expected to hire more assistants in order to maximize their abilities to perform more complicated procedures. In New Mexico, many dental assistant jobs may be found in Farmington and Santa Fe. The highest average salaries are in Santa Fe and in Albuquerque.

Roles and Responsibilities of Dental Assistants

The dental assistant must keep the examination room clean, the dentist organized and efficient, and, often, the office running smoothly. Although some of the individual tasks may seem simple, overall, a good dental assistant is imperative to the dentist’s office.

Schools in New Mexico

Carrington College Albuquerque: Our Dental Assisting curriculum includes the preparation students need for a career as a Registered Dental Assistant. It also includes preparation to earn an X-ray license and a coronal polish certificate, allowing our graduates to become competitive dental assisting assets.
Apollo College Albuquerque: Apollo College’s comprehensive program prepares students to serve as Dental Assistants, Front Office Receptionists or Dental Office Managers. Our program is designed to give students a complete education in the clinical, laboratory and administrative duties of Dental Assistants and all its related functions.