To work as a dental assistant, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete a formal training program.

Education after high school

Most dental assistants complete a one-year training program at a professional-technical school and earn a certificate. You learn dental assisting procedures in these programs. As part of the training, you work in labs and clinics as well as take courses.

Many two-year colleges have dental assisting programs that lead to an associate degree.

On-the-job training

Some dental assistants receive training on the job. Training generally takes up to six months. If this is how you learn your skills you may still need to take dental assisting courses. You usually need these courses to become certified or licensed.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be dental specialists. Training lasts from nine to 14 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.