Quickest way to be a Dental Assistant?

[student1982]

Hello everyone, I was just wondering if anybody know how to become a dental assistant without going through the program to get the certificate. In Texas, I can just study for the certification test, attend a 1 day class, and then take the test for the certification. However, I'm moving to Tennessee in 6 months and they require me to 1) been a dental assistant for a year in another state or 2) attend the dental assistant school to obtain the certification. I think its ******ed to go through dental assistant school because you can learn everything on the job in 1-2 wks. Also the dental assistant programs at these technical schools is like a whole frickin year. I know they only want to rip money from people. Also, they said that you can also get the certification from a dental society or some sort. Anyone know anything about that? thanks for any replies

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[NewYorker20]

Some dentists do not require any certificates, thats how it is here, in NYC. Search for any job offerings and call them individually... most of them would want just some sort of previous experience, some will be willing to train. The way i got my experience is through volunteering and now with no problem im working with an oral surgeon; this way you can do some community service and be able to eventually get a job.Thats my opinion. 🙂

 

[mom2dr]

I would think it depends on where you live. If you live in an area where they offer dental assisting programs, they might prefer you to be trained. However, most dental assistants seems to be trained on-the-job. You will probably have to take your test to obtain your radiographer's license, but other than that, most dentists will probably just train you.

 

[byorkie]

I am from Tennessee and I have worked as a part-time dental assistant ever since I was in high school. I still am not certified, and the only thing that the dentist won't let me do is take x-rays. What part of TN are you moving to? Also, are you applying to University of Tennessee?

 

[RozhonDDS]

Hello everyone, I was just wondering if anybody know how to become a dental assistant without going through the program to get the certificate. In Texas, I can just study for the certification test, attend a 1 day class, and then take the test for the certification. However, I'm moving to Tennessee in 6 months and they require me to 1) been a dental assistant for a year in another state or 2) attend the dental assistant school to obtain the certification. I think its ******ed to go through dental assistant school because you can learn everything on the job in 1-2 wks. Also the dental assistant programs at these technical schools is like a whole frickin year. I know they only want to rip money from people. Also, they said that you can also get the certification from a dental society or some sort. Anyone know anything about that? thanks for any replies

Ask your dentist to let you get some hands on experience in a chair

 

[nazeeuh]

I am from Tennessee and I have worked as a part-time dental assistant ever since I was in high school. I still am not certified, and the only thing that the dentist won't let me do is take x-rays. What part of TN are you moving to? Also, are you applying to University of Tennessee?

Yea same here, I worked as a dental assistant in high school. I just talked to a dentist that had a "help wanted" sign up and told her that I was really interested in dentistry. The only thing I couldn't do was take x-rays.