– Updated July 2023 –

Becoming a Dental Assistant can be a great career choice. Employment is projected to grow 8 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. Some of this growth is an effect of new research findings linking oral and general health. As the population ages, the demand for preventive dental services will likely increase. If you’re considering a career in this field, check out these five popular questions about becoming a dental assistant to help you determine if it’s the right fit for you!

#1 What does a dental assistant do?

Dental assistants primarily help dentists with a variety of tasks, whether they’re chair-side, administrative, or patient-facing. While their duties can vary from office to office, most help prepare and organize instruments dentists need to work on patients. Other responsibilities include:

• Preparing patients for exams
• Educating patients in proper oral hygiene
• Taking x-rays
• Creating dental impressions
• Flouride treatments
• Completing lab tests
• Sterilizing and sanitizing dental instruments
• Maintaining dental records
• Scheduling appointments

No matter the task, dental assistants are an integral part of any dental office and help keep the world filled with healthy, beautiful smiles!

#2 How much do dental assistants get paid?

Dental assistant salaries vary widely from state to state and practice to practice. You can learn more about the breakdown of these numbers by visiting the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics page on Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics here.

While pay is always a major factor in pursuing a specific career path, you can also expect to have good working conditions and hours as a dental assistant!

#3 Do dental assistants clean teeth?

No–dental assistants are not usually responsible for cleaning teeth or removing plaque and tartar. These duties are typically assigned to dental hygienists.

#4 How long will it take to finish training?

Training is typically less than two years. At Milwaukee Career College, you can complete your education and begin working in less than one year!

#5 Where can I complete my training?

Dental Assistant programs are generally available at career colleges and vocational schools, as a career in this field requires specialized training. If you live near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, you can get hands-on training at Milwaukee Career College (MCC), accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

Start Your Dental Assistant Career Training Today

We hope this brief guide helped answer some of your general questions about becoming a dental assistant. If you think this might be the career for you, there’s no better time than the present to start your training!

At MCC, we will prepare you for a new career as a Dental Assistant through classroom lectures, activities, and hands-on laboratory exercises, equipping you with the essential skills top employers seek. Our instructors and staff want each of our students to succeed during their time with us, which is why we prioritize one-on-one instructor-student time and small classroom sizes. As a part of your training, you’ll also have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through a 6-week externship at an actual dental practice.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our representatives. One phone call can change your life!

Contact us or call 414-928-2145 today to launch the dental career you’ve been dreaming of!