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Dental Assistant Degree for Military and Veterans

Dental Assistant Degree for Military and Veterans

What Is a Dental Assistant Degree? 

A Dental Assistant Degree is a two year program that prepares students for an entry-level career in dentistry. Depending upon the state, school, and program, the degree prepares students for one of the Dental Assisting National Board’s (DANB) advanced certificate exams. Educational and professional requirements for becoming a dental assistant will vary from state to state. Some students seeking a Dental Assistant Degree will continue their education by going to dental school.

What Can You Do with a Dental Assistant Degree?

A person holding this degree works with dentists, managing basic workflow. They may take appointments, keep records or assist in patient care. Their exact responsibilities also differ from state to state and office to office. 

They are not dental hygienists, however. A person in that role provides hands-on/preventative dental care, including teeth cleaning and other oral hygiene tasks. Some dental hygienists have a Bachelor’s Degree—they, and dental hygienists, often go on to dental school. 

Types of Dental Assistants include: 
  • Entry Level or Unregistered Dental Assistant- These assistants may have no prior experience or training. They carry out basic tasks, like helping dentists with x-rays and patient check ups or conducting administrative work. Average annual salary: $46,651.
  • Dental Radiologic Technologist- A person in this role is trained only to work with dental x-rays and must be licensed in most states. Average annual salary: $59,279.
  • Certified Dental Assistant - A CDA has completed a Dental Assistant program and passed a DANB exam. They perform tasks like applying sealant, putting in temporary fillings and taking x-rays. They may also diagnose and treat some oral conditions. Average annual salary: $46,864.
  • Registered Dental Assistant- This is the highest level a dental assistant can achieve. Registered dental assistants complete a Dental Assistant program and pass the DANB exam. RDA’s perform some procedures with a dentist present, adjust removable dental appliances, diagnose oral conditions or make referrals, among other more complex tasks. Average annual salary: $53,351.

Is a Dental Assistant Degree worth it?

Dental assistants aren’t in school for long, but nevertheless get all the training and experience they need to make a decent salary. They often graduate with little to no college debt. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),  dental assistant jobs are growing in number— they will be up 7 percent by 2032. From now until then, about 25,700 dental assistant jobs should open up. 

Is a Dental Assistant Degree Hard? 

A Dental Assistant Degree may be challenging for some students. Coursework may cover a wide range of topics, from dental terminology and human anatomy to patient care techniques. Students are expected to show knowledge of dental equipment, as they will maintain it for dentists, and learn basic administrative skills. 

Select VA-Approved Colleges with Dental Assistant Programs

Alamo Colleges District- Alamo Colleges District offers Associate’s Degrees in Dental Assisting and Dental Laboratory Technology. It has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, is approved for Tuition Assistance, and awards credit for the CLEP exam. Alamo Colleges District is a MyCAA-approved school. 

Trenholm State Community College- Trenholm State Community College offers an Associates Degree in Dental Assisting. The school has GI Bill approved programs and offers credit for military experience.

Wallace State Community College- Wallace State Community College offers an Associates Degree in Dental Assisting and has GI Bill approved programs and offers credit for military experience, is approved for Tuition Assistance, and awards credit for the CLEP exam.Wallace State Community College is a Yellow Ribbon school. 

Phoenix College- Phoenix College offers an Associates Degree in Dental Assisting. Phoenix College has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, awards credit for the CLEP exam and is approved for Tuition Assistance. Phoenix College is a MyCAA-approved school.