Dental Assistant
Career Description
Dental assistants perform various tasks that may be interpersonal, technical or administrative. They expose and develop X-rays, coordinate and implement infection control products, take diagnostic impressions, maintain inventory control, perform numerous offce management tasks and assist the dentist with equipment at chairside.
Annual Salary
| Entry: $22,194 | Mean: $28,624 | Experienced: $31,866 |
| Source: Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, November 2004 | ||
Hourly Wage
| Entry: $10.67 | Mean: $13.77 | Experienced: $15.32 |
| Source: Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, November 2004 | ||
Academic Requirements
On-the-job training is a popular method of acquiring dental assistant skills. Community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes or universities also offer training programs. Certification through the Dental Assisting National Board may be an asset when seeking employment. One-year program enrollees receive a certificate or diploma upon completion while those in two-year programs finish with an associate’s degree. Certification is an option for training program graduates or for individuals with two years of experience.
Schools
Adlard School of Dental Assisting
356-1300
Concorde Career College
816/531-5223
High Tech Institute
866/502-2627
Penn Valley Community College
816/759-4000
Professional Associations
National
American Dental Assistants Association
American Dental Association
American Dental Hygienists’ Association
State
Missouri Dental Association
Missouri Dental Hygienists' Association
Missouri State Dental Board
Greater Kansas City Dental Society
