Registered Dental Assistant Programs

Registered dental assistants help dentists perform a variety of oral health and dental laboratory procedures. Many states now require dental assistants to become registered to practice fully, according to DentalAssistantStudies.com. Becoming registered isn't the same as certification, which is voluntary. In states that do not require dental assistants to become registered, employers still are more attracted to professionals who are registered. The median hourly wage of a registered dental assistant in 2010 was $15.83, according to Payscale.com. Several schools offer programs for students who are interested in becoming registered dental assistants.
  1. Washtenaw Community College

    • Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Michigan, offers a dental assisting program that covers topics such as oral diagnosis, dental materials, dental radiography and expanded duties for the registered dental assistant. Students also study oral anatomy and dental practice management. Students in the program can complete courses online and simply travel to complete clinical experiences and workshops. The program lasts from one to six semesters and is designed for current or aspiring dental assistants who want to earn the registered dental assistant credential, which allows them to perform additionally delegated functions in a dental office. Only a registered/licensed dental assistant in Michigan can legally perform specific intra-oral duties. Washtenaw Community College's dental assisting certificate program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. The college was founded in 1965.

      Washtenaw Community College
      4800 E. Huron River Drive
      Ann Arbor, MI 48105
      734-973-3338
      www.wccnet.edu

    Cerritos College

    • Cerritos College in Norwalk, California, offers a dental assisting program that prepares students to take the California state board examination to become a registered dental assistant as well as the national certifying examination to become a certified dental assistant. The program lasts three semesters and includes classroom training along with clinical experiences at area dental schools and private dental offices. Through the program, students also fulfill the requirements needed to obtain certification in radiology and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. Cerritos College was founded in 1955.

      Cerritos College
      11110 Alondra Blvd.
      Norwalk, CA 90650
      562-860-2451
      cms.cerritos.edu

    Palomar College

    • Palomar College in San Marcos, California, offers a registered dental assistant program that lasts one year. In the program, students complete hands-on training in dental offices throughout San Diego County and also receive front office training. Required courses include preventive dentistry concepts such as coronal polishing and advanced clinical procedures such as using impression materials to create study models. Students complete clinical training using high-quality dental equipment and can even apply their dental assisting credits toward an associate degree. Following the program, students can take the California Registered Dental Assistant Exam. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. Palomar College was founded in 1946.

      Palomar College
      1140 W. Mission Road
      San Marcos, CA 92069
      760-744-1150, ext. 3631
      www.palomar.edu

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