Take high school courses in chemistry, biology, computer science, and health and office management. Obtain your high school diploma.
Determine your career plan to know what education you should pursue. For example, a diploma or certificate course takes about one year to complete, and you can start working earlier. An associate's degree takes two years to complete but is a higher-level qualification that is more appealing to prospective employers.
Browse the website of Healthcare Careers (see Resource 1) and study the dental assisting programs of various colleges. Compare programs for theory course topics, hands-on experience opportunities, and soft-skills training in dealing with patients.
Select a suitable program and check whether it is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) by browsing the American Dental Association website (see Resource 2). Complete the admission formalities, and attend classes regularly. Complete the prescribed coursework and pass the specified exams to obtain your degree or diploma.
Approach dentists practicing in your area and ask them to take you on as a trainee. Although you may have the educational qualifications to become a dental assistant, a lot of the actual training comes from real-life situations in the dental clinic.
Observe the dental assistants as they perform their jobs. Ask questions to clarify anything you don't understand, and help with clinical and laboratory work as well as managing the front office. Make it a practice to speak to all patients with genuine concern, and develop your communication skills.