Oral health is critical to overall health. Dental assistants are clinical specialists who play an important role in dental practices by assisting dentists during procedures, maintaining up-to-date patient records, and instructing patients on oral hygiene. Training as a dental assistant prepares individuals for jobs in this in-demand healthcare field.
The Dayton area has a growing need for dental assistants, and aspiring professionals in Ohio can launch their careers by enrolling in a dental assisting program there.
Why Go to Dental Assistant School in Dayton, Ohio?
Dental assistants need a blend of patient care, administrative, and clinical skills to be successful. But what makes dental assistant school a good option in the Dayton area? Dental assistant programs in Ohio provide career-focused preparation that takes less time than many degree programs, and there are ample employment opportunities for dental assistants in the state. Here are more reasons to choose a dental assistant school in Dayton, Ohio, for your education.
Prepare for In-Demand Jobs
Demand for dental care continues to rise, and that translates into demand for dental assistants. Employment of dental assistants in Ohio is expected to grow 6% from 2020 to 2030, which is in line with the projected nationwide job growth rate for this career, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Dental assistant schools typically prepare students to seek employment in less than one year.
Gain Clinical Experience
A dental assisting program can help students build valuable clinical skills. Dental assisting programs incorporate coursework in dental anatomy, laboratory procedures, and oral health. Students also gain hands-on experience through labs, simulations, and supervised clinical practicums. These experiential learning opportunities strengthen students’ skills and prepare them for entry-level roles in dental care.
Work in a Rewarding Field
Dental assistants provide patient-focused care, preparing individuals for procedures, educating them about oral hygiene, and providing emotional support. Working closely with patients makes dental assisting a rewarding profession for many people.
Pursue Career Advancement Opportunities
Experienced dental assistants can pursue several paths for career advancement. In Ohio, they can become certified as a dental X-ray machine operator or an expanded function dental auxiliary (EFDA), which allows dental assistants to apply sealants. Dental assistants can also move into related roles in healthcare such as medical assistant roles.
Requirements for Dental Assistant School in Dayton, Ohio
Becoming a dental assistant in Dayton requires specialized training. To qualify for a dental assistant program, applicants must meet certain admission requirements. Most programs only admit high school graduates or those with an equivalent credential, such as a General Educational Development (GED) diploma. Depending on the program, applicants may need to provide their academic records. Candidates may also need to complete an interview as part of the admission process.
After enrolling in a dental assistant program, students complete coursework in the following areas.
Classroom requirements: Dental assisting students study oral health sciences, dental terminology, and infection control regulations in the classroom. Other topics include dental disease prevention, community dental health, and oral radiographic theory. Coursework also covers administrative procedures with a focus on dental office management.
Clinical requirements: Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory instruction, chairside dental assisting, and dental specialty practice. Programs prepare students to operate diagnostic equipment, including X-ray machines, oral evacuation equipment, and ultrasonic units. These components help students strengthen their clinical techniques to prepare them to work directly with patients and dentists.
Dental Assistant School Benefits and Career Outcomes
Once students complete their classroom and clinical requirements, they graduate with a dental assisting diploma, which qualifies them for entry-level dental assisting positions in Ohio. They can also pursue certification through the Dental Assisting National Board or train for specialty certificates offered by the Ohio State Dental Board.
Nationally, the demand for preventive dental services remains high, and as dental practices expand and new practices open to meet this demand, they will need assistants to perform clinical and administrative tasks. Dental assistants in West Ohio, which includes Dayton, are expected to see 3.2% job growth from 2020 to 2030, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
Train to Be a Dental Assistant at Fortis College
Are you ready to become a dental assistant? The dental assisting program at Fortis College in Centerville, Ohio, can help you build the dental care knowledge and clinical skills you will need to work in this growing field. With its emphasis on hands-on practice, the program is designed to allow you to develop career-specific abilities.
Located on a modern campus in Centerville, eight miles south of Dayton, Fortis offers a flexible hybrid format for its dental assisting program. By taking classes online and meeting clinical requirements in person, you can balance your schoolwork with your other obligations. Contact Fortis to learn more about becoming a dental assistant in the Dayton area.
Recommended Readings
What It’s Like to Work in Pediatric Dentistry as a Dental Assistant
Dental Hygienist vs Dental Assistant: What’s the Difference?
Beyond the Dentist’s Chair: Career Opportunities for Dental Assistants