Dental Assistant

Keeping America Smiling

As the Baby Boomer population ages, and as people keep more of their original teeth than did previous generations, the need to maintain and treat teeth will continue to increase the demand for dental care.

Dental Assistants work with dentists and other oral health professionals to complete routine tasks in the dental office, allowing dentists to see more patients and spend their time working on more complex procedures. The need for well-trained Dental Assistants is greater than ever before as the number of dental offices continues to grow to meet increasing demands for preventive dental services.

Learn how North-West College can help you train to become a Dental Assistant and begin working alongside dentists, dental hygienists and other oral health care professionals in a dental office, clinic or other dental health facility.

"I came to North West College Riverside campus not knowing what I wanted to do in life. I learned to have compassion and understand the patients. I have a job now as a medical assistant and all I could say is I'm very grateful that I attended this college."

Elizabeth V. Ruiz, Medical Assistant

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How did your experience at North-West College help you? Did our career services team help you find a job after you graduated? Have you been promoted to a new position?
If you have a story you would like to share, we would love to hear it! "

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"I developed great self-esteem working with the staff and instructors of North-West College. They helped me so much I was able to move back to my home state and was employed by the first employer I submitted my application with. Thank you so much for the learning experience that I received from your school!"

Diantha Polley, Medical Assistant

"Thanks to North-West College, I’ve had the opportunity to acquire skills that I needed to be successful! Thanks North-West!"

Gabrielle Maria Romero

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Job Growth Outlook:

Employment of Dental Assistants is projected to grow 25 percent from 2012 to 2022, - much faster than the average for all occupations. Ongoing research linking oral health and general health will likely continue to increase the demand for preventive dental services. Dentists will continue to hire more Dental Assistants to complete routine tasks, allowing the dentist to see more patients in their practice and to spend their time on more complex procedures. As dental practices grow, more Dental Assistants will be needed.

Dental Assistants

Percent change in employment, projected 2014-24

Dental Assistants: 18%

Other health care support occupations: 19%

Total, all occupations: 7%

Number of Jobs, 2014:: 318,800

Employment Change, 2014-24:: 58,600

Job Growth Outlook:(Much faster than average): 18%

Dental Assistant Overview

Dental Assistants perform many tasks, ranging from patient care and taking x-rays to record keeping and scheduling appointments. Specific duties vary by state and by the dentists’ offices where they work.

Dental Assistants routinely perform a variety of important tasks, including:

Scheduling patient appointments.
Preparing patients and the work area for treatments and procedures.
Sterilizing and preparing dental instruments.
Assisting dentists during dental procedures.
Instructing patients in proper oral hygiene.
Processing x-rays and complete lab tasks, under the direction of a dentist.
Recording and updating patient dental treatment records.
Working with patients on billing and payment.
Performing other chairside procedures.

The Dental Assistant program at North-West College is a career-focused technical training program designed to provide you with the training you need to start working in a dental office. This is a hands-on program that focuses on equipping you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a Dental Assistant.

*North-West College cannot guarantee employment.

Train at a campus near you!

The Dental Assistant program is available at the following campuses:

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