If you’re searching for an in-demand career path that you can pursue without a college degree, dental assisting in Colarado is an option! Each state’s Dental Board has unique qualification requirements for dental assisting. In the State of Colorado, you don’t have to go to school—but you may want to.
Qualifications For Becoming a Dental Assistant in Colorado
In some states, you must be certified by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) to become a dental assistant (DA). In Colorado, there is not a DA-specific license or certification.
However, you will need to be:
- At least 18 years of age.
- Have a high school diploma or GED.
- Pass the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) and Infectious Control (ICE) exams*.
- Have CPR or Basic Life Support training.
While those are the basic requirements, most dental practices will only consider candidates with formal training from an accredited school. However, some dentists are willing to provide dental board-approved, supervised training.
*You must be 18 years of age to perform X-rays. AIDA is the only school that offers both exams.
What Is Supervised Dental Assistant Training?
If a practice is open to it, they can provide supervised training with either or both a licensed dentist or dental hygienist. This will teach you everything you need to know to thrive in your new career. The challenge is that most practices won’t take the time to provide supervised training.
A trained dental assistant streamlines the practice, lightening the load of the dentist, hygienist, and office staff. Providing ground-up training is time-intensive on two fronts. First, the practice will have to create a comprehensive training module and have it approved by the Colorado Dental Board. Second, they must invest at least 2 months in your training. This is a big investment in both time and money.
So, while you can technically train this way, most practices don’t go this route.
What Is EDDA Training?
In Colorado, the Dental Board allows DAs to expand their training and job duties with Expanded Duties Dental Assisting (EDDA) training. Dental practices are more likely to provide EDDA training in-house, but they may prefer you seek external training.
What Is The Fastest Way to Get Hired As a Dental Assistant?
Since most dental practices won’t invest in supervised training, going to school is the best option—but traditional college education isn’t necessary!
There are a variety of accredited local programs to choose from, with key differences in cost, time, and career preparedness.
The American Institute of Dental Assisting’s accredited program:
- Is 13 weeks long.
- Costs $5,995 for DA training.*
- Costs $3,995* more for EDDA training (7 weeks more).
- Includes hands-on practice with patients in a live dental clinic.
- Has evening and weekend classes so you can work during the day.
- Provides a variety of scholarships, financing options, and payment options.
- Includes resume writing, interview coaching, and job placement assistance.
- Is the first place many local dentists call to fill their open positions.
*Prices are subject to change.
What Do Other Local Dental Assisting Schools Cost?
There are a variety of programs to consider, including online-only courses. The options below may encourage an on-your-own-time internship/externship, but AIDA’s programs build hands-on practice into your education.
The prices stated below are subject to change:
- U.S. Career Institute: $1,239 for a 5-month online-only program.
- Pikes Peak State College: $15,000 to $20,000 for a 4-semester program.
- Pima Community College: $9,000 to $12,000 for a 2-semester program.
Also consider, that with formal training your starting pay is likely to be at least $1 more per hour with an accelerated pay scale.
Ready to Learn More About AIDA’s Dental Assisting Program?
If you’re considering a career as a dental assistant, we invite you to schedule a tour with AIDA to learn more about our program first-hand!