Do You Have to Go to School to Start a Dental Assistant Career in Colorado?
Are you considering a dental assistant career? One of the first questions you may have is whether formal education and certification are required. If not education, what skills you require to succeed. You may also be wondering about job security and earning potential. This blog covers all this and more!
Do You Need a Degree to Be a Dental Assistant?
Requirements vary by state, but a college degree is not required. However, all states require a GED or high school diploma. Many states require certification, but not Colorado. You will need to obtain radiology and infection control training.
American Institute of Dental Assisting (AIDA) prepares you for both your radiation and infection control exam. Also, for the certified dental assistant exam if you move to a state that requires certification.
How Do I Obtain Radiology Training?
Most dental clinics prefer to hire candidates that have previous experience or training from an accredited dental assisting school. However, some dental clinics will invest time in hands-on and fully supervised training per the state’s requirements. These clinics are few and far between, as the training is a significant investment in time and labor dollars.
So, most new to the field attend a school that prepares them to take the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam.
How to Select a Dental Assisting School?
One of the many ways AIDA stands out from our competitors is that we offer hands-on training in a live dental clinic. This provides you with confidence and peace of mind when you begin your new dental assistant career, and a competitive edge when applying for jobs!
These determining factors will help you narrow down your options:
- If you’ll be working full-time, ensure they have evening and weekend classes and live clinic timeslots.
- Ensure you understand the length of their course and the different types of courses that they offer.
- Explore their payment plans and financial aid options.
- Prioritize schools that offer hands-on training in a live dental clinic.
- Ask if the school provides job placement assistance.
How in Demand Is the Dental Assisting Field?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average growth rate of most industries in any given 10-year period is 5%. However, the demand for dental assistants is expected to be 8% between 2021 and 2031!
Nationwide there are approximately 56,400 dental assistant job openings per year. In our state, there are approximately 7,300 employed dental assistants.
Everyone requires dental care, so even if you move out of state, you have a viable and in-demand career path.
How Much Money Do Dental Assistants Make?
Like all professions, you are likely to start at the lower end of the pay spectrum. Currently, the average salary in Colorado is $21 per hour. Without experience, you may begin at closer to $18 per hour. Investing in Expanded Duties Dental Assisting (EDDA) training may increase your entry-level and ongoing salary.
According to Dental Post, as of 2021, the average salary in our state is as follows:
- Boulder employs around 600 DAs with an average annual salary of $45,370.
- Colorado Springs employs around 1,300 DAs with an average annual salary of $40,330.
- Denver employs around 4,100 DAs with an average salary of $45,780.
- Fort Collins employs around 600 DAs with an average salary of $46,610.
- Grand Junction employs around 250 DAs with an average salary of $38,460.
- Greeley employs around 350 DAs with an average salary of $37,260.
- Pueblo employs around 250 DAs with an average salary of $39,450.
Ready to Learn More!
AIDA’s 13-week dental assisting program is designed with working professionals in mind, which is why we offer evening and weekend classes and clinic timeslots. To strengthen your resume at any time after your initial training, we offer a 7-week EDDA program.
Reach out today to learn more!