Becoming a dental assistant can be a rewarding career choice, offering job stability, competitive pay, and numerous opportunities for advancement within the dental field. However, before you can begin working your new career, you’ll need proper training – and there’s actually quite a lot that goes into dental assisting! This means you’ll need to select a program that will adequately prepare you for every challenge or situation you’ll face along the way. But with so many training programs available, how do you know which is a good fit for you? There are a few key things you’ll want to keep in mind; here’s more.
1. Tuition Costs & Financial Aid
Cost is an important factor when enrolling in any sort of program, so don’t hesitate to compare tuition fees across different programs, including any you’re interested in. Consider additional costs such as textbooks and e-book access codes, lab fees, and certification exam fees. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of food and gas, if you’re planning to commute! Apart from tuition fees, potential students should also inquire about payment options, as well as scholarships or other forms of financial aid, depending on the selected school.
2. Hands-On Training & Externships
Dental assisting is a hands-on profession, and while you can certainly learn a lot about it from reading textbooks and attending lectures, at the end of the day, you need to get your feet wet. Look for programs that offer clinical labs, where you can practice skills like taking impressions, sterilizing instruments, and assisting during procedures. Externships or internships at dental offices are also useful, as these give you real-world experience while also letting you form connections with other professionals in the field.
3. Program Length & Schedule Flexibility
Dental assistant programs vary in length, typically ranging from several months to a couple of years. Some programs offer accelerated courses, while others allow you to study and go about things part-time. If you have other, outside-of-work commitments such as work or a large family, you should consider programs that can match your schedule’s flexibility – they exist, but you just might have to do some research first! Aside from that, also be sure that whatever program you choose covers everything it needs to: anatomy, oral health, practices, procedures, etc. A useful way to compare programs is to acquire a course content guide for each.
4. Reputations and Reviews
Reviews are an incredibly useful tool for spreading feedback, both positive and negative, about dental assisting courses. Before committing to a program, it never hurts to read through former (or current) student reviews and ask for recommendations. If possible, speak directly to a current student or graduate – they’ll be able to share stories and things they remember from their personal experience. You might also check around with local dental offices to see if they recommend any certain programs.
Choosing the right dental assisting program is an important step toward a successful career in the field. By considering all of these aspects, you can ensure that your chosen program meets every one of your needs and successfully sets you up for a happy, thriving career!
About the Green Country School of Dental Assisting
Our team here at the Green Country School of Dental Assisting has proudly assisted countless aspiring dental assistants in Claremore and the surrounding community over the years, and we’d love to help you take your first steps into your exciting new career. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to request additional information about enrollment, please visit us online or call today for assistance! Telephone: (918) 343-7188.