{"id":5479,"date":"2026-01-07T20:27:04","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T20:27:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/extendeded\/?page_id=5479"},"modified":"2026-01-08T14:05:43","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T14:05:43","slug":"clinical-dental-assistant-certification-training","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/extendeded\/clinical-dental-assistant-certification-training\/","title":{"rendered":"Clinical Dental Assistant Certification Training"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Prepare for the Certified Dental Assistant Exam Online<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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This online Clinical Dental Assistant certification training will equip you for career success\u2014with no previous experience necessary! You will learn about every aspect of professional dental assisting, including invaluable real-world perspectives from experienced dental assistants and essential information about anatomy and physiology, preventive dentistry, patient care and communication, radiology, pharmacology, anesthesia, assisting in specialty practices, employment strategies, and much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will even explore the basics of maintaining computerized clinical dental records using Dentrix Practice Management software. You will also be ready to pursue certification as a dental assistant by passing the radiology, infection control, and anatomy and physiology portions of the Dental Assisting National Board examinations \u2013 NELDA or CDA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Students of this clinical Dental Assistant program can participate in ed2go’s optional Clinical Experience support program. The application for the Clinical Experience support program is within the course. You must be 80% complete within this dental assistant course before you are eligible to reach out to a Clinical Experience Team member for program information. Once you have gained clinical experience and in-person hours, you will be prepared for the general dental assistant certification exam. See below for the full requirements.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ENROLL NOW<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Job Outlook for Clinical Dental Assistants<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary of a dental assistant is $46,540 as of May 2023. The highest 10% of earners make over $61,060 annually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Employment is projected to grow by 7% through 2032, which is considered much faster than average. On average, 55,100 new job openings are projected for these professionals over this time period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Clinical Dental Assistant FAQs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a clinical dental assistant? What does a clinical dental assistant do?<\/strong><\/summary>\n

Clinical dental assistant jobs vary based on the dental office and the state your work in. Typical duties include preparing patients for treatment, sterilizing tools, instructing on proper dental hygiene, passing instruments to the dentist during procedures, keeping records of treatments, scheduling appointments and processing x-rays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long will it take to become a clinical dental assistant?<\/strong><\/summary>\n

Most clinical dental assistant training programs can be completed in one year or less. This does not include the time you will spend participating in a Clinical Experience or similar position to gain experience in the field. It also does not include the required two years of work experience you will need to become certified as a dental assistant.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

What are the requirements to become a certified dental assistant?<\/strong><\/summary>\n

To become a Certified Dental Assistant, you will need to pass the three components of the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certification Exam and meet the Board\u2019s work experience requirements. You will need to pass the Radiation Health and Safety, Infection Control, and General Chairside components of the DANB Certification Exam as well as complete at least two years of work experience (or a minimum of 3,500 hours accrued over a two to four year period<\/em>).<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

What kind of hours do clinical dental assistants work?<\/strong><\/summary>\n

Most dental assistants work a full-time schedule of 40 hours per week, however there are some dental assistants that work part-time. Many of the hours will be worked during the day, but depending on your dental office, you may be asked to work some evenings or weekends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Where do clinical dental assistants work?<\/strong><\/summary>\n

Almost all clinical dental assistants work in dental offices under the supervision of dentists, though some may find employment with the government or in physicians\u2019 offices. Dental assistants work very closely with dental hygienists. In this position, you will be on your feet for large portions of the day and wear surgical masks, safety goggles, gloves, and protective clothing to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the difference between a clinical and administrative dental assistant?<\/strong><\/summary>\n

While both roles are important components of the dental staff, an administrative dental assistant focuses more on the office’s administrative tasks, such as greeting patients, collecting patient information, filling out medical forms, organizing office records, and other clerical tasks. On the other hand, a clinical dental assistant helps dentists and dental hygienists with treatment procedures, sterilization and disinfection of dental tools, patient charting, taking vital signs, processing quality radiographs (x-rays), and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is a dental assistant vs a dental hygienist?<\/strong><\/summary>\n

Dental assistants and dental hygienists are essential members of the dental office’s daily operations. Dental hygienists have a larger scope of practice and additional education and are more active in patient care planning and diagnosis. Dental assistants play an invaluable role in supporting both hygienists and dentists. This position is excellent for those just starting their careers, allowing fewer entry barriers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Course Objectives<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n