Dental Assistant schools near me in Portland
In the Portland metro area, the average cost of a Licensed Dental Assistant class is $4,215. The average class length is approximately ten weeks long.
Healthcare classes near
Portland, OR 97204Online classes
Financial aid
Carrington College - Portland Campus
Dental Assisting
- Earn a certificate in under a year, fast-tracking your career
- Flexible learning with 12 locations across AZ, CA, ID, NM, OR, WA
MedCerts
Fully online Dental Assistant class
- Fully online, at your own schedule 24/7
- In-person externship matching done after class
Schools not available on Dreambound
Hostos Community College
Online Dental Assistant Classes
$1,620 total
College of Western Idaho - Online
Online Dental Assistant Classes
As the primary point of contact for patients, dental assistants play a critical role in the day-to-day operations of the office. They manage patient records, schedule appointments, take X-rays and imprints, and even help the dentist during procedures. A good dental assistant provides professional and courteous customer care that makes every patient feel comfortable and informed.
No cost info
Southern Maine Community College - South Portland Campus
Online Dental Assistant Classes
No cost info
Anderson University, Indiana
Online Dental Assistant Classes
Anderson University in Indiana provides a comprehensive Dental Assistant Certification program that prepares individuals for a successful career in healthcare. The program meets the growing demand for qualified dental professionals and covers topics such as dental anatomy, radiography, infection control, and chairside assisting techniques. Hands-on training in a clinical setting allows students to gain real-world experience, while the program also emphasizes the development of communication and interpersonal skills. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Anderson University offers a supportive learning environment. Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed for employment in various dental settings. Overall, the program at Anderson University offers a well-rounded education and prepares students for a rewarding career in dental assisting.
$4,000 total
Rochester Community and Technical College - Online
Dental Assistant Diploma
Admission into the Dental Assistant program is based on a rolling admissions system of accepting applicants who meet eligibility criteria. Applicants must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA for the part-time 2yr option and a 2.75 cumulative GPA for the accelerated 1yr program option. All applicants must meet college level reading/writing requirements and have taken Biology with a ‘C’ or higher within the past five years, calculated from the Fall Semester in which you plan entry into the Dental Assistant Program. Click Admission for more information about admissions requirements. Admissions window opens in January for fall start.
No cost info
Chattanooga State Community College Online
Online Dental Assistant Classes
The 3-semester certificate program provides a foundation in the health sciences along with extensive training in the technology necessary to perform those tasks delegated to dental assistants by the State Dental Practice Act. Clinical training experiences working with dentists and patients are provided in private offices of practicing dentist, at community health centers, and at the Dental Center on the Chattanooga State campus on Amnicola Highway. Students who successfully complete this program are eligible for Registration as a dental assistant in Tennessee with state certifications in Dental Radiology, Sealant Application, Monitoring Nitrous Oxide, and Coronal Polishing. Graduates are also eligible to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board Examination (DANB) Examination to become a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).
The Dental Assisting program is a 1-year certificate program with an option to earn an Associate of Applied Science, which is designed to provide a career ladder for individuals who have graduated from or who are currently enrolled in an American Dental Association accredited dental assisting certificate program and seek to obtain an Associate of Applied Science degree. The program is designed to broaden the student’s education through the addition of a broad general education core and additional electives. There are two pathways by which students may meet the requirements of this degree. The traditional pathway, in which the student completes the 1-year certificate program and continues to take the additional courses required to complete the degree requirements, and the Advances placement pathway, in which the student is awarded 36 semester hours of advanced placement for holding current state or national certification or registration as a result of graduation from a program that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
No cost info
Northeastern Illinois University Bootcamps by Quickstart
Online Dental Assistant Classes
Our online Dental Assistant Training combines coursework and hands-on experience to help you prepare to take the next steps toward a new career with confidence. You’ll learn essential knowledge and clinical skills that are aligned to industry certification exams, like the NELDA component exams and can also help you prepare to sit for the AMT Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification. Then you’ll participate in a 100-hour externship to practice what you learned in real-world situations!
No cost info
U.S. Career Institute
Online Dental Assistant Classes
U.S. Career Institute's Online Dental Assisting Program provides graduates with theoretical instruction and practical skills that prepare students to obtain entry-level dental assistant positions in a dentist’s office. Work alongside dentists, orthodontists, and other oral healthcare specialists. You will receive complete step-by-step illustrated lessons and virtual labs that prepare you for this rewarding, in-demand dental assistant career.
$1,239 total
Cincinnati State Technical & Community College Online
Online Dental Assistant Classes
Cincinnati State Technical & Community College Online offers a comprehensive Dental Assistant certification program that prepares students for successful careers in healthcare. The program covers both clinical and administrative dental procedures, providing students with a solid foundation in dental anatomy, oral hygiene techniques, dental materials, radiography, and infection control protocols. Hands-on training opportunities allow students to develop practical skills and gain confidence in working with patients. The program also emphasizes dental office management and patient communication skills. Upon completion, students are eligible to take the Certified Dental Assistant exam, enhancing their employment opportunities. The online format offers flexibility and convenience, making it ideal for individuals with busy schedules. Overall, the program equips graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the dental industry and positively impact oral health in their community.
No cost info
Mercy University
Clinical Dental Assistant (Vouchers Included)
- Earn your certificate online with flexible study options for your schedule.
- Prepares for key portions of NELDA and CDA certification exams.
$2,995 total
Licensed Dental Assistant Classes Near Me in Portland
As the city of Portland continues to experience growth, the demand for skilled healthcare professionals, especially dental assistants, has been steadily increasing. If you're contemplating a career as a dental assistant and reside in the Portland area, you're in a favorable position. There are numerous options available near you to become a dental assistant, presenting a great opportunity to embark on this fulfilling career path.
In this blog post, we'll delve into the realm of dental assistant training in Portland, covering everything from the prerequisites to become a dental assistant, to the quickest route to certification, and the prevailing job market trends in the city. By exploring these aspects, this blog will equip you with the necessary knowledge and resources to pursue a competitive dental assistant salary in the thriving healthcare sector of Portland.
What is a Dental Assistant?
A dental assistant is a crucial member of the dental healthcare team, responsible for providing support to dentists during various procedures. Their duties can include sterilizing instruments, preparing treatment rooms, assisting the dentist during procedures, and even performing some basic administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records.
Training Requirements in Portland
To become a dental assistant in Portland, you'll need to complete a formal training program. The requirements can vary, but most programs in the area require a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as a clean criminal background check. The training itself can take anywhere from a few months to a year, depending on the program and the level of certification you're seeking.
The Fastest Path to Becoming a Dental Assistant in Portland
If you're looking to become a dental assistant as quickly as possible, the fastest option in Portland is to enroll in a certificate program. These programs are typically completed in just a few months, with some as short as 10-12 weeks. One example is the Dental Assisting Certificate program offered at Portland Community College, which can be completed in just 12 weeks.
Dental Assistant Classes in Portland
There are several options for dental assistant classes in the Portland area, each with its own unique features and requirements. Here are a few examples:
Portland Community College
- Program: Dental Assisting Certificate
- Length: 12 weeks
- Cost: Approximately $3,000
- Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, criminal background check
This program covers all the essential skills and knowledge needed to become a dental assistant, including dental terminology, infection control, dental radiology, and chairside assisting. Upon completion, students are eligible to take the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam.
Mt. Hood Community College
- Program: Dental Assisting Associate of Applied Science
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: Approximately $12,000
- Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, placement test, criminal background check
This comprehensive program offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Dental Assisting. In addition to the core dental assisting curriculum, students also take general education courses, preparing them for a wider range of career opportunities.
Concorde Career College
- Program: Dental Assisting Diploma
- Length: 10 months
- Cost: Approximately $18,000
- Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, placement test, criminal background check
Concorde Career College's Dental Assisting Diploma program is designed to provide students with the hands-on training and clinical experience needed to succeed in the field. The program includes instruction in dental terminology, dental materials, and chairside assisting, among other topics.
Exploring a Career in Dental Assistant Outside Portland
If you're aiming to pursue a career as a Dental Assistant but find yourself in a different state, remember, your goal is still within reach. You can explore opportunities to start your career as a Dental Assistant in places like Bakersfield, El Paso, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Syracuse. If these locations don't work for you, Dreambound simplifies the journey to becoming a Dental Assistant no matter where you live. By enabling you to find and compare Dental Assistant classes with a quick zip code search, Dreambound empowers you to move forward confidently towards a rewarding career in healthcare, regardless of your current location.
Online and Free Options in Portland
While in-person training programs are the most common path to becoming a dental assistant in Portland, there are also some online and free options available.
Online Courses Several online schools, such as Penn Foster and Ashworth College, offer self-paced dental assistant training programs that can be completed entirely online. These programs are a good option for those who need more flexibility in their schedule or prefer to learn at their own pace.
Free Programs While free dental assistant training programs are less common, there are a few options in the Portland area. One example is the Dental Assisting Program offered by the Salvation Army's Cascade Division, which provides free training to eligible individuals.
The Certification Process
Once you've completed your dental assistant training, the next step is to obtain certification. In Oregon, dental assistants are required to pass the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). This exam covers topics such as general chairside assisting, radiation health and safety, and infection control.
The Job Market for Dental Assistants in Portland
The job outlook for dental assistants in Portland is quite promising. As the population of the city continues to grow, so too does the demand for dental services, and by extension, dental assistants. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of dental assistants in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro metropolitan area is projected to grow by 7% between 2022 and 2032, faster than the national average.
Some of the potential employers for dental assistants in Portland include:
- Private dental practices
- Dental clinics
- University dental schools
- Hospitals with dental departments
- Community health centers
The median annual salary for dental assistants in the Portland area is around $42,000, which is slightly higher than the national average.
Final Thoughts
If you're interested in becoming a dental assistant and live in the Portland area, you have several options available to you. From short-term certificate programs to longer associate degree programs, there are training opportunities to fit a variety of schedules and budgets. And with the growing demand for dental services in the city, the job market for dental assistants looks promising.
Whether you're just starting to explore this career path or you're ready to take the next step, we hope this blog post has provided you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your future as a dental assistant in Portland.
Wondering if there's more? Perhaps these other articles will be more helpful if this one isn't exactly what you're after:
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