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How to Become a Dental Assistant in Iowa

Dental assistants are key players in dental offices throughout Iowa. They work with patients, dentists, and hygienists to keep practices running smoothly and patient care safe and effective. To become a dental assistant in Iowa, consider going to school to complete an accredited dental assistant program.

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How to Become a Dental Assistant Trainee in Iowa

All dental assistants in the state, even those training on the job, must register with the Iowa Dental Board. To become a dental assistant trainee, you must:

  • Be a high school graduate and at least 17 years old
  • Find a dentist for employment and training
  • Apply to the Iowa Dental Board
  • Submit a statement from the employer

Trainee status only lasts for 12 months. As a trainee, you are expected to work toward the requirements for becoming a registered dental assistant.

How to Become a Registered Dental Assistant in Iowa

You do not have to start as a trainee to become a registered dental assistant in Iowa. You can choose from one of three pathways:

  1. Working in a dental practice as a registered trainee for at least six months
  2. Working at a practice within another state for at least six months within the past two years
  3. Graduating from an accredited dental assistant school

You can apply with the Iowa Dental Board to become registered once you have met one of the above qualifications and the following additional requirements:

  • Complete courses in infection control and hazardous waste and pass a related exam
  • Complete a course in jurisprudence and pass a corresponding exam
  • Earn certification in CPR

Additional Credentials for Iowa Dental Assistants

Any dental assistant can operate X-ray equipment if qualified and licensed by the board. You need to be a registered trainee or dental assistant or have completed a dental assistant program to qualify. You must also have completed a course in dental radiography and passed the Radiation Health and Safety exam through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

Iowa also recognizes two levels of registered dental assistants qualified to perform specific expanded functions: Level 1 provider and level 2 provider. You must be a DANB Certified Dental Assistant, have completed an accredited dental assistant program, or have worked under a dentist for at least one year as a registered dental assistant. 

Accredited Dental Assisting Program and Dental Assistant Schools in Iowa

Completing an academic program in dental assisting is not required in Iowa. It’s a good pathway to take for several reasons. You’ll need to become nationally certified, and it can help you transition to dental hygiene later. Having the advantage of education will also make you a better job candidate and will allow you to perform expanded functions and earn a higher salary. Iowa has nine schools with accredited programs for dental assistants:

  • Des Moines Area Community College, Ankeny
  • Eastern Iowa Community College District, Scott Community College, Bettendorf
  • Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids
  • Iowa Western Community College, Council Bluffs
  • Marshalltown Community College, Marshalltown
  • Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa
  • Northeast Iowa Community College, Peosta
  • Western Iowa Tech Community College, Sioux City
  • Hawkeye Community College, Waterloo

Another option is to complete an online program, like the one offered by Penn Foster, or search for more dental assistant programs here.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Dental Assistant?

The length of time needed to complete a dental assistant program depends on the path you take. If you begin as a registered trainee, you can start working immediately. You’ll learn on the job as you complete the requirements to become a registered dental assistant. You can potentially become registered within six months.

If you choose to complete an academic program first, the time it takes depends on the program you choose. An associate degree program typically takes two years. In contrast, a diploma or certificate course will take one year or less to finish.

Specialized Accrediting Body Recognized by the Iowa Dental Board

The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is recognized by the state of Iowa as a specialized accrediting body for dental assistant programs. This means that any program accredited by DANB will meet the requirements to become registered as a dental assistant in Iowa.

You can check if your chosen program is accredited on the DANB website.

CODA is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the ADA that also accredits dental assistant programs.

Dental Assisting Exams Required for Certification in Iowa

You must pass the DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam to become registered as a dental assistant in Iowa. The CDA is a general chairside exam that covers topics like infection control, dentition, anatomy, chairside assisting, and radiology.

You can find more information about the CDA exam on the DANB website, including how to register and what to expect on test day.

Career Outlook in Dental Assisting

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports an 11% growth rate in dental assisting careers nationwide. In Iowa, growth is slower but still positive at 1.5%. For this career, the percentage is faster than average job growth in Iowa. The state projects more than 400 openings for dental assistants per year for the next ten years.

Dental Assistant Salaries

According to the BLS, the median salary for dental assistants in the U.S. is $41,180 per year and $19.80 per hour. The dental assistants earning the highest salaries work for the government.

Iowa reports that the typical entry-level salary for a dental assistant in the state is $16.62 per hour. The average for all dental assistants is $20.29, and the average salary for experienced individuals is $22.13.

Finding a Job as a Dental Assistant in Iowa

Approximately 90% of dental assistants work in dental practices under licensed dentists. Wherever dentists practice, there is a demand for hard-working, qualified dental assistants. This includes rural areas of the state, but you’re more likely to find options in Iowa’s metropolitan areas: Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, and Iowa City.

While most dental assistants work in dental offices, this is not the only place to look for a job. They also work in physician offices, community clinics, and residential care centers, like nursing homes. Government agencies, labs, university dental schools, and hospitals also hire qualified dental assistants.

Working as a dental assistant can be rewarding and exciting. Iowa ensures that all dental assistants are registered and qualified for the work they do. Your actions help keep patients safe. If you want to become a dental assistant, consider starting with an accredited academic program.

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