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How to Become a Dental Assistant in Gilbert, Arizona

Gilbert, Arizona, is part of the Phoenix metropolitan area, the largest population center in the state. Situated in the Sonoran Desert and a valley surrounded by mountains, this is a desirable place to live that is always hot, dry and sunny.

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The Phoenix area, and the suburb of Gilbert, is a great place to begin studying to become a dental assistant and to land a job once you’re qualified. Dental assistants work in dentists’ offices and hospitals, helping with patients, processing X-rays, and working in the office on administrative tasks. Check here for the requirements to become a dental assistant in Arizona before beginning your new career.

Dental Assistant Programs Near Gilbert

Gilbert is a medium-sized suburb of Phoenix, and while it does not have any schools offering dental assistant programs, there are many nearby, including:

  • American Institute of Dental Assisting, Mesa. The suburb of Mesa is directly north of Gilbert, an easy commute for students interested in earning the dental assisting certificate. Students here can complete the program in just 13 weeks and take advantage of daytime, evening and weekend classes. Coursework includes hands-on training in real clinics with patients. Mesa is a culturally ancient area with ruins from the Hohokam people still standing and on display.
  • Carrington College, Mesa. Also located in Mesa is a campus of Carrington College, which offers a one-year certificate program and a two-year associate’s degree program in dental assisting. The programs both involve classroom learning and real-world work experience with dentists and patients.
  • Phoenix College, Phoenix. For a slightly longer commute, but a dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, try Phoenix College in the Encanto Village neighborhood. Located just north of downtown Phoenix, this is a lively campus with an associate’s degree program you can complete on a part- or full-time basis.

Salary Expectations and Career Outlook

Gilbert is part of the PhoenixMesaScottsdale metropolitan area. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental assistants in the area made an average of $19.64 per hour and $40,840 per year in May of 2017. The projected growth in the career throughout the state is 32.2 percent from 2016 to 2026, which means your outlook for getting a job is strong.

Finding a Job as a Dental Assistant in Gilbert

As part of the Phoenix metro area, home to more than four million people, Gilbert is a great place to seek a job as a dental assistant. Look for a job anywhere dentists work, in Gilbert and in the surrounding area. You should enjoy great job security here as well as sunshine and great weather in central Arizona.

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