Becoming a Dental Assistant in Vermont
Assisting dentists with patients while also having personal duties and responsibilities is no easy task. This is why dental assistants are genuinely indispensable to a dental office and why the demand for these professionals continues to rise. Although applying to be a dental assistant requires hard work and dedication, it leads to a rewarding and fulfilling job, with tons of opportunities for growth and furthering your career.
If you are driven and want to work in a place where you can offer patients the medical help they need, then a career in dental assisting in Vermont might be perfect for you. Here are some valuable skills that every dental assistant will need, regardless of education and experience:
- Excellent listening and communication skills
- Being highly meticulous and organized
- Impeccable time-management skills
- Knowledge of basic computer processes and applications
- Dexterous and capable of operating on a small part of the body
What You’ll Need to Become a Dental Assistant in Vermont
The Vermont Board of Dental Examiners is the organization that decides on the governing rules and regulations that all dental health professionals in Vermont must adhere to. Here are the different classifications of dental assistants in Vermont and the requirements needed for each level:
Traditional Dental Assistant
There are not a lot of requirements to be classified as a Traditional Dental Assistant in Vermont, only that you must be employed by a dental office, register with the Board of Dental Examiners within 30 days after being hired, and complete an emergency office procedures course. Traditional Dental Assistants are qualified to perform coronal polishing and apply dental sealants after six months of employment in this position and under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.
DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) with State Certification
To become a DANB CDA with State Certification in Vermont, you must take and pass the DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) Exam, register with the Vermont Board of Dental Examiners, and be employed by a licensed dentist in the state. Aside from the duties listed above, you will be qualified to perform all responsibilities listed under the official DANB certification.
Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA)
To be classified as an Expanded Function Dental Assistant, you will have to take and pass the DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) Exam, be employed by a licensed dentist in the state, complete a course for each expanded function in a CODA-accredited program, and register with the Vermont Board of Dental Examiners. This classification is also available for dental hygienists who wish to perform more expanded functions in dental care.
The usual next course of action for dental assistants who want to continue in their career path is to train to become dental hygienists. Becoming a dental hygienist is an excellent step to take after you have familiarized yourself with the basics of dental care. Not only does it qualify you to perform even more duties and responsibilities, but it would also be a lucrative step forward for your career.
Dental Assistant Schools in Vermont
Center for Technology, Essex offers a program for dental assisting within its curriculum. Certifications in CPR/AED and Bloodborne Pathogens and Dental Radiology will be awarded upon completion of this course.
Aside from physical institutions, there are also online-based schools like Penn Foster that offer dental assistant programs. If your schedule is more appropriate for online schooling or if you live in an area without relevant academies, then online-based schools are the perfect way to jumpstart your career.
Career Outlook and Salary of Dental Assistants
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that there are around 312,140 dental assistants employed nationwide as of this writing, most of whom are employed in dental offices. The career outlook for this profession is at a high average of 11 percent. Dental assistants employed in the United States earn an average hourly wage of $20.34, amounting to around $42,310 per year. However, salaries vary according to state, with some of the highest-earning professionals reporting a yearly salary of up to $58,390.
Dental Assistant Opportunities in Vermont
Dental assistants are entrusted with essential functions to ensure that everything in the dental office runs smoothly and effectively, making these professionals continuously in demand. Several medical centers are looking to hire dental assistants in Vermont, particularly in Burlington, Richford, and Williston.