How to Become a Dental Assistant in Illinois
To become a dental assistant in Illinois, you can complete an approved academic program or look for an employer willing to train you on the job. Illinois does not license dental assistants, so there are no formal education or training requirements.
There are many good reasons to start with dental assistant programs, such as higher salaries, greater job security, and opportunities to advance your career.
What is the role of a Dental Assistant?
A dental assistant is a part of the dental healthcare team, providing support and assistance to dentists and dental hygienists. Without national certification or qualification to perform expanded functions, you can expect to perform these duties as a dental assistant:
- Schedule and check patients into the clinic
- Get patients settled in the exam room and ready for procedures
- Prepare the exam room for the dentist or hygienist
- Clean and sterilize equipment and instruments
- Hand the dentist instruments during procedures
- Educate patients about oral hygiene
- Facilitate communication between the dentist and patient
- Perform administrative office tasks
Many states require special training to use X-ray equipment, but Illinois does not. As a dental assistant here, you may perform X-ray procedures and operate the equipment.
If you take classes in expanded functions and meet all the requirements, you can perform the following procedures under the supervision of a dentist:
- Coronal scaling
- Amalgam restorations
- Interim restoration placement
- Coronal polishing
- Sealant application
- Monitoring of sedated patients
State Requirements for Dental Assistants
Illinois has no official requirements for working as a dental assistant. You only need to find an employer to train you on the job.
State law allows dental assistants to perform any authorized service or procedure if a supervising dentist considers them competent and prepared to do the job.
How to Become an Expanded Function Dental Assistant in Illinois
Becoming a dental assistant can be as simple as finding a job and going through training. However, if you want to earn more and be able to perform more intensive and complicated procedures, you can become an expanded function dental assistant (EFDA).
You can choose to take courses to meet the requirements for one set of functions at a time. Alternatively, you can complete a program in expanded functions to qualify to perform all of those outlined by the state.
Coronal Polishing, Sealants, and Sedation
These are the requirements for coronal polishing, sealant application, and patient monitoring:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Complete 1,000 hours of dental assisting, an accredited dental assistant program, or be a Certified Dental Assistant
- Complete an approved course in these functions
Coronal Scaling
To be able to perform coronal scaling and the intra-coronal temporization of a tooth, you must:
- Complete a coronal polishing course
- Complete an approved course in scaling and temporization
- Have 2,000 hours or more of direct care for patients
Restorations
Another category of expanded functions includes placing, carving, and finishing amalgam restorations, packing and finishing composite restorations, and placing interim restorations. Requirements include:
- A course in coronal polishing and dental sealants
- A training program in restorations or 4,000 hours of patient care along with an approved course
- A file of completion of training on record with your employer
Accredited Dental Assistant Schools in Illinois
While you don’t need to go to dental assistant school to become an entry-level dental assistant in Illinois, it’s a smart way to start your career.
Dental assisting programs can be completed in as little as 10 months, and many of them offer job placement assistance.
A degree or certificate from one of these accredited schools will give you more opportunities:
- John A. Logan College, Carterville
- Kaskaskia College, Centralia
- Elgin Community College, Elgin
- Lewis & Clark Community College, Godfrey
- Illinois Valley Community College, Oglesby
See also: dental assistant school in Chicago.
Another option is an online dental assistant program, like the one offered by Penn Foster. You can take classes on your schedule and learn everything you need to begin a career.
Dental Assisting National Board
If you want to demonstrate your commitment to being the best dental assistant possible, you can become certified through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). The process includes passing an exam and completing continuing education requirements.
Illinois is one of the few states that require dental assistants to be certified. In addition to the general certification, you can also earn DANB’s Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) certification, which will allow you to take x-rays.
How Long Does it Take to Complete Dental Assistant Programs?
The duration of a program depends on which one you choose. Some schools offer certificates, degrees, or both. Associate degree dental assisting programs take two years to complete on a full-time basis.
Certificate programs typically take a year or less. If you want to complete a dental assisting program and add expanded functions courses later, that will be additional time.
A degree may take longer to complete, but it will provide you with more career opportunities in the future. Some schools offer a bridge program, applying your dental assistant courses to a degree program in dental hygiene.
Career Options for Dental Assistants
Most dental assistants work in dental offices. They work under the supervision of dentists and dental hygienists. Depending on the size of the office, you may be more focused on patient care or administrative duties.
Other employers for dental assistants include physician offices, hospitals, government agencies, community clinics, and residential facilities, such as nursing homes. With a degree and expanded functions courses, your career options are greater as a dental assistant.
Are Careers for Dental Assistants Growing in Illinois?
Yes, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dental assistant positions are growing at a rate of 7%. Across the country, the BLS expects to see nearly 37,000 openings for qualified dental assistants. This statistic is a long-term projection for the period between 2020 and 2030.
Illinois also keeps records of changes in occupations. The state’s current statistics are for 2018 to 2028. While the growth is not as strong as the national measure, Illinois still expects about a 4% increase in jobs in this field. You can expect to see more jobs available as you train to become a dental assistant.
Typical Salaries for Dental Assistants
Across the U.S., the median annual salary for a dental assistant is $41,180, according to the BLS. The median hourly pay is $19.80. Dental assistants working for the government have the highest salaries. Those that earn in the top 10% of all salaries make more than $58,000 per year.
In Illinois, salaries for dental assistants are competitive. Illinois has the fifth-highest number of dental assistants employed, and they earn $40,780 per year and $19.61 per hour on average.
Looking for Dental Assisting Job in Illinois
When you’re ready to look for a job as a dental assistant, dental offices are most likely to hire you. If you haven’t completed education or dental assisting program, look for dentists willing to provide on-the-job training. Also, look for opportunities with other types of employers.
Here are some examples of recent job listings from Indeed.com. These give you an idea of what’s available in the state right now and what you can look forward to as a qualified dental assistant:
- Surgical dental assistant – oral surgery, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of Northwest Illinois, Forreston, $16 to $24 per hour
- Dental clinical assistant, Endodontic & Periodontic Associates, Joliet, $16 to $20 per hour
- Certified Dental Assistant, Lakeshore Dental Studio, Chicago, $15 to $22 per hour
- Dental sterilization assistant, Lisa Konz Dental Care, Libertyville, $20 to $30 per hour
- Orthodontic assistant, Smiles by Smoron, Mount Prospect, $17 to $22 per hour
- Part-time dental assistant, Joliet Job Corps Center, Joliet, $19.76 per hour
Becoming a dental assistant in Illinois doesn’t require a four-year degree or extensive training. It’s a healthcare career you can get into quickly and start earning money while working hands-on with patients.
Related:
- En español
- Dental Schools in Illinois
- Dental assisting classes in Chicago
- Dental assistant salaries in Illinois
- Dental hygiene schools in Illinois
College Listings
| School | Type | Tuition and fees per year | Net price per year | Dental Assisting programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Elgin Community CollegeElgin, IL(847) 697-10001700 Spartan DriveAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $7,1402024-25 | $4,316 to $8,866by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
First Institute of Travel, Inc.Crystal Lake, IL(815) 459-3500790 McHenry AvenueAccredited by Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training |
Private for-profit | not published | $19,741 to $24,331by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Heartland Community CollegeNormal, IL(309) 268-80001500 West Raab RoadAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $10,5902024-25 | $9,373 to $15,274by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Illinois Valley Community CollegeOglesby, IL(815) 224-2720815 N Orlando Smith RoadAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $15,2392024-25 | $1,688 to $11,312by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
John A Logan CollegeCarterville, IL(618) 985-2828700 Logan College DriveAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $6,5802024-25 | $6,824 to $11,230by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Kaskaskia CollegeCentralia, IL(618) 545-300027210 College RdAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $7,7702024-25 | $6,186 to $9,173by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Lewis and Clark Community CollegeGodfrey, IL(618) 468-70005800 Godfrey RdAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $7,8402024-25 | $356 to $8,050by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
MDT College of Health SciencesChicago, IL(312) 300-098025 East Washington, #200 |
Private for-profit | $21,6002023-24 | not published |
|
Midwest Technical Institute-IllinoisSpringfield, IL(217) 527-83242731 Farmers Market RoadAccredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
Private for-profit | not published | $26,171 to $31,298by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Midwestern Career CollegeChicago, IL(312) 236-9000203 N LaSalleAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Private for-profit | not published | $11,011 to $13,901by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Prairie State CollegeChicago Heights, IL(708) 709-3500202 South Halsted StreetAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $9,3422024-25 | $3,725 to $13,713by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
State Career CollegeGurnee, IL(847) 693-38383575 Grand Avenue Suite C – 1,2,3Accredited by Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools |
Private for-profit | not published | $18,663 to $19,078by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career CollegeRockford, IL(815) 965-86161130 South Alpine Road Suite 100Accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
Private for-profit | $16,6992023-24 | $17,415 to $25,508by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Tuition and fees are from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS) for the year shown. Net price is the range of the average net prices each school published for different family incomes, from CareerSpy; it covers first-time, full-time students who received federal aid, so yours may differ. Schools that have closed are not listed. Programs shown without a link were added from federal completions data: the school awarded this program in 2022-23 or 2023-24. We have not yet recorded its own page for the program.