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Beginning as a Dental Assistant in Lincoln, Nebraska

So, you’re beginning a dental assistant career in Lincoln, Nebraska. This capital city and college town—home to University of Nebraska—is a great place to get started. Lincoln’s unemployment rate is lower than average, and residents here enjoy a relatively low cost of living. There are numerous bars, restaurants, coffee shops and parks tucked around Lincoln for your enjoyment. Lincoln is also relatively close to Omaha, just a one-hour drive away.

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Dental Assistant Training in Lincoln, Nebraska

Licensed dental assistants can perform more tasks than unlicensed individuals, making them valuable to employers. To become licensed, you’ll need to complete a Nebraska dental assistant training program. Here are some options in Lincoln:

Southeast Community College in Lincoln
  • Southeast Community College. This is a full-time dental assisting program that can be completed in two to four terms. Classes are offered in both a traditional classroom setting and online. More than 300 hours of clinical experience are gained in the course of the program. Graduates can take the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam to become licensed.
  • Metropolitan Community College. Located in Omaha, this school offers a certificate of achievement and associate’s degree in dental assisting. The course of study includes 81.5 credit hours, which are completed in four quarters. This dental assistant program is approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Applicants must include two references, clear a background check and pass a drug test to be admitted.

Salary and Future for Lincoln Dental Assistants

In 2018, 460 dental assistants were employed in Lincoln, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). More dental assistant jobs appear every year, with a 15.8 percent employment increase predicted for dental assistants across the state by 2026. Plus, 290 average job openings pop up per year in Nebraska according to the Projections Managing Partnership.

The BLS reports that Lincoln dental assistants were paid a median income of $17.02 per hour in 2018.

What Else Can You Do in Lincoln?

When you’re not training or working at a dental office, Lincoln offers lots of ways for you to spend your down time. Outdoors enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Lincoln’s 125 parks, including Wilderness Park with bike trails.

Thanks to the University, there are plenty of music attractions at large amphitheater concerts and in smaller dance club settings. Other attractions in the area include the Historic Haymarket district, National Museum of Roller Skating and Museum of American Speed. With so many attractions, there’s something for every dental assistant to enjoy in Lincoln.