How to Become a Dental Assistant in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City is the capital of the state of Oklahoma. It is also the largest city in the state. The city is known for its production of livestock, oil, natural gas and petroleum products. However, there are many other career options available in Oklahoma City, and dental assisting is one of them.
Dental assistants help dentists and dental hygienists during oral procedures, sterilize equipment, handle patient care and perform administrative tasks. The requirements for becoming a dental assistant are different for each state. You can find out more about becoming a dental assistant in Oklahoma here.
Dental Assistant Programs in Oklahoma City
There are several colleges that offer dental assistant training programs in Oklahoma City. Here are a couple of choices to consider:
- Oklahoma City Dental Assistant School offers a 12-week program consisting of Saturday classes that provide hands-on training. A 40-hour externship in a local dental office is also part of the program. The school is minutes away from Bricktown and Frontier City.
- MIO School of Dental Assisting offers small, flexible classes. A two-hour clinical practice is completed after each lecture. A dental assisting certificate is earned upon completion of the program. The school is located near the Oklahoma State Capitol building.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
In 2016, 4,170 dental assistants were employed in the state of Oklahoma, with 1,500 of them working in Oklahoma City. By 2026, the number of dental assistants working in the state is expected to increase by 8.5 percent to 4,530.
In 2017, dental assistants in Oklahoma City were earning an average of $17.50 an hour, or $36,400 annually, according to reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Dental assistants in the state with more experience and credentials earn as much as $47,280 annually.
Working as a Dental Assistant in Oklahoma City
Dental assistants in Oklahoma City typically find work in dental offices and orthodontal clinics. With its many museums and year-round festivals, there is plenty to do in the city when you are not working. If you are looking for a steady job that pays well and enjoy helping people, you would likely enjoy working as a dental assistant in Oklahoma City.