Becoming a Dental Assistant in Puerto Rico
Dental Assistants are the set of people in health professions that are often the first people we encounter upon entering a dental office.
These professionals assist the dentists and dental hygienists during procedures, take charge of patient information files and do all the little things that keep the center running smoothly. Because of their various duties and responsibilities, they are truly indispensable to any dental office.
If you are interested in diving into the dental assisting field in Puerto Rico, then read on to know more about the various guidelines and institutions you should be aware of.
Studying and training or taking a dental assisting program to become a dental assistant requires hard work and dedication. However, if you are determined and organized, then you will be rewarded with a fulfilling, fast-paced, and lucrative career. Here is a list of the essential skills that every dental assistant will need, regardless of their education and experience:
- Excellent listening and communication skills
- Being highly meticulous and organized
- Impeccable time-management skills
- Knowledge of basic computer processes and applications
- Dexterity and the capability to operate on a small part of the body
- Having a genuine passion for helping and educating patients about proper dental health
What You’ll Need to Become a Dental Assistant in Puerto Rico
To qualify to be a Licensed Dental Assistant and receive a license from the Board of Dental Examiners, you will first have to pass the Dental Assistant Examination. This exam is administered by the government of Puerto Rico.
The exams are held twice a year and have specific licensing requirements, which include:
- Being at least 18 years of age
- Being a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of Puerto Rico
- Having an existing High School diploma or equivalent
- Passing a dental assisting program from any institution recognized by the Puerto Rico Board of Education or an institution accredited by the U.S. Board of Dental Examiners
- Having a good moral reputation in your residential community
- Paying the applicable examination and license fees
There is also the opportunity to become an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant with proper training and credentials. In the following section, you will find the various dental assisting schools in Puerto Rico that offer programs for professionals who want to qualify to perform expanded functions in the dental assisting field.
Another course of action to continue in this career path is to become a dental hygienist.
Becoming a dental hygienist is an excellent step to further your career after familiarizing yourself with the basics of dental care. Not only does it qualify you to perform even more in-depth duties and responsibilities, but it would also be a lucrative step forward in this field.
Dental Assistant Schools in Puerto Rico
Several colleges and universities in Puerto Rico offer higher education in dental assisting or dental assisting programs with expanded functions in their curriculum. All of these programs qualify you to take the licensing exam upon completion.
Here are some institutions with dental accreditation and a brief description of each to get you started on your journey:
Huertas Junior College in Caguas, PR.
Huertas Junior College offers an Associate Degree in Dental Assisting with Expanded Functions. This program takes an average of two years for students to finish and includes a supervised clinical practice that requires you to work in a dental office for 400 hours.
Mech-Tech College in Caguas, PR.
Mech-Tech College offers an Associate Degree in Dental Assisting with Expanded Functions. This program takes an average of two years for students to finish and requires taking 84 credits to pass.
National University College in Bayamon, PR.
The Associate Degree in Dental Assisting with Expanded Functions is offered at National University College. This program takes an average of one year for students to finish, requires taking 36 credits to pass, and includes extensive supervised clinical practice.
Universidad Ana G. Méndez in San Juan, PR.
The Associate Degree in Dental Assisting with Expanded Functions is offered at Universidad Ana G. Méndez. This program takes an average of two years for students to finish, requires taking 71 credits to pass, and is available in both their Gurabo and Cupey branches.
Aside from these physical institutions, there are also reliable online-based schools like Penn Foster that offer dental assistant programs.
Suppose you live in a location without relevant academies, or your schedule is more appropriate for online schooling. In that case, 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 around 312,140 dental assistants are employed nationwide as of this writing, most of whom are working in dental offices. The career outlook for this profession is at a high national average of 11 percent. The Labor Statistics also show that licensed professionals earn an average hourly salary of $20.34, amounting to around $42,310 per year. Salaries vary according to state, with some of the highest-earning professionals reporting a yearly salary of up to $58,390.
Dental Assistant Employment Opportunities in Puerto Rico
Dental assistants perform an essential role in every dental office, making these professionals in constant high demand. Several medical centers are looking to hire dental assistants in Puerto Rico, particularly in San Juan, Bayamón, and Aguadilla.