Becoming a Dental Assistant in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee is a growing city with an equally growing dental assisting field. In the city that’s home to craft beers and a rich arts and cultural scene, residents who are good communicators and have interest in the dental field should consider becoming dental assistants. These professionals work in the practices of dentists and dental hygienists, offering administrative and dental skills to keep patients comfortable. In their free time, Milwaukee dental assistants might be found cheering at a Brewers or Bucks game or touring Milwaukee’s many breweries.
Milwaukee Schools for Dental Assistants
Because there is no state-level licensing for dental assistants in Wisconsin, students can gain an upper edge on the career field by enrolling in a program accredited by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and pursuing their Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential. Courses can be completed in as little as 10 weeks.
- Milwaukee Area Technical College. MATC offers a dental assisting Technical Diploma at its downtown Milwaukee campus. Some courses are available in Spanish language instruction, and the program can be completed in one semester. Graduates are eligible to take the CDA exam.
- Wisconsin Dental Assistant School. Located in Oconomowoc, on the outskirts of Milwaukee, this school offers a 10-week Dental Assistant Certificate program. Classes are offered on Saturdays to accommodate busy schedules, and graduates of the program also receive CPR certification.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
In 2017, Milwaukee dental assistants earned a mean income of $18.60 per hour, which is right on track with the national average dental assistant income of $18.09 per hour, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The state of Wisconsin shows promise in the field with dental assistant employment rates expected to increase by 10 percent by 2026. You can find more information about dental assistants in Wisconsin here.
Working as a Dental Assistant in Milwaukee
In the city known for its population of blue-collar workers, Milwaukee dental assistants join a workforce that prides itself on hard work. When dental assistants in Milwaukee have a break, they might be found attending one of the various arts and cultural festivals in the city. German food can be found everywhere and Friday fish fries are not unheard of, either. From the Harley-Davidson Museum to the Milwaukee Art Museum, dental assistants in Milwaukee should have no problem finding their niche.