Do you want to know how to become a dental assistant in Washington, DC? DC dental assistants have good job benefits like health insurance, steady salaries, job growth, and more. The District recognizes two different levels of dental assistant so you can advance in your career. These jobs also offer a fast start! You can become a DC dental assistant just by registering with the district. Find out more about becoming a dental assistant in Washington, DC, including all about the DC DANB test and the DC dental assistant exam.
Why Become A Washington, DC Dental Assistant?
Lots of people are interested in becoming a dental assistant in DC because these jobs have great benefits. If you’re looking for a good work-life balance, competitive salaries, and long-term job security, think about becoming a DC dental assistant.
- Job Growth: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts there will be around 44,000 new job openings each year for dental assistants across the nation from 2020 to 2030.
- Pay: Nationwide, dental assistants make a median salary of $41,180. (A median salary is the middle of the road. Half of all dental assistants in the country earn less than this and half make more. Click here for more info on dental assistant median pay.) The U.S. median household income in 2020 was $41,385. You can earn almost that amount as a dental assistant in DC!
- Working conditions: Most dental assistants work in a dentist’s office. This career usually has regular schedules with no nights or weekends. More dental offices also offer benefits like health insurance, sick days, vacation time, retirement plans, and more.
What Do DC Dental Assistants Do?
If you’re thinking about becoming a dental assistant, you should see what the job involves. The District recognizes two distinct types of dental assistants. Each level has its education requirements and job responsibilities.
Washington DC Level 1 Dental Assistants
In DC, level 1 dental assistants are entry-level professionals who work under a dentist’s or orthodontist’s supervision. These dental assistants can perform the following tasks:
- Rinsing the mouth
- Removing sutures
- Applying surgical dressings
- Building mouthguards
- And lots more
Washington, D.C. Level 2 Dental Assistants
Level 2 dental assistants in DC have extra training so they can do more advanced work. If you become a level 2 dental assistant, you can do everything a level 1 dental assistant can do. You’ll also take on more complicated jobs like:
- Applying fluoride
- Working on root canals
- Preparing stainless steel tooth crowns
- Making temporary tooth restorations
- And more
Washington DC Dental Assistant Requirements
How do you become a dental assistant in DC? The DC dental assistant requirements have some basic foundations that all assistants need to meet. You’ll need more training if you want to become a Level 2 dental assistant, or to take dental x-rays.
How To Become A Level 1 Dental Assistant In DC
Washington, D.C. makes it easy to start work as a dental assistant. You need to do the following things to enter this job field.
- Have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent
- Be fully vaccinated against COVID-19
- Register with the District as a dental assistant
If you’re looking for jobs with a GED in Washington DC, a Level 1 dental assistant is a great choice! It’s also a good option if you’re searching for jobs with a high school diploma in DC.
How To Become A Washington DC Level 2 Dental Assistant
Level 2 dental assistants Washington DC have advanced training so they can handle more complicated tasks. Some requirements are the same for both levels. Level 2 assistants need to do the following:
- Earn a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
- Be fully vaccinated against COVID-19
Next, you need to take dental training classes. DC accepts the following options:
- A class approved by the D.C. Board of Dentistry, OR
- A class approved by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), OR
- Earn the DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification
You also need to learn how to take x-rays. All Level 2 dental assistants need to pass at least 24 hours of classes on radiology, radiation safety, biology, and physics. Level 1 dental assistants who want to take x-rays also need to take these classes.
Once you’ve met these requirements, you can register as a Level 2 Dental Assistant with the D.C. Board of Dentistry.
How To Become A Dental Assistant In DC
Since there are two different levels of DC dental assistants, there are also two different ways to start these jobs. Level 1 dental assistants in DC only need a high school diploma and a COVID-19 vaccine to start working. DC level 2 dental assistants need to take extra training before they find a job.
Training is very important if you want to be a level 2 dental assistant, but it can also help level 1 assistants. Training programs give you a good foundation to enter your career. Dentists want to hire assistants who know what they’re doing. A training program will give you a huge advantage.
Dental assistant programs in DC teach important knowledge and skills you’ll use at every level of your career. Level 1 dental assistants learn how to use dental skills, procedures, tools, techniques, and more. This training will help you stand out from the crowd. It’s easier to find level 1 dental assistant jobs in DC after you take a training course.
Level 2 dental assistants need to take more training. Think of this as an investment in your future. Level 2 dental assistants have important skills so they can find better, higher-paying jobs.
There are several dental assistant training programs in DC. These schools cover standard dental procedures, dental tools, working with patients, medical essentials, and more. Click here to learn more about how to become a dental assistant with training programs.
DC Dental Assistant Schools
Fortis College
Fortis College’s dental assistant program teaches the skills you need to work in a dentist’s office. They also offer flexible schedules, financial aid, and job placement for graduates.
Hands On Dental Assistant School
The Hands On Dental Assistant School offers in-person and virtual classes to help you start your career. Courses feature clear descriptions to help you understand exactly what you’ll study.
Exploring Dental Assisting
You can build your family’s success by becoming a dental assistant in the District. New dental assistants can start working just months if you choose a fast-track training program! DC dental assistants can also find jobs with great perks like regular schedules, stability, health insurance, retirement accounts, and more. Want to learn more about how to become a dental assistant in DC? Click here to explore everything you need to know about being a dental assistant.
References
Dental Assisting National Board. (2022). District of Columbia: Allowable and prohibited duties for dental assistants. https://danbsfprodassets.azureedge.net/assets/docs/default-source/clt/district-of-columbia.pdf?sfvrsn=da5b16ee_3
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021, May). Dental assistants: Occupational employment and wages, May 2021. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes319091.htm#st
United States Census Bureau. (n.d.) Income and poverty in the United States: 2020. QuickFacts. https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2021/demo/p60-273.html