Dental Schools
Best Dental Assistant Schools In Arizona | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply
Dental Assistant Schools In Arizona: Arizona has a number of well-known schools that offer both theoretical and practical dental assistant programs. Students enrolled in this course are registered with the Arizona Department of Health upon completion of the course.
The Dental Assisting Schools In Arizona employ extensive theoretical, practical and hands-on training to complete the course. Arizona State has made it a goal to include all experts and professionals in the dental program and related skills in the college faculty.
Thanks to their practical knowledge and experience, they have successfully developed an effective training program. Faculty must either hold a doctorate degree with at least ten years of classroom teaching experience or experience working in the field of dentistry as an expert.
Are There Dental Assistant Schools In Arizona?
If you wish to pursue a dental career in any of the US states, Arizona is one of the best places for you. Arizona is already showing the rest of the US, and the world, how to build a world-class health care system. As a result, it is one of the most sought-after places for medical students today.
Arizona has a number of well-known Dental Assistant Schools. Students enrolled in this programs are registered with the Arizona Department of Health upon completion of the course.
But in order to be part of the program, eligible students must have a high school diploma with pure sciences. The State of Arizona has established this educational standard for students who wish to enter any medical program, including a dental assisting program.
This is necessary in order for students to have the necessary professional and cognitive skills for obtaining higher education.
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How Much Do Dental Assistant Schools Cost In Arizona?
There are two types of dental assisting programs in Grand Canyon State: associate degree programs and programs that lead to a certificate or diploma. The former takes two years, while the latter takes 6 to 15 months.
At a community college, you’ll likely spend $2,130 for a certificate or $6,250 for an associate degree. At a technical college, you can spend $24,950 for a certificate and $38,200 for an associate degree.
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What Are The Requirements For Dental Assistant Schools In Arizona?
There are currently up to 10 CODA-accredited dental hygiene schools in Arizona, culminating in certificates, associate degrees, and baccalaureate degrees. In such schools, you will complete courses such as:
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Food
- Biology of the head and neck
- Anatomy of teeth
- Radiography
- Theory of dental hygiene
- Principles of dental hygiene
- Microbiology
- Physical diagnosis and treatment
- Preclinical radiography
- Pathology of the oral cavity
- Pain and anxiety control
- Dental health of the community
Along with your CODA-accredited dental hygiene diploma, you must complete an HIV/AIDS dental hygiene course approved by the Arizon Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS).
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What Are The Best Dental Assistant Schools In Arizona?
Dental assistant programs offered by many schools in Arizona are similar in what they teach. The program aims not only to provide students with the relevant skills required in dentistry, but also to equip students with the skills required to perform radiography and laboratory operations.
The dental care program consists of a wide range of dental procedures and administrative tasks performed under the strict supervision of experienced dentists.
#1. Phoenix College, Phoenix
Dental assistant careers in Arizona have grown dramatically in recent times. To meet this growing demand, Phoenix College, equipped with an experienced faculty, provides an education that is job-ready and relevant.
You can complete this dental assisting training program by choosing a certificate (34.5-42 credits) or associate degree program (60 credits).
While both programs focus on entry-level dental assisting skills, the associate degree program additionally includes liberal arts courses that give you a well-rounded education.
To be eligible for admission, you must have a high school diploma or GED and have an active CPR certification. Graduation requires that you pass all courses with a minimum grade of “C”.
#2. Carrington College, Mesa, Phoenix and Tucson
Carrington College leaves no stone unturned in supporting dentists in helping students achieve their career goals.
From financial aid to tutoring, from excellent clinical experience to career services, you’ll be there every step of the way. What’s more, with three locations in the state, you can take your Carrington dental assisting course closer to home.
Like most colleges, Carrington also offers certificate and associate degrees. While the former trains you to become an entry-level dental assistant in a dental office, the latter broadens your knowledge by including courses in communication skills, computer literacy, science, math and social studies.
Technical coursework for both programs typically focuses on the development of clinical, administrative, and laboratory skills necessary to assist the dentist during a variety of dental procedures.
#3. Brooklyn College, Phoenix and Tempe
With a low student-to-faculty ratio, Brookline College provides personalized learning. In addition, you study with a faculty that brings its own distinctive credentials and experience.
This Arizona dental assistant program is a 10-month degree that offers full-time classes only and teaches you anatomy, dental specialties, preventive dentistry, dental radiography, dental materials, laboratory procedures, and dental office administration.
At the end of the training, you will apply the knowledge gained during 180 hours of practice in the dentist’s office. This experience will help you build confidence and skills before you land your first job.
Upon graduation, you will be eligible to take the Dental Assistant Certification Exam, the State Radiation Safety Certification Exam, and the Crown Polishing Certification Exam. By successfully passing these exams, you will significantly expand your career prospects.
#4. Mojave Community College, Kingman
Mohave Community College offers a supportive learning environment for dental students where they gain professional competence. A state-of-the-art clinical laboratory allows students to gain extensive practice prior to clinical practice at a local dental facility.
This dental assisting course is a two-semester certificate offered in the fall of each year. With part-time and full-time options, you can choose the schedule that best suits your personal needs.
The coursework is rigorous and fast-paced and it is strongly recommended that working students limit their work commitments for the duration of their studies.
To become certified, you must complete 25 credits in courses such as dentistry, infection control, dental radiography, clinical procedures, dental office management, knowledge of dental specialties, and dental materials.
#5. Pima Community College, Tucson
Pima Community College offers an affordable education with a strong emphasis on vocational training. It effectively serves students seeking to pursue a career in dentistry by offering a range of dynamic dental programs.
To become a dental assistant in Arizona, you may want to consider this certificate program, which includes extensive clinical experience of 336 hours in a local dental office.
The curriculum gives you knowledge about biomedical dentistry, oral radiography, dental materials, preventive dentistry, dental office procedures and front office responsibilities such as administration and management in the dental office.
You must complete all of these courses with at least a grade of “C” to graduate. Upon completion of this program, you will be eligible to sit for the national certification exam, Arizona oral radiology certification, and crown polishing certification.
#6. Rio Salado College
Located in Tempe, Rio Salado College offers a Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Dental Assisting program that requires approximately 26 credit hours.
Participants must complete prerequisites in composition, biology, communication, and CPR training prior to beginning the required curriculum.
Students can expect to complete courses in dental radiography and dental assisting. In addition, an internship and seminar in clinical dental care is required.
The program is offered in a distance format and is accredited by the American Dental Association. It prepares students for certification in the industry. The school also offers associate degree programs in dental assisting and dental hygiene.
#7. Northern Arizona University
Located in the heart of Arizona, this school’s program takes you through the first 2 years of training before entering a 2-year professional dental hygiene education.
Your dental courses include topics such as dental anatomy, oral medicine, radiology, pain management, periodontics, and dental materials.
You will practice your new skills in dental hygiene and radiography and complete a 2-week internship at a dental public health facility in Arizona or beyond.
This school also offers a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene and online continuing education courses for dental hygienists.
#8. A.T. Still University
This school is located close to other cities such as Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona. Your curriculum consists of sequential modules in areas such as integrated human systems, integrated dental practice, dental tissues, dental disciplines and clinical experience.
As a graduate, you will receive a certificate in healthcare management in addition to your Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).
This school also offers a dual degree Master of Public Health for dental students and an advanced certificate in orthodontics.
#9. Midwestern University – Glendale
Your curriculum in the first 2 years includes teaching and exposure to clinical experiences, while the last 2 years consist of training courses and your clinical rotations.
Courses are divided into categories such as integrated systems, oral health sciences, health care ethics, interdisciplinary health care, human behavior, and clinical education.
During your clinical experience, you will receive hands-on training as you work with patients to improve their oral health.
#10. Fortis College
Located in Phoenix, Arizona, students enrolled in Fortis College’s dental programs are equipped with the skills and information necessary for certification and a career in dentistry. A 10-month dental assistant program can help you land an entry-level job.
The number of opportunities for dentists and dental hygienists will increase dramatically in the coming years, particularly in dentistry, mobile dentistry, hospitalization, nursing home placement, dental schools, public health organizations, and private and public health organizations.
The number of dentists in Arizona has grown significantly in recent years. Where, Dentistry is often called a noble profession that requires professional skill.
Now it is widely appreciated by the state, which contributes to the general well-being of citizens and increases their longevity. So, if you want to secure your dental career in Arizona, these programs can help you achieve your best in the future.
How Much Do Dental Assistants Make In Arizona?
The average salary for a dental assistant in Arizona is $40,980 per year. For most, dental assisting is a full-time job, which means assistants are eligible for benefits.
Benefit packages vary by dental practice, but most include some form of health insurance and paid sick time. Many dental assistants receive significantly reduced rates on dental services!
Dental assistants in the Grand Canyon State earn slightly less than the national average. This may be due in part to the fact that many retirees over 65 live in Arizona who understand that dental care is an important part of staying healthy.
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How Do I Become Dental Assistants In Arizona?
Becoming a dental assistant is as easy as finding a dentist who is willing to train you on the job. Your responsibilities will be limited, but as you work and learn, you can earn certifications to perform more skilled tasks.
If you want to become an EFDA and have more career opportunities, it is best to start with an academic program. Here are the steps required to become an EFDA in Arizona:
Complete a post-secondary academic dental assisting program approved by the ASBDE and accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). It should include courses with advanced features.
Get your Arizona Crown Polishing Certificate. To do this, you must pass the Coronal Polish National Board Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam and provide an affidavit of clinical skills signed by a dentist or instructor.
- Take and pass three DANB exams: Anatomy, Morphology and Physiology, Restorative Functions, and Temporal.
- Perform and document restorative procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
- Apply for the Arizona Advanced Features – Renewal Certificate through DANB.
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Best Paying Dental Assistants Jobs In Arizona 2024
Once you’ve earned your dental assistant degree and passed your credentialing exams, you’re ready to look for work. Up to 90% of dental assistants work in dental offices, so this is a great place to start.
You can find a position anywhere that has dentists. However, the highest demand will be in large cities such as Phoenix and Tucson.
Managers of dental offices are always looking for skilled and qualified dental assistants. They want candidates with relevant training and preferably certification.
You can also browse other types of employers to work for. Dental assistants work in doctors’ offices, medical centers, hospitals, and residential facilities such as nursing homes. They also work for community groups, clinics and government agencies.
Dental Assistant – DentalOne Partners, Inc
Sterilization Assistant- AZ- Dental Institute – Midwestern University
Dental Assistant – NaphCare, Inc.
Orthodontic Assisstant – AZ Specialty Dental Services LLC
Dental Assistant for Oral Surgery – Gentle Dental
Dental Assistant – DOCS Health
Oral Surgery Assistant – AZ Specialty Dental Services LLC
Entry-Level Dental Assistant – Aspen Dental
Dental Assistant Schools In Arizona FAQs
As a dental assistant in Arizona, your duties may include everything from ordering supplies to taking impressions of teeth to teaching patients the oral hygiene routines they should perform at home to maintain healthy teeth and gums. You will be the favorite person in your dental office! For some procedures, such as x-rays and crown polishing procedures, you will need to obtain additional certifications from the Arizona Board of Dental Examiners.
Dental assistants are indispensable in dental offices and are the most employed (6,910) in Arizona. You can work in a solo practice, a group practice, or a specialty practice such as orthodontics, endodontics, or pediatric dentistry. Several dental assistants (180) work for the government in dental clinics affiliated with community health facilities. An equal number of dental assistants work in doctors’ offices or hospitals, helping dentists care for immobile patients.
The demand for dental assistants in Arizona is expected to grow by nearly a third by 2026. Currently, dental offices tend to be concentrated in relatively affluent cities like Phoenix and Tucson, leaving poorer communities in Santa Cruz, Pinal, Greenlee and Yuma counties are underserved. In 2017, Arizona became the seventh state to legalize dental therapy as a profession. These dentists will only be allowed to practice on tribal reservations or in community health facilities that serve low-income individuals.
All DANB certifications must be renewed annually after completing 30 continuing education credits. Continuing education for dental assistants is often completed through The Dale Foundation, an affiliate of DANB.
In addition to a CODA-accredited dental assisting program, dental assistants in Arizona can further their education, and therefore career, by becoming X-ray certified.
You must successfully complete an exam process that has been approved by the Arizona Board of Dental Examiners. The process requires successful completion of Dental Nursing National Board and Radiation Health and Safety exam.
Conclusion
Arizona State offers two programs in dentistry. The Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting and Certificate of Completion equips students with the appropriate skills necessary to perform X-rays, act as support or backup to dental experts in major dental procedures and surgeries, conduct laboratory experiments, and manage and administer administrative duties , needed in the office.
In addition, they also provide quality dental care education to patients. Other peripheral skills taught to students include critical and cognitive thinking, information management, personal and professional development in the field, development of communication skills, and performance of assigned work with responsibility. This means that the dental assistant program offered in Arizona colleges believes in creating dental experts who are qualified to perform a specific job with full responsibility.
References
- learn.org – Which Schools Offer Dental Degree Programs in Arizona?
- nursingprocess.org – Best Dental Assistant Schools in Arizona – 2022
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