Dental Assisting

Online Associate Degrees in Dental Assisting

Associate Degree Programs in Dental Assisting are designed to boost students' skills in the field and move them ahead in their careers. Starting with foundational courses in Health & Nursing, most programs then move into a specialization in Dental Assisting.

Students in Associate Degree programs can expect to graduate and move into Dental Assisting careers within 1 to 4 years.

Dental Assisting Career Outlook

With a degree in Dental Assisting, you can take part in an exciting and booming industry that offers great job security and good advancement opportunities. Job prospects for the next decade are excellent. People with Dental Assisting degrees work as dental assistants in dental offices, physicians’ offices, and in federal, state and local governments.

Dental Assisting Salary Information

Benefits can be excellent, including paid vacation time and free dental coverage. Average earnings for dental assistants range from $14 to $20 per hour. Advancement opportunities with a degree in Dental Assisting are good; many advance to office managers, dental-assisting instructors and sales representatives.

Dental Assisting Required Job Skills and Knowledge

Although most skills are learned on the job, employers look for candidates who have a degree in Dental Assisting, which typically takes less than one year to complete. The most desirable candidates have great office management, communication and patient care skills, and are well educated in oral health care, know how to use dental instruments and how to take dental X-rays and impressions.