Dental Assistant Schools in Kentucky

The guide below explores the key steps needed to start a successful dental assistant career in Kentucky. By examining the preparatory steps and different educational arrangements, we aim to provide readers with a strong understanding of the process so that they can straightforwardly achieve their objectives.

We also analyze possible employment routes, licensing and certification considerations, and specific training programs with a strong reputation.

Toward the end of the guide, interested individuals will learn the annual average salary figures for dental assistants in Kentucky and how professionals in the field can optimize their yearly returns.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Kentucky

The following are the steps required to enter the dental assisting discipline in Kentucky.

Meeting the Basic Requirements

A high school diploma or GED is usually required to become a dental assistant. Transferable skills, such as dexterity, interpersonal skills, and communication skills, are also very important.

Depending on training destinations, candidates may also be expected to participate in an interview and provide proof of immunization.

Graduating with a Degree or Certificate

Aspiring dental assistants in Kentucky don’t necessarily have to graduate with an associate degree. In fact, it is very common to start a career in this field with only a certificate.

Popular community colleges and trade schools in the area offer both certificate and associate degree programs. However, candidates are expected to insist on accreditation when choosing a dental assistant training program.

Accredited programs don’t just have to meet a very high standard before they can receive the status; they are also notable for the ease with which their graduates enjoy job placement. Additionally, the most prominent certifying body for dental assistants in the country is partial to graduates of accredited training programs.

Internships and Externships

Dental assistants who complete an internship or externship before securing employment tend to have an edge in the job. They already possess a solid understanding of how an actual clinical establishment functions, and they have the right level of confidence to carry out their duties without having to demand supervision.

Full-Time Job Placement

Finally, after acquiring comprehensive training, candidates may secure employment in their desired work environment and leverage certification for upward mobility.

We discuss this issue further below.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a medical assistant in Kentucky

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Like most states, dental assistants in Kentucky are not expected to be licensed. Therefore, the State Board of Dentistry has no licensing process for professionals in this field.

The only exceptions are candidates who will be working in radiology or nitrous oxide administration.

In this case, candidates are expected to complete an accredited program and pass relevant credentialing examinations, including the Radiation Health and Safety exam from the Dental Assisting National Board. The board is also the prominent authority for candidates performing regular duties who want to become certified anyway.

Top Dental Assistant Schools in Kentucky

Below are some high-quality programs for future dental assistants in Kentucky.

Explore dental assistant schools in Kentucky by city:

• Dental assistant schools in Louisville

Salary & Career Outlook

The annual average salary of a dental assistant, like most other professions, depends greatly on experience level. Other factors like credentials, location, work environment, and specific employers will also play significant roles in determining how many professionals in this field end up at the end of each year.

Without focusing on any specific factor, data shows that dental assistants in Kentucky in the top 10 percent earn an annual average salary of $89,023. In the bottom 10 percent, these professionals earn an annual average salary of $52,150.

Lastly, in the median category, which is the most popular, the annual average salary to expect is $68,136.

Analyzing specific locations, dental assistants in Florence are the highest-paid in the state, with an annual average salary of $77,113. Also notable are professionals in Owensboro, Louisville, and Georgetown, which ended the year with annual average salaries of $74,211, $71,712, and $71,045, respectively.