Dental Assistant Schools in Maine

Prospective dental assistants in Maine are advised to spend considerable time choosing the right training programs. However, candidates must also ensure that they have a sound understanding of the requirements needed to launch a career in the profession in the state.

To ensure that readers of this page have no problem starting their careers smoothly, we have put together the detailed guide below. It showcases educational prerequisites and training pathways and explores other key aspects of the journey, including certification options and salary projections.

Readers will also discover the outlook for dental assistants as projected by the BLS.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Maine

Below is a quick overview of how to launch a successful dental assistant career as a Maine resident.

Foundational Considerations

The state of Maine has some foundational considerations that individuals must meet before they can become dental assistants. For starters, candidates must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

It is also important to have current CPR certification and complete an accredited training program.

Educational Considerations

Prospective dental assistants in Maine typically have to combine two forms of education: classroom education and practical education.

Classroom Education

Community colleges and technical schools—the most popular destinations for dental assistant training in Maine—all offer classroom education for interested students. Some programs even allow students to complete the classroom portion of their education online.

Practical Education

There are several ways to achieve practical education as a prospective dental assistant in Maine. One of the most common is for candidates to participate in laboratory sessions or a clinical environment at colleges with dental clinics.

Students of programs without an in-house dental clinic may also participate in an externship for real-world education.

Job Placement & Career Growth

After meeting the basic requirements and acquiring the proper level of education, candidates may consider certification and licensing before securing a job placement. As we will see below, certification is also excellent for career growth.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a medical assistant in Maine

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The Maine Board of Dental Practice does not issue licenses or permits to dental assistants. Thus, professionals in the field can start their careers after receiving proper training.

However, candidates will be limited in the scope of their duties if they don’t pursue certification from relevant authorities like the Dental Assisting National Board. To begin with, professionals can pursue the Certified Dental Assistant credential, which gives them an edge and shows that they possess the right level of expertise to thrive in an entry-level role.

For expanded functions, candidates may need to take the Radiation Health and Safety examination to receive the credentials also offered by the Dental Assisting National Board.

Professionals who have graduated from an accredited training program should have a straightforward approach to qualifying for the credentialing examination.

Top Dental Assistant Schools in Maine

Aspiring dental assistants in Maine can receive top-class education from the following programs.

Explore dental assistant schools in Maine by city:

• Dental assistant schools in Portland

Salary & Career Outlook

Notably, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the demand for dental assistants nationwide to increase by 10% in the next decade. The same projection holds for the state of Maine.

The amount that professionals who are already working in the state can expect to take home at the end of the year depends on various factors, such as experience, location, employer, credentials, work environment, and more.

Generally, without focusing on any of these factors, dental assistants in Maine who are among the top 10 percent can earn an annual average salary of $101,979. Those who are among the bottom 10 percent can earn an annual average salary of $59,878, while those who are among the median earners take home an annual average salary of $78,143.

Focusing on location, the following cities stand out:

• South Portland, with an annual average salary of $88,952;
• Falmouth, with an annual average salary of $88,248;
• Windham, with an annual average salary of $83,830 and
• Yarmouth, with an annual average salary of $83,228.