Dental Assistant Schools in Missouri

The guidelines for becoming a successful dental assistant in the state of Missouri are in place for several reasons. There are preparatory requirements that ensure candidates have the necessary skills to secure admission into training programs and thrive in them.

Requirements also ensure that candidates receive the appropriate level of training before securing employment and that students develop the necessary level of real-world experience before taking on more advanced duties.

In the following sections, we analyze all of these requirements to ensure that readers of the page have the necessary understanding to launch a successful dental assistant career in Missouri.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Missouri

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

Graduating from a Training Program

Although it is not the only way to start a successful career, individuals in Missouri are well-advised to attend a training program, as it can provide a strong foundation upon which to build. Along with helping them develop expertise in fundamental topics, an academic program also provides students with valuable awards and certificates that may give them a significant edge when it’s time to secure employment.

Individuals may choose from online, campus-only, or hybrid programs that allow them to enjoy the best of both worlds.

In an upcoming section, we explore some of the most prominent options for students to consider when choosing a dental assistant program in Missouri.

Building Confidence in a Work Environment

While several training programs with an academic focus will allow candidates to develop practical capabilities in laboratories, students cannot call themselves proper dental assistants without understanding what it feels like to carry out duties in a work environment.

Training programs recognize this and, as such, usually insist on a clinical practicum and externship.

Volunteering is a great way to build real-world confidence for candidates who studied online or who attended a program without an internship or externship.

Job Placement, Career Opportunities, and Educational Advancements

Properly trained candidates in Missouri can secure job placement and start performing the general duties of a dental assistant in a professional setting. However, several career opportunities abound for those who are certified, which is why certification is usually a common step after education.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a medical assistant in Missouri

Licensure & Certification Requirements

There are no licensing requirements for dental assistants in Missouri who will be performing basic supportive dental procedures. There are no certification requirements either, but professionals are strongly advised to pursue one to remain competitive.

The Dental Assisting National Board offers certification and credentials for dental assistants in the state of Missouri as well as across the country. Pursuing these credentials can be beneficial for credibility and networking.

It can also open up the door for career advancement, continuing education, and better pay.

Top Dental Assistant Schools in Missouri

The state of Missouri offers the following amazing training programs for prospective dental assistants.

Explore dental assistant schools in Missouri by city:

• Dental assistant schools in Kansas City

Salary & Career Outlook

In Missouri, dental assistants can earn an annual average salary between $53,108 and $89,853. Professionals who earn an average salary of $53,108 are considered to be among the bottom 10 percent, while those who earn an average salary of $89,853 are among the top 10 percent.

Neither of these categories is the most popular; however, this honor belongs to those in the median category. Those in this range can expect to make an annual average salary of $69,079.

Of the several factors that can influence the annual average salary of a dental assistant in Missouri, experience and location stand out. Concerning the location, candidates in St. Louis may take home an annual average salary of $73,883, and those in Chesterfield make an annual average salary of $72,916 to constitute the top two.

Other prominent cities are Saint Peters and Springfield, with annual average salaries of $70,846 and $69,996, and O’Fallon, with an annual average salary of $69,779.