Dental Assistant Schools in Arizona

Prospective dental assistants in Arizona are advised to follow the general pathway to launch a career in the state. This will ensure that they are fully prepared and able to handle any challenges that may arise.

The state’s guidelines for becoming a dental assistant also include the opportunity to become certified and leverage professional credentials for career opportunities. This page contains a guide that will help readers discover educational prerequisites, training destinations, certification options, and more.

We also dedicate a full section to analyzing the annual average salary projections for dental assistants in Arizona and the factors that can influence these figures.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Arizona

In Arizona, candidates typically become successful dental assistants by following the path below.

Identifying the Right Programs

Before completing a training program, candidates in Arizona must identify the right program for them. To do so, they may utilize the resources provided below, where we analyze a few of the top programs.

Candidates may analyze factors like program length, cost, award types, coursework, and clinical experience when making their decision.

Finishing a Program

In Arizona, individuals acquire the skills necessary to start a career as dental assistants by completing a training program. Students are advised to pursue a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

During their education, they will learn in the classroom and participate in laboratory sessions. As for program duration, while some programs can be completed in 2 years, some can be completed much earlier, in a few months or a year.

Quicker programs lead to certificates, while longer programs lead to associate degrees.

Practical Experience

For practical experience, candidates can always volunteer in data of establishment to learn under the supervision of qualified professionals. Some training programs will have provisions for students to participate in clinical practicum and externship during the final period of training to achieve the same objective.

By the time they complete the practical training in the real world, candidates will have even more robust knowledge. Most importantly, they will have the confidence required to secure full-time job placement.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a chef in Arizona

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Dental assistants are not expected to be certified in Arizona except under special conditions. These include professionals who take X-rays, polish teeth, or perform more advanced duties.

Proper training is needed for those who will perform general duties. Of course, consolidating this with certification is a great way to ensure career opportunities and consistent competitiveness.

Certifications like the Certified Dental Assistant and Certified Orthodontic Assistant from the Dental Assisting National Board are great ways to stand out and enjoy the above benefits.

The DANB also offers the Radiation Health and Safety exam for radiography professionals to establish authority in this area.

Top Dental Assistant Schools in Arizona

The following programs are suitable for prospective dental assistants in Arizona.

Explore dental assistant schools in Arizona by city:

• Dental assistant schools in Phoenix

Salary & Career Outlook

Data obtained from a survey of dental assistants in Arizona shows the locations below as where candidates manage the highest yearly returns:

• Scottsdale comes first, with an annual average salary of $76,600;
• This is followed by Mesa, with an annual average salary of $72,816;
• Phoenix, with an annual average salary of $71,618 and
• Peoria, with an annual average salary of $70,592.

Location can help professionals improve their yearly returns. However, it is not the only key factor. Experience, employment establishment, credentials, and work environment are also prominent.

Generally, dental assistants in Arizona earn an annual average of $54,912 in the low-paying range and $89,677 in the high-paying range. The expected annual average income figure is $70,173 for candidates in the median category.