Dental assistants in Colorado are well-rewarded for their efforts in terms of annual average salary. However, professionals in the state field also enjoy other career benefits, like top-quality training programs and professional associations.
The majority of the information on this page is geared toward helping Colorado residents understand how to become successful dental assistants. To this end, we showcase the educational possibilities, training programs, certification options, and more.
We also provide a detailed outlook of the annual average salary ranges that dental assistants may fall into in Colorado, depending on factors such as experience and specific locations within the state.
How to Become a Dental Assistant in Colorado
The following are the steps involved in launching a thriving dental assistant career in Colorado.
Basic Educational Requirements
A high school diploma or GED is usually the basic educational qualification for prospective dental assistants in Colorado. Training programs and potential employers often ask for these credentials, and some may even offer on-the-job training.
Formal Training and Degree Considerations
Even though potential employers may offer on-the-job training, candidates in Colorado usually facilitate competitiveness by attending a dental assistant training program. The specific program they choose will depend on several factors, including how long they’re willing to spend in training.
The most popular options are certificate programs. These can be completed in a few months or a year.
Another popular choice is to go for associate degree programs that take two years to finish. Ultimately, after settling in, dental assistants in Colorado may even consider Bachelor’s Degree programs in Dental Hygiene to advance their careers and take on more significant roles in the field.
Employment & Certification
Certification typically comes next for prospective dental assistants who have completed a training program. Afterwards, candidates can go on to secure entry-level employment.
The next section analyzes the certification requirements for dental assistants in Colorado.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Unlike dentists and dental hygienists, the Colorado Dental Board does not mandate registration or a license for dental assistants in the state. In fact, candidates can secure full-time employment even without certification.
It should be said, though, that certification is beneficial and popular regardless. Some perks of being certified include continuing education, networking opportunities, higher pay, and credibility.
The Dental Assisting National Board offers several options for dental assistant certification in Colorado, including specialty credentials. Applicants seeking certification should be prepared to pass relevant tests to demonstrate their proficiency.
They should also be prepared to pay the application fee and periodically renew their credentials to maintain their certified status.
Top Dental Assistant Schools in Colorado
Below are some institutions offering high-quality dental assistant programs for residents of Colorado.
Emily Griffith Technical College
Denver, CO Campus Only
Emily Griffith Technical College is notable for its highly rated six-month Dental Assistant training program.
Tuition
$8,850 per ProgramContact
(720) 423-3485
hsa@emilygriffith.edu
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Online, CO Online Only
Metropolitan State University of Denver provides a fully online Dental Assistant training program, allowing students to start and progress at their own pace.
Tuition
$2,995 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
bschool1@msudenver.edu
Pikes Peak State College
Colorado Springs, CO Campus Only
Pikes Peak State College's Dental Assistant Certificate and Associate Degree programs are both accredited by CODA. The associate degree program combines classroom instruction with 300 clinical hours for hands-on experience, while the certificate program focuses primarily on chairside assisting.
Tuition
$169 - $694 per CreditContact
(719) 502-3342
Admissions@pikespeak.edu
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Salary & Career Outlook
Several factors influence the salary of a dental assistant in Colorado at the end of each year. Experience and how long a professional has been on the job have a huge impact.
Additionally, their specific location in the state, professional credentials, and establishment of employment will also play key roles. In the beginning, candidates may manage an annual average salary of $59,537 to be among the lowest-paid dental assistants in Colorado.
However, with the above factors in their favor, they should soon reach an annual average salary of $76,673 (good enough for the median earners) and an annual average salary of $98,741 (good enough for the top 10%).
The best locations to consider include Boulder, with an annual average salary of $95,987; Lakewood, with an annual average salary of $81,458; and Littleton, with an annual average salary of $80,644.
Denver, with an annual average salary of $80,305, and Aurora, with an annual average salary of $80,116, are also worth highlighting.
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