Dental Assistant Schools in Georgia

As with most healthcare professions, anyone wanting to become a dental assistant in Georgia must possess a combination of technical and soft skills. They must work with relevant equipment and tools, be good with people, and have solid problem-solving skills.

In the following sections, we highlight in further detail all of the major considerations needed to start a career as a dental assistant in Georgia. We shed more light on the educational pathways and reveal training programs where candidates can receive the most comprehensive training.

Those curious about the potential earnings as a fresh dental assistant in Georgia will also discover the answer to their question below.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Georgia

Below are the major considerations for securing a dental assistant job in Georgia.

Completing Classroom Training

Georgia is one of the few states nationwide where dental assistants can skip any educational requirements before starting. However, employers may still require a basic document, such as a high school diploma or GED, as a prerequisite for on-the-job training.

What is most important, ultimately, is that candidates receive comprehensive training from an accredited dental assisting program. These programs usually take three semesters, although some options may be completed in one semester.

Additionally, candidates should attend a career-oriented program to ensure they receive all the training they need to secure employment immediately after graduation.

Hands-On Training

One of the main features of a career-readiness program is that it also allows candidates to receive hands-on training to supplement classroom training. This way, students will know what to expect in a real-world clinical environment before securing employment.

The entries on our list below are perfect for students seeking to enjoy a balance between theory and practical dental assisting training.

Taking Relevant Additional Training

A dental assistant is expected to be skilled at life support maneuvers, so candidates are encouraged to take life support courses.

Those seeking Dental Assisting National Board credentials must also be strong in infection control. While most of these topics are common with top-quality training programs, some offer them as standalone courses.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn to become a medical assistant in Georgia

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Certification is not a mandatory requirement for dental assistants in Georgia. This means that those who have successfully received training from an accredited destination may go on to secure employment and start working professionally.

However, certification is usually encouraged because it allows students to start their careers on a strong path, set themselves apart in the employment market, and continue improving their job skills.

The most relevant organization offering nationally recognized credentials for dental assistants in Georgia is the Dental Assisting National Board. Candidates may earn the Certified Dental Assistant credential from here and even pick up other specialty certifications.

Top Dental Assistant Schools in Georgia

The following are the top training programs for candidates in Georgia.

Explore dental assistant schools in Georgia by city:

• Dental assistant schools in Atlanta

Salary & Career Outlook

An aspiring dental assistant in Georgia may expect to earn an annual average salary between $50,437 and $65,936. The former will see them fall among the bottom 10% in the state, while the latter will see them move among the average earners.

Ultimately, with time and optimization, dental assistants in Georgia can increase their earnings to around $86,197. This will see them rise among the highest-paid in the state, specifically in the top 10%.

The most prominent places to work as dental assistants in Georgia with the highest annual average include Decatur, with an annual average salary of $74,571; Canton, with an annual average salary of $71,736; and Austell, with an annual average salary of $70,064.

Dental assistants in McDonough are among the top five, with an annual average salary of $69,823, as are those in Woodstock, with an annual average salary of $69,727.