Dental Assistant Schools in Hawaii

Prospective dental assistants in Hawaii must worry about their education and pathways to career growth. In the sections that follow, we provide an in-depth analysis of all these key areas.

Readers will also learn what kinds of training programs they can enroll in for flexibility and what kinds they can consider for robust training. After analyzing the licensing and certification requirements for dental assistants in Hawaii, we examine specific training programs and their offerings.

Lastly, the guide concludes with an extensive discussion of the average annual salary of dental assistants in Hawaii and what candidates can do to improve their yearly returns.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Hawaii

Prospective dental assistants in Hawaii may follow the outline below to begin their careers on the best path.

Step 1: Choosing a Training Program

Hawaii has several possible training destinations that individuals can attend for their education. However, candidates must pay special attention to choosing the right option for them.

To do this, they are expected to prioritize accredited training programs. Then, they can analyze program length, curriculum, career services, and hands-on training opportunities, among other factors.

Another important consideration when choosing a training program is the type of award. Some programs offer certificates, while others offer associate degrees.

Step 2: Supervised Clinical Experience

Supervised clinical experience can help students become more competent by exposing them to how the real world works. Students can also practice everything they have been taught in the classroom and watch as experienced professionals perform these duties.

Volunteer work can help those who have not participated in a practicum or externship for hands-on training achieve this objective.

Step 3: Job Placement

Direct job placement is available for dental assistants in Hawaii who have been well-trained. Graduates may also decide to choose a particular specialty area like orthodontic assisting, preventive functions, or dental assisting.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a medical assistant in Hawaii

Licensure & Certification Requirements

As mentioned above, certification can be vital in helping dental assistants focus on one part of the profession. Candidates who would like to specialize may pursue credentials like the Certified Orthodontic Assistant and the Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant.

Both of these credentials are offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

Certification offers professionals the opportunity to specialize, network, and acquire advanced skills. Before certification, applicants should be prepared to pay the appropriate registration fees and pass professional examinations.

They should also prepare for continuing education to maintain and renew their certified status.

Radiology professionals must pass the Radiation Health and Safety exam, which the DANB provides.

Top Dental Assistant Schools in Hawaii

These are some of the top training programs for future dental assistants in Hawaii.

Explore dental assistant schools in Hawaii by city:

• Dental assistant schools in Honolulu

Salary & Career Outlook

As a new dental assistant in Hawaii, the annual average salary might be around $56,064. Naturally, professionals in the field can improve their yearly earnings by working on factors like credentials and employment establishment.

Experience and location also play a role. With all of these factors in their favor, dental assistants in Hawaii can earn an annual average salary of $70,798 in the median category and $89,406 in the top-earning category.

Data obtained from dental assistants in various locations in Hawaii shows the following destinations to have the highest annual average income:

• Honolulu, with an annual average salary of $71,874;
• Kahului, with an annual average salary of $71,458;
• Lihue, with an annual average salary of $71,263; and
• Kaneohe, with an annual average salary of $71,184.