Dental Assistant Schools in Illinois

Many residents of Illinois would like to start a career in dentistry but would like to ease into it. For those looking for such an opportunity, starting a career as a dental assistant can be the perfect avenue to explore.

This will allow them to gain some basic experience in the real world before deciding whether they would like to continue their careers in dentistry.

To get started on a straightforward path, we have provided the comprehensive guide below outlining the major requirements necessary to become a dental assistant in the state of Illinois.

We explore the basic educational requirements, training destinations, top certifications for career growth, and projected annual average salary based on surveys of dental assistants in the state.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Illinois

Below are the major requirements needed to secure a dental assistant position in the state of Illinois.

Preparing for Training

In the state of Illinois, individuals looking to become dental assistants must begin their journeys by attending a training program. However, most training programs only admit candidates who are at least 18 years old and who already have a high school diploma or a GED equivalent.

Comprehensive Training

Completing a dental assistant training program is key to becoming a successful dental assistant in Illinois. However, candidates must ensure they attend all training programs besides those accredited by an accreditation authority.

This ensures that they receive a quality education and qualify for certification opportunities. All the entries in the upcoming list below meet this requirement.

A dental assistant training program can be completed in a year or even less. Those who would like a more robust training experience may complete a two-year program, which will earn them an associate degree and set them apart in the employment market.

Hands-On Training

Several training programs for future dental assistants in Illinois incorporate hands-on training to complement classroom training. Many do this by mandating 1,000 hours of clinical experience to be acquired through an externship.

For those who still need to complete an externship, it is advisable to set aside some time to receive real-world experience in a training capacity even after completing an academic training program.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn to become a medical assistant in Illinois

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Candidates who have been properly trained in both classroom theory and practicals may go on to secure employment as dental assistants in Illinois. However, candidates are advised to receive certification from a nationally recognized professional organization for more career opportunities.

The most popular and prominent option is the Certified Dental Assistant credential offered by the Dental Assisting National Board. This credential helps candidates secure employment more easily and provides access to continuing education resources.

Those who would like to specialize in a certain area may consider additional certifications such as the Certified Orthodontic Assistant credential, Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant certification, and the Registered Dental Assistant certification.

Top Dental Assistant Schools in Illinois

The entries below are considered to be among the best dental assisting programs in Illinois.

Explore dental assistant schools in Illinois by city:

• Dental assistant schools in Chicago

Salary & Career Outlook

A survey on Indeed revealed that the annual average salary of dental assistants in Illinois was $67,201. Those in the bottom 10 percent earned an annual average salary of $53,041, while those among the top 10 percent earned an annual average salary of $85,143.

The factors that separated the highest-paid from the rest were experience, location, credentials, and employer.

It’s hard to determine the best location for dental assistants in Illinois based on all key metrics. However, concerning salary alone, the state’s most considerable place to work as a dental assistant is Palatine, where professionals earn an annual average salary of $73,747.

Dental assistants in Mount Prospect and Gurnee also earn significantly high salaries, with annual average salaries of $70,664 and $68,957, respectively. They are followed by professionals in Elmhurst, with an annual average salary of $68,676, and professionals in Chicago, with an annual average salary of $68,125.