Dental Assistant Schools in Nebraska

A dental assistant is responsible for assisting with the day-to-day operations of a dental office or practice. They may be expected to welcome visitors, provide a brief overview of specific procedures, and assist with the sterilization of instruments.

The requirements for entering the profession are not strict, but they are all very important. As such, anyone who wants to become a successful dental assistant in Nebraska must thoroughly understand these requirements before embarking on their journey.

Thankfully, the guide that follows will help readers clearly understand all of these considerations.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Nebraska

Dental assistants in Nebraska typically begin their careers by following the steps below.

Meeting Basic Requirements

A high school diploma or GED is the basic requirement to launch a dental assistant career in Nebraska. Candidates are also expected to have CPR certification, proof of immunization, and participate in a background test.

Choosing a Program

The best dental assistant training programs offer career services, with some even providing direct job placement opportunities. However, this is not the only reason candidates are advised to complete a training program before starting their careers.

The primary reason is that dental assistant programs, particularly those accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), are ideal for developing technical expertise and earning valuable professional credentials.

These will give students a great advantage when they graduate and are preparing to secure a job placement.

In an upcoming section, we analyze the top accredited programs for candidates to consider.

Job Placement

Prospective dental assistants in Nebraska can seek job placement from appropriate dental clinics in a work environment of their choice. Individuals can also choose to do volunteer work independently to ensure they are fully prepared before securing a full-time job placement.

Continuing Education

Even after securing employment, dental assistants must continue to enhance their skills through ongoing education. They may also pursue a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene to advance in the dental industry and qualify for higher pay.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a freight broker in Nebraska

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Dental assistants in Nebraska must become licensed in order to carry out extensive duties and maintain a high level of appeal to potential employers. According to the state dental board, candidates must meet the basic requirements of a high school diploma or GED and graduate from an accredited training program before they can be licensed.

The state also expects candidates to complete the Certified Dental Assistant examination offered by the Dental Assisting National Board. From there, they will have to pass the state jurisprudence exam and provide proof of citizenship.

Candidates may also go for other credentials offered by the DANB, including the Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant credential and the Certified Orthodontic Assistant credential.

Top Dental Assistant Schools in Nebraska

Future dental assistants in Nebraska may start their careers by attending any of the following programs.

Explore dental assistant schools in Nebraska by city:

• Dental assistant schools in Omaha

Salary & Career Outlook

The annual average salary of a dental assistant in Nebraska depends on several factors. These factors work together to separate candidates into three broad categories.

In the first category, we have the top 10%, whose annual average salary is around $83,456. In the second, we have the bottom 10%, making an annual average return of around $55,646. In the third category, which is the most popular, we have the median earners.

Those in this range will be able to manage an annual average salary of $68,147. Experience, credentials, location, and work environment are among the many factors that contribute to this.

It is also possible to analyze the annual average salary of dental assistants in Nebraska by location alone. In this case, we have the following cities among the top 3:

• Omaha, with an annual average salary of $70,362;
• Bellevue, with an annual average salary of $69,493; and
• Lincoln, with an annual average salary of $69,327.