Dental Assistant Schools in New Hampshire

New Hampshire is an excellent place to become a dental assistant. The state offers candidates a straightforward path to enter the profession, and several employers are eager to work with highly qualified professionals in this field.

The guide below analyzes everything an interested individual needs to know to become properly trained and meet the requirements set by training programs and potential employers. It also discusses other steps candidates can take to give themselves an edge in the profession, including opportunities for licensing and certification.

Lastly, we examine top training programs and salary projections for dental assistants in New Hampshire.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in New Hampshire

Dental assistants in New Hampshire typically begin their careers according to the outline below.

Comprehensive Education

A high school diploma or a GED is generally considered the basic educational requirement for becoming a dental assistant in New Hampshire. However, to ensure competitiveness and a positive upward trajectory, candidates require a more solid and comprehensive educational experience.

This is usually acquired by completing an accredited training program. Most programs that meet these criteria are offered by community colleges, vocational schools, and even some dental establishments in the state. The majority of them take one to two years to complete, leading to either a certificate or an associate’s degree.

By the time they graduate, students will have a clear understanding of their responsibilities in the classroom, laboratory, and administrative settings.

Practical, Real-World Education

Practicing the duties of a dental assistant in a real-world environment after completing an academic program is important. It helps candidates build confidence and settle into the job easily when they finally secure a full-time placement.

Some students begin their practical training in the laboratory before ultimately moving to actual dental establishments where they relate directly with patients and other professionals.

Employment Opportunities

Prospective dental assistants in New Hampshire have several employment opportunities, including positions at dental clinics, hospitals, and specialty offices. Candidates may also work in preventive or restorative dental assisting.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a medical assistant in New Hampshire

Licensure & Certification Requirements

New Hampshire is one of the states in the country where dental assistants are not expected to receive a license before they can start working professionally. Certification is also not compulsory; however, employers generally prefer working with certified professionals over those who are not.

To receive the Certified Dental Assistant designation as a professional in New Hampshire, candidates must apply for the credential through the Dental Assisting National Board. The process also involves passing a professional examination and periodic renewal.

The board also offers the Certified Orthodontic Assistant and Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant specialty credentials. Dental assistants in New Hampshire are expected to pass the Radiation Health and Safety credential examination from the DANB to work in radiology.

Top Dental Assistant Schools in New Hampshire

The following schools offer top-class training for prospective dental assistants in the state of New Hampshire.

Explore dental assistant schools in New Hampshire by city:

• Dental assistant schools in Manchester

Salary & Career Outlook

Dental assistants in New Hampshire are categorized into various salary ranges. A candidate’s position on this spectrum will be influenced by several factors, including the duration of their work experience, their specific location within the state, and the number of professional credentials they hold, among others.

Those who are more favorable to these factors can manage an annual average salary of up to $103,630. Those who are less favorable or are still working on optimizing the factors can manage an annual average salary of $65,921.

The majority of dental assistants in New Hampshire are in the middle, earning around $82,652 per year.

It is also possible to separate the annual average salaries of professionals in the state by location. Hampton, Manchester, and Exeter are the highest-paying destinations for dental assistants in New Hampshire, with annual average salaries of $91,229, $88,232, and $83,452, respectively.