Dental Assistant Schools in New Jersey

Dental assistants are professionals trained to perform various tasks to facilitate the smooth functioning of a dental office. During a day’s work, they ensure that patients are comfortable, sterilize instruments, keep records of treatments, and schedule patient appointments.

Although there are several pathways to becoming a successful dental assistant in New Jersey, candidates tend to follow the same general framework, which allows them to secure employment quickly and continue to grow their careers.

In the following sections, we take a quick look at these requirements.

We also highlight some of the best training programs for candidates to consider while providing an analysis of salary projections and career outlook.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in New Jersey

The following are the steps to becoming a successful dental assistant in New Jersey.

Basic Preparations

In the state of New Jersey, a Dental assistant does not make post-secondary education compulsory for prospective dental assistants. However, potential employers have the right to choose the specific candidates that they want, and they prefer educated ones.

Candidates may prepare their high school diploma or GED results before entering a training program. They may also work on their organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Graduating from a Program

Dental assistants usually obtain a certificate from a training program before they can start their careers. As important as the certificate is, the most important part of the arrangement is for candidates to receive the right level of preparation and technical skills to survive when they secure employment.

Some dental assistant training programs offer flexibility by allowing candidates to combine online training with campus education. Others, of course, prefer strictly in-person arrangements.

One of the sections below analyzes top training programs for students to consider.

Employment & Real-World Familiarity

After training, prospective dental assistants in New Jersey can secure entry-level employment or start with volunteer experience. Subsequently, they can improve their careers by considering advanced degrees and certifications, as outlined below.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a travel agent in New Jersey

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Unsurprisingly, dental assistants in New Jersey who perform the general duties of the profession are not required to be licensed by law. However, candidates who perform expanded functions must register with the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry.

This will allow them to receive the designation of Registered Dental Assistant. Obtaining a certification is also important, regardless of the scope of my function as a dental assistant in New Jersey.

Certified dental assistants generally receive more career opportunities, not only in New Jersey but across the country. The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) offers multiple credentials for those who want to become certified.

Among them are the Certified Orthodontic Assistant, Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant, and Certified Dental Assistant credentials.

Top Dental Assistant Schools in New Jersey

Below are some top training programs for aspiring dental assistants in New Jersey.

Explore dental assistant schools in New Jersey by city:

• Dental assistant schools in Jersey City

Salary & Career Outlook

The average annual salary of a dental assistant in New Jersey can vary depending on factors like the professional’s experience and profession. Indeed.com data revealed that the median salary of a dental assistant is $77,964.

Those in the bottom 10% can manage an annual average salary of $60,420, while the top 10% earn around $100,602. Along with experience and time spent on the job, location, credentials, and specific work environment are all factors that can help candidates improve their yearly incomes.

Focusing on location, data shows Landing to be the best place to work as a dental assistant in New Jersey based on annual income alone. Dental assistants who practice here earn around $97,534 per year.

Other places in the top five are Union, with an annual average salary of $87,922; Cherry Hill, with an annual average salary of $82,696; Cliffside Park, with an annual average salary of $77,975; and Edison, with an annual average salary of $75,244.