Dental Assistant Schools in New Mexico

This page contains a guide that outlines everything prospective dental assistants in New Mexico should expect as they embark on their journey into this rewarding profession. The guide outlines the basic steps and educational approaches that can be taken, as well as a clear understanding of specific training programs and what these institutions offer.

Afterward, the guide continues by analyzing licensing and certification requirements for career opportunities and potential salary figures based on a few determining factors.

By the time they finish reading, candidates should have a clear understanding of what awaits them and how to remain competitive as full-fledged dental assistants in New Mexico.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in New Mexico

The following is a step-by-step analysis of how to become a dental assistant in New Mexico.

Basic Requirements

A high school diploma is important for prospective dental assistants in New Mexico. Itknowdiploma. It is usually required to secure admission into a training program and may even be a requirement for job placement.

Of course, individuals who do not have a high school diploma may submit a GED test result equivalent to it.

Comprehensive Education

Like virtually all professions, it is impossible to become a successful dental assistant without receiving a comprehensive education concerning prospective duties. It falls upon community colleges and technical schools in the area to provide candidates with such training.

Additionally, it is possible to learn the duties of a dental assistant by working under the supervision of a licensed dental hygienist or dentist in a functional environment. However, because academic programs offer credentials and certification opportunities, they are usually more popular than direct real-world training.

What’s more, academic programs also offer on-the-job training opportunities through externships and internships.

Career Advancement

Dental assistants must continually improve their skills and advance their careers by taking on more complex and specialized duties. The common approach by many is to spend a few years working as a dental assistant and then complete a bachelor’s degree program in dental hygiene.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a travel agent in New Mexico

Licensure & Certification Requirements

New Mexico state law allows professional dental assistants to perform basic supportive dental procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist, without requiring them to obtain a license themselves. Professionals in a field are also allowed to practice in the state without certification.

However, employers love to work with certified dental assistants, and as such, virtually all professionals in the field are certified. The Dental Assisting National Board offers highly rated credentials for individuals in this field.

Candidates who have completed a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation can easily register for a certification examination. However, they must first pay an application fee and pass an exam before they can be certified.

Afterward, they will also be expected to continue to renew their credentials through continuing education.

Top Dental Assistant Schools in New Mexico

The state of New Mexico offers the following amazing training programs for prospective dental assistants.

Explore dental assistant schools in New Mexico by city:

• Dental assistant schools in Albuquerque

Salary & Career Outlook

Suppose projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics hold in the coming 10 years. In that case, tens of thousands of job openings will arise for dental assistants across the country, includingin thee state of New Mexico. Along with positive future projections, the field also enjoys competitive salaries.

Dental assistants in New Mexico can earn up to $51,409 in yearly salary if they are among the bottom 10 percent of earners, up to $64,577 in average yearly salary if they are among the median earners, and up to $81,118 in yearly salary if they are among the top 10 percent of earners.

Candidates who fall among the low-level earners can begin to work on their experience level, credentials, specialty focus, and work environment to improve their yearly returns. They can also optimize their location within the state.

Currently, dental assistants in Santa Fe and Rio Rancho are paid the highest average salaries in New Mexico. They make an average of $70,974 and $66,347 annually, respectively.

Dental assistants in Albuquerque manage an annual average salary of $65,582.