Dental Assistant Schools in North Dakota

Dental Assistants in North Dakota use several methods, including certification and professional organizations, to remain competitive in the field.

They also prioritize continuing education to acquire more skills and progress in the industry. However, before they can reach this stage, students need to attend a strong training program to develop basic skills and secure entry-level employment.

The purpose of this guide is to introduce readers to the specific considerations they need to make to do so successfully.

The article also provides other helpful resources, such as specific training destinations and annual average salary projections for the next decade.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in North Dakota

The framework below can be used to launch a successful dental assistant career in North Dakota.

Possessing Transferable Attributes

Either before they begin training or after they have completed their programs, prospective dental assistants in North Dakota are expected to possess transferable attributes such as problem-solving, interpersonal, and communication skills. They are also expected to be very dexterous and have multitasking skills.

Academic Awards

Although it is not strictly mandatory, acquiring academic awards and credentials can help prospective dental assistants stand out from competitors. The two most common academic awards to pursue in this field are certificates and associate degrees.

Community colleges and vocational institutions usually offer both of these programs. Certificate programs are the most common and can be completed in a few months or up to a year.

Associate degree programs are also popular and usually take around two years to complete. An upcoming section provides veritable alternatives for North Dakota residents to consider.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a medical assistant in North Dakota

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The North Dakota State Board of Dental Examiners offers the Registered Dental Assistant credential to North Dakota professionals who will be performing expanded dental assistant duties. Candidates must have received the Certified Dental Assistant credential from the Dental Assisting National Board to qualify for this credential.

They may then submit their application to the state along with proof of completing an academic program. Applicants are also expected to maintain current CPR certification and pass the state jurisprudence examination.

The Dental Assisting National Board also offers radiation health and safety credentials that candidates may use to enhance their career prospects and expand their roles in a dental establishment.

Top Dental Assistant Schools in North Dakota

For a robust introduction to dental assisting in North Dakota, aspiring dental assistants may consider attending one of the following programs.

Explore dental assistant schools in North Dakota by city:

• Dental assistant schools in Fargo

Salary & Career Outlook

Dental assistants in Bismarck earn an average annual salary of $90,548, making them the highest-paid in North Dakota. Those who work at West Fargo come in second, with an average annual salary of $80,220.

Also making the list of prominent places to work for a relatively high salary as a dental assistant in North Dakota are Fargo, with an annual average salary of $78,918, and Grand Forks, with an annual average salary of $78,271.

The data above represents an analysis of how the annual returns of dental assistants in the state can be grouped by a specific factor, in this case, location. Other influential factors to consider include experience level, credentials, and work environment.

Generally, without analyzing a specific criterion, dental assistants in North Dakota earn an annual average salary of $58,497 in the bottom 10 percent and $102,113 in the top 10 percent.

Most people, of course, will fall in the median range. Here, the annual average salary is $77,287.