Dental Assistant Schools in Ohio

As an aspiring dental assistant in Ohio, the requirements to meet are relatively straightforward, especially compared to other positions in the industry. However, candidates still have to dedicate significant time to receive training and ensure they are in a perfect position to secure employment and take advantage of career opportunities.

The following sections provide a detailed outlook on all the major requirements needed to become a dental assistant, from the basic requirements to the certification options for career growth. Interested candidates will also discover the annual average salary projections for the field and how they can scale and earn more along the way.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Ohio

Candidates must follow the steps below to launch their dental assistant careers in Ohio on the right path.

Prerequisites

The prerequisites for becoming a dental assistant in Ohio include being at least 18 years old and having a high school diploma or GED. These credentials should be enough for candidates to secure admission into a training program and receive training on the job.

Attend an Approved Training Program

To cultivate the technical skills required to do their jobs, individuals must attend an approved dental assistant training program to start their careers in Ohio. Several vocational schools and community colleges offer training programs that can be completed within 1 - 2 years.

Some training destinations offer convenient arrangements, allowing students to complete most coursework online.

In an upcoming section, we explore some top training programs for candidates in the state to consider.

Real-World Experience

As mentioned above, several arrangements exist for candidates looking to complete a dental assistant program. However, once the theoretical part of the coursework is over, candidates must ensure they practice everything they have been taught in a clinical environment.

For this, their training programs often require students to complete an externship before graduation.

Certification & Employment

Candidates who complete the steps below have done most of what they need to do to secure employment as dental assistants in Ohio. To round up, they must take some specialty courses and pursue certification.

We focus on these topics more below.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn to become a medical assistant in Ohio

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Basic life support training is one of the specialty courses required to become a dental assistant in Ohio. This should be completed at a destination approved by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.

The other is the nitrous oxide monitoring course, which should contain 6-course hours of training. Students are expected to pass an examination in this area approved by the Ohio State Board.

Lastly, candidates may receive professional certification from the Dental Assisting National Board. The certification must be the Certified Dental Assistant credential, although candidates may pursue more specialty credentials.

Top Dental Assistant Schools in Ohio

The following are the most prominent training programs for aspiring dental assistants in Ohio.

Explore dental assistant schools in Ohio by city:

• Dental assistant schools in Columbus

Salary & Career Outlook

The average dental assistant’s annual salary in Ohio is $69,532. Candidates who fall among the lowest (in the bottom 10%) take home an annual average salary of $47,013, while those who fall among the highest-paid (top 10%) earn an annual average salary of $102,839.

For those wondering what factors make some fall in the higher category and others fall in the bottom category, the most prominent are experience, location, nature, company of employment, and professional credentials.

Taking location as the major factor, all else being equal, Springfield is the highest-paying city for dental assistants in Ohio, with an annual average salary of $87,722. Completing the top five are North Canton, with an annual average salary of $77,781; Brunswick, with an annual average salary of $72,764; Columbus, with an annual average salary of $71,511; and Reynoldsburg, with an annual average salary of $71,432.