Dental Assistant Schools in Oklahoma

The primary duty of a dental assistant in Oklahoma, as well as throughout the country, is to provide support to dental professionals. However, the specific tasks involved in this description can be wide-ranging, depending on factors such as work environment and specialty.

Generally, dental assistants in the state are expected to perform clinical and administrative duties such as scheduling appointments and sterilizing instruments. They must complete a training program to acquire the necessary skills and then fulfill additional requirements for career advancement and professional development.

The following guide provides a detailed exploration of all these requirements.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Oklahoma

Below is an overview of how to become a dental assistant in Oklahoma.

Basic Requirements

Candidates for dental assistant positions in Oklahoma must meet several basic requirements, starting with a high school diploma or a GED. Other common requirements include proof of immunization and, in some cases, background checks.

Entering into a Training Program

Entering the field of dental assisting requires a wide range of knowledge. This is why candidates are typically expected to attend an accredited training program, where they will learn both the classroom principles and laboratory practices of the field.

Many training programs for prospective dental assistants offer pathways that lead to different tracks, including possible associate degrees after a couple of years of training and possible certificates after a few months to a year of training.

Regardless of their awards, candidates must choose an accredited program that will allow them to pursue certification in a straightforward manner. Of course, accreditation also equals a significant base level of quality.

Securing Employment

Once they have achieved the right level of training, candidates can proceed to secure employment with dental offices and establishments in the area. They may also utilize career credentials from relevant organizations to secure placement.

We explore this issue further below.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a home and building inspector in Oklahoma

Licensure & Certification Requirements

After candidates have developed a fundamental knowledge of basic principles and applied them in a practical environment, they will be able to start working as professional dental assistants in Oklahoma. However, they will only be able to perform the basic duties of professionals in this field.

State professionals must obtain a dental assistant permit to apply for expanded functions. The state expects candidates to complete approved programs that cover coronal polishing, nitrous oxide, and radiology, among other topics.

It is also common for general-function dental assistants in Oklahoma to choose to become certified. Certification can be a huge boost to career growth.

The Dental Assisting National Board is responsible for several amazing credentials that residents of the state can pursue to improve their career prospects.

Top Dental Assistant Schools in Oklahoma

Prospective dental assistants in Oklahoma can attend the following programs for their education.

Explore dental assistant schools in Oklahoma by city:

• Dental assistant schools in Oklahoma City

Salary & Career Outlook

A survey showed that the average annual salary of a dental assistant in Oklahoma is around $63,344 for median earners. The figure climbs up to a figure of around $85,407 for those in the top 10%, and it reduces to around $46,980 for those who are among the bottom 10%.

In understanding what causes the disparity between these figures, one needs to look at factors such as experience, location, work environment, and credentials. For those who would like to optimize their returns with location, the following are some of the most favorable places in this state with high average income figures for dental assistants:

• Vinita, with an annual average salary of $109,572;
• Yukon, with an annual average salary of $64,913;
• Oklahoma City, with an annual average salary of $63,157 and
• Tulsa, with an annual average salary of $62,962.