Dental Assistant Schools in Oregon

Understanding the necessary approach to becoming a dental assistant in Oregon will not only help candidates distinguish themselves from the competition but also ensure that they are on the right path to securing employment and advancing their education. Naturally, candidates who wish to determine the right approach must consider several factors, including education, certification, and potential licensure.

The resources below enable candidates to learn about all these requirements on a single page. We begin with a general introduction to preparing for training programs, followed by an analysis of program options and certification opportunities.

The guide also provides a list of top training programs and a career outlook for dental assisting in the state of Oregon.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Oregon

The considerations below are essential for becoming a successful dental assistant in Oregon.

High school diploma or GED

Having a high school diploma or GED is fundamental to becoming a successful dental assistant in Oregon. The majority of training programs in the state will ask for one, as will potential employers.

Candidates with transferable attributes, such as problem-solving, planning, interpersonal, and communication skills, will also fare better in training.

Choosing a Training Route

Candidates may undergo academic training or receive training “on the job.” Of course, the most common approach is to combine both.

Academic Route

The academic route is common for future dental assistants in Oregon because it offers valuable degrees and certificates for career opportunities. It can also be a very convenient approach as most programs allow hybrid learning or online options.

The list below analyzes the top academic programs for individuals to consider.

On-the-Job Approach

Residents of Oregon may also opt for an on-the-job training approach to launch their careers. This way, they learn directly under licensed professionals in a work environment.

To combine both, candidates often complete an academic program and participate in an internship or externship during their final semester of education.

Advancements

While dental assisting is a rewarding profession in its own right, it often serves as a stepping stone for candidates to explore other advanced fields within the industry. Many dental assistants choose to pursue bachelor’s degree programs related to dental hygiene.

It is also possible for a dental assistant in Oregon to improve their career prospects by pursuing certification, as highlighted below.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a medical assistant in Oregon

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The Dental Assisting National Board offers a range of general and specialty certifications that dental assistants in Oregon can pursue to enhance their career opportunities. Among these are the Certified Dental Assistant, Certified Orthodontics Assistant, and Radiation Health and Safety credentials.

Although state professionals are not required to be licensed or certified to perform basic duties and start working professionally, pursuing these credentials is common nonetheless, thanks to their professional advantages.

For professionals in the field who will be carrying out expanded functions such as X-rays, nitrous oxide administration, and vaccination, it is compulsory to pursue specialty credentials and register with the state.

Top Dental Assistant Schools in Oregon

The institutions below are notable for their amazing dental assistant training programs in Oregon.

Explore dental assistant schools in Oregon by city:

• Dental assistant schools in Portland

Salary & Career Outlook

In Oregon, the annual average salary of a dental assistant can be as low as $65,909 for those just starting, which places them among the bottom 10 percent. The figure can be as high as $107,346 for those in the top 1 percent and around $84,113 for the median earner.

Along with their length of employment, a professional’s credentials and specific location in the state will influence their annual average returns. Regarding the places with the largest returns, we have Bend, where dental assistants manage an annual average salary of $92,073, and Portland, which has an annual average salary of $88,192.

Hills, with an annual average salary of $87,229; Gre, a sham, with an annual average salary of $85,263; and Sal, with an annual average salary of $84,150, are all among the top five.