Dental Assistant Schools in Tennessee

Many people argue that proper education is the most important step to becoming a successful dental assistant in Tennessee. While they won’t be wrong, it would also be completely erroneous to dismiss the importance of other additional steps, such as certification and continuing education.

To that end, we have provided comprehensive resources on this page to shed light not only on the educational considerations necessary to become a successful dental assistant in Tennessee but also on other complementary requirements, from basic preparation to certification and professional credentials.

We also devote a few paragraphs to exploring the potential salary for professionals in this field and the factors that contribute to those numbers.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Tennessee

The following are the requirements for entering into the dental assisting discipline in Tennessee.

Earning a certificate or an associate’s degree

The majority of dental assistants begin their careers by obtaining a certificate or an associate degree in a training program. Candidates are advised to choose a training program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation when selecting a program.

Another important consideration when choosing a training program is convenience. Some programs offer online training, while others allow candidates to combine online education with campus education through a hybrid approach.

Externships & Clinical Practicum

Although academic education in a classroom is sufficient to lay the foundation for becoming a dental assistant, employers are increasingly insistent on hiring fresh candidates who already have some form of real-world experience. To facilitate this, most training programs will require externships and clinical hours during the final semester of education.

Candidates can also gain real-world experience through volunteer hours.

Specialization

Dental assistants may perform general duties in a dental office or specialize in a few specific areas of dental care. They may work as preventive, restorative, orthodontic, or pediatric assistants, among others.

Job Placement

Lastly, after considering all the requirements above, along with certification and licensing, candidates may go on to secure job placement at their preferred establishment. Many candidates secure full-time placements thanks to the career services provided by their training destinations.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a medical assistant in Tennessee

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Dental assistants in Tennessee have to register as practical dental assistants while they are learning on the job. Those who will be working at full capacity will have to become registered dental assistants.

They may do so by completing the Tennessee Board of Dentistry ethics and experience examination and applying for registration with the board. The state has another designation, the Registered Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions, for candidates who will perform coronal polishing and monitor nitrous oxide administration.

Tennessee dental assistants are also advised to pursue certification, although it is not mandatory. Doing so increases credibility and the ability to perform advanced duties.

Top Dental Assistant Schools in Tennessee

All of the schools below offer excellent training arrangements for prospective dental assistants in Tennessee.

Explore dental assistant schools in Tennessee by city:

• Dental assistant schools in Nashville

Salary & Career Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics continues to predict a 10% increase in the employment rate for dental assistants nationwide from now until 2033. This projection will also hold in Tennessee, and thousands of new jobs will be created annually.

For those currently employed in an entry-level position, the annual average salary is approximately $53,000. However, for a well-established dental assistant in Tennessee, it is possible to earn up to $92,131 per year.

The most common category of earners in the state is dental assistants, who fall in the median category, with an annual average salary of $69,878. Location is another factor that can help candidates increase their potential earnings.

Data shows that dental assistants in Nashville and Franklin make the highest relative yearly returns in Tennessee, with annual average salaries of $76,012 and $75,395, respectively. Also in the top five are Hermitage, Brentwood, and Chattanooga, with annual average salaries of $73,702, $73,509, and $72,357, respectively.