Dental Assistant Schools in Vermont

Residents of Vermont who wish to pursue a career as a dental assistant must meet specific requirements to establish a strong foundation for their careers. Some of these requirements align with expectations in other states, while others are unique to Vermont.

The guide below provides an in-depth analysis of all these aspects, starting with the basic requirements for securing admission into a training program, the types of training programs to choose from, and steps to facilitate career advancement. Readers will also discover training programs that offer key benefits, including career services and support.

We conclude with an analysis of the salary potential and career outlook for dental assistants in Vermont.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Vermont

The following is a step-by-step guide to launching a successful dental assistant career in Vermont.

Possessing Transferable Skills

Transferable skills, such as interpersonal communication and organizational skills, can greatly facilitate career opportunities for future dental assistants in Vermont. Individuals can develop these attributes as early as possible and continue to improve throughout their careers.

Fundamental Requirements

Training programs for future dental assistants often require candidates to provide proof of immunization against certain diseases. Candidates may also be required to undergo criminal background checks and provide documents demonstrating a high school diploma or a GED.

Completing a Program

In choosing a training program, aspiring dental assistants in Vermont are expected to insist on programs that are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. For other criteria, they may make their decisions based on personal preference.

For instance, some residents may be partial towards associate degree programs, while some may choose certificate programs. Online programs and hybrid programs are also common, as opposed to campus-only programs.

Real-World Education

Real-world education helps ensure that new dental assistants are confident enough to perform their duties in an actual work environment. To this end, most training programs allow students to participate in externships and clinical practicums prior to graduation.

Continuing Education

Lastly, after securing a job placement, dental assistants may continue to enhance their skills through certifications and continuing education. For advanced learning, the majority of professionals in this field opt to pursue a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a medical assistant in Vermont

Licensure & Certification Requirements

In Vermont, dental assistants can work in a traditional capacity after employment and registering with the Vermont Board of Dental Examiners within the first 30 days of securing employment.

Certification is necessary for candidates who will perform expanded functions. Those in this category must also have graduated from an accredited program and applied for registration with the Vermont Board of Dental Examiners.

Certification is also possible, even for those who will not be performing expanded functions. The Dental Assisting National Board is the major authority on prominent credentials for professionals in this field.

Top Dental Assistant Schools in Vermont

Residents of Vermont can acquire extensive dental assisting training at any of the following institutions:

Explore dental assistant schools in Vermont by city:

• Dental assistant schools in Burlington

Salary & Career Outlook

Several factors can influence the annual average salary of a dental assistant in Vermont. These figures work together to separate candidates into three broad categories — the highest-paid, the lowest-paid, and the median earners.

The annual average salary in the highest-paid category is around $104,539. In the second category of the lowest-paid, professionals still manage an annual average salary of $62,073.

The most common dental assistants in Vermont are in the median category, managing an annual average salary of $80,555. Candidates can improve their yearly earnings by focusing on credentials, location, experience, and specialty areas.

Those who work in Essex Junction have the highest average annual salary in the city, at $89,831. Those who work in Shelburne and Bristol are also prominent, with annual average salaries of $89,054 and $85,430, respectively.

Dental assistants in Burlington earn an average annual salary of around $82,205.