Individuals in Wyoming who want to start a successful dental assistant career must meet the basic requirements before they can secure admission into a training program. They also have to analyze specific training programs, choosing not only those with the best quality but also those with convenient educational arrangements that suit their schedules and educational preferences.
There are also other important considerations to take into account, which is why we have provided a detailed guide below that showcases everything a candidate needs to know to launch a thriving career as a dental assistant in Wyoming. Readers will also find helpful resources, including a list of possible training institutions and what to expect from these programs.
How to Become a Dental Assistant in Wyoming
The following steps outline the path to becoming a successful dental assistant in Wyoming.
Educational Considerations
Several key considerations must be taken into account when selecting a training program for prospective dental assistants in Wyoming. The first concern is award types.
Several training programs for dental assistants offer various awards and degrees, including certificates and Associate of Applied Science degrees.
Another key consideration concerns convenience. Some programs offer online learning opportunities, while others require a strictly campus-based education.
Some, of course, allow a combination of both in a hybrid approach. In an upcoming section, we explore top programs for candidates to consider.
Accreditation
Another vital consideration not mentioned above is accreditation. Prospective dental assistants are advised to choose programs that CODA accredits. Accreditation leads to quality education and a straightforward opportunity to become certified by a prominent organization, such as the Dental Assisting National Board.
Full-Time Job Placement & Advancements
Properly trained dental assistants can be placed full-time; however, certain steps, such as obtaining a license and certification, may help candidates achieve this more straightforwardly. We outline these steps below.
Furthermore, throughout their careers, candidates may continue to acquire additional skills through ongoing education. They may also participate in advanced programs, such as a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene, to further their careers.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Dental assistants in Wyoming are not required to hold a state license to perform their duties. However, this only becomes a necessity for those who take X-rays and work with radiographs.
In this case, candidates will need a permit. The requirements for these include completing a recognized training program, having CPR certification, and registering with the Wyoming Board of Dental Examiners.
The Dental Assisting National Board offers optional yet important professional credentials for candidates in this field. To qualify, applicants must have completed an accredited program and passed a professional examination overseen by the board.
Top Dental Assistant Schools in Wyoming
The following are some top dental assistant training programs for residents of Wyoming.
Laramie County Community College
Laramie, WY Campus Only
Laramie County Community College offers an extensive dental assistant program that prepares students for entry-level positions in various dental settings, including hospitals, clinics, orthodontic offices, and endodontic practices.
Tuition
$153 - $363 per CreditContact
(307) 432-1629
rmcelroy@lccc.wy.edu
Casper College
Online, WY Online Only
Casper College offers an online Clinical Dental Assistant training program with flexible, self-paced learning that can be completed within 12 months.
Tuition
$2,995 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Eastern Wyoming Community College
Online, WY Online Only
Eastern Wyoming Community College offers an online dental assistant training program that allows students to complete their education at their own pace.
Tuition
$2,995 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Explore dental assistant schools in Wyoming by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
The annual average salary of a dental assistant in Wyoming is $64,771. This figure pertains to those in the average earning range, enabling candidates to improve their position among the highest-paid.
In this high-paying category, the annual average salary is $86,760. Naturally, this also indicates that candidates earn less than the average, and those who do so may fall among the bottom 10 percent, where the annual average salary is $48,354.
Jackson Hole, with an annual average salary of $82,4,85, is among the best places to work as a dental assistant in Wyoming. Location is not the only important factor; factors such as experience, work environment, and professional credentials also play a role.
As for other notable cities with high relative annual income for dental assistants in Wyoming, they include Jackson, with an annual average salary of $77,974; Gillette, with an annual average salary of $71,933; and Cheyenne, with an annual average salary of $68,151.