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Blog
Post 11:
Dental
Assistant Training: On-the-Job vs. Formal School
Dental
Assistant Training: On-the-Job vs. Formal School
By Eric Cheung, DDS
Atwater Family Dental Blog Series: Debunking Dental Myths
Becoming
a dental assistant (DA) can follow multiple paths. Choosing
the right route depends on your career goals,
time commitment, and financial considerations.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, unlicensed dental assistants
in California must complete the required eight-hour
infection control course prior to exposure to blood
and saliva.
Option 1: On-the-Job Training
Many dental offices offer on-the-job training
for aspiring dental assistants. This route allows you
to:
•
Earn while learning: Low tuition fees,
immediate income.
• Hands-on experience: Learn
procedures and patient care directly in the office.
• Flexible pace: Training adjusts
to office needs and personal schedule.
•
Training quality may vary depending on the office.
• Depending on your motivation, some skills may
take time to master.
• Extern or future employers
may prefer candidates with formal training for complex
procedures.
Option
2: DA School
Formal DA programs usually last 12–24 months and
provide:
•
Structured curriculum: Covers dental
anatomy, radiography, infection control, chairside assistance,
and more.
• Externship opportunities: Gain
supervised clinical experience in a dental office.
• Certification readiness: Prepares
for state or national DA exams.
•
Cost: Programs often involve tuition
and fees, potentially leading to debt.
• Extern challenges: Completing
an extern doesn’t always guarantee employment;
hiring depends on the office.
• Time commitment: School requires
a significant block of time before entering the workforce.
Weighing
Your Options
Factor
Cost
Time
Skills
Job
Opportunities |
On-the-Job
Training
Earn
while learning
Flexible,
immediate work
Learn
as needed
Office-dependent |
DA
School
Tuition,
potential debt
1–2
years school without real life experience
Comprehensive
training
Broader
options, some offices prefer graduates |
Tip:
Many successful dental assistants combine both
approaches: start on-the-job, then pursue formal education
to gain advanced skills and certification.
Final
Word
Choosing the right path depends on your career
goals, financial situation, and learning style.
Both options can lead to a fulfilling career in dentistry
if you stay committed to learning, patient care, and
continuing education.
Remember:
experience matters, but structured training
can accelerate growth and open doors in competitive
offices.
Give
us a call today to see if taking the 8 hours infection
control course will be a wise choice before you spent
a year and 10k-20k with a dental assisting school.
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