Do you need experience to be a dental assistant?

Answer:
It depends on state laws, for certification anyway. In Iowa, where I work, an assistant can work with no experience, but within 6 months of hire they need to pass state or national exams to continue. If you're interested in assisting, call a local community college or vocational school.

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in NY most dental office want you to have a dental assistant certification which requires some experience.

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Some ads say experience, some ads say will train. It all depends on the office running the ad.
I've been a dental assistant for 18 years--I went to school for medical assisting and decided after graduation that I really didn't want to take peoples blood. I decided pulling out peoples teeth would be better.
That is a joke--I hate extractions.

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In a word, yes. Specifically, what do you want to know? Maybe I can help...

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ASHLEY,
A LOT DEPENDS ON THE DENTIST YOU WORK FOR.
SOME REQUIRE CERTIFICATION BEFORE THEY HIRE YOU. OTHERS, ARE WILLING TO TAKE THE TIME OUT AND TRAIN YOU.
THE CERTIFIED ONES USUALLY A BETTER PAID BECAUSE OF THEIR PAST SKILLS.
LEGALLY, THE LAW DOES NOT REQUIRE AN ASSISTANT TO BE CERTIFED.
A PRUDENT DENTIST WILL STILL NEED TO TRAIN A CERTIFIED ASSISTANT TO THEIR MANNER OF PATIENT TREATMENT AND OFFICE POLICIES.

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Hi
Most good dental practices require experience or schooling for dental assisting. U will find the odd one who "will train", however the pay will be low and u will only learn what that dentist is willing to teach u. 99% of offices want you to be certified to take x-rays, and for that an exam has to be written and u need lots of practical experience. Its really worth it to take a course, bite the bullet and pay the price. Its a good field and lots of assistants go on to dental hygiene, where the pay is fabulous.
Good luck

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