The correspondence program is equivalent to 1 academic year of study but generally requires about 2 years to complete. Certification is available through the Dental Assisting National Board. Certification is an acknowledgement of an assistant's qualifications and professional competence, but is not generally required for employment. In several States that have set standards for dental assistants who perform radiologic procedures, completion of the certification examination meets those standards. In addition, all applicants must have taken a course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Some dental assistants seek to qualify for practice as dental hygienists.
Prospective dental assistants who foresee this possibility should plan carefully, since credit earned in a dental assistant program often is not applicable toward requirements for a dental hygiene certificate. Some dental assistants become sales representatives for firms that manufacture dental products. The field of dental assisting education offers opportunities in teaching and program administration. Job Outlook Employment of dental assistants is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2000. Population growth, widespread dental insurance and great retention of natural teeth by middle-aged people are the principle factors that will fuel demand for dental care.