A dental assistant is someone who assists the dentist and helps them for a more efficient treatment. They help the dentists by cleaning all their instruments, preparing patients by cleaning their teeth and taking x-rays, passing along tools to the dentist and basically really just making the dentist job a lot easier.
The requirements to become a dental assistant vary state to state. In some states you don't even need a college degree but then in others it takes a licence. There are over 200 dental assisting schools in the United States where you can become a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). Dental assistants must also take and pass the DANB (Dental Assisting National Board) examination after they have completed their dental assisting program or have 2 years of on-the-job training as a dental assistant. If you don't want to wait those 2 years or go to a dental program at a college you could go to a 10-12 week in-office course. Just note that doing the 10-12 week course is going to cost $3000-4000 and possibly more depending on where you take this course.
In conclusion becoming a dental assistant is a lot less work compared to becoming a dentist but it still takes time and effort from you to do well. A dental assistant is a very fun and interesting career path and the popularity of this job is growing every single year. If you enjoy working hard and have a good work ethic then this a good career choice for you.
