Everyone is different.
Your circumstances for becoming a dental assistant may be different from someone else.
This career will interest you if you have an interest in comforting people and in oral health.
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Licensing Requirements To Become a Dental Assistant In Arizona
Arizona does not require any licensing to become an entry-level dental assistant.
However, you must obtain the proper radiology certificates before you perform X-rays or use any type of radiographic imaging machine.
The state does accept recent certification transfers from other jurisdictions also, but you must take an exam in Arizona.
Most AZ dental offices and clinics want you to complete training approved by the American Dental Association’s Commission (CODA).
You can also study for one of the several Dental Assistant certifications offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
Another resource for you to consult when you prepare for your dental career is the State Board of Dental Examiners.
This examination board prepares you for a dental hygienist or dentist career.
It is wise to explore the Arizona State website and view its recommendations if you decide to advance from your Dental Assistant position later.
The state of Arizona does require certification for people who want to provide coronal polishing services, which involve plaque and stain removal.
As far as whether cosmetic tooth whitening requires a license or not, that is a gray area.
You should discuss that issue with the DANB, your instructors, and the state.
There is also a special certificate you must achieve to become an Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA), which allows you a little more freedom than if working as a dental assistant.
1. Phoenix College
The one-year Dental Assisting certificate program at Phoenix College provides background classes in general dentistry including the parts of the mouth and teeth.
In addition, you will learn how to take X-rays and learn new ways of communicating that exhibit your compassion for anxious and suffering patients.
You will work under the supervision of dentists and other staff while you train for your first certification.
CODA has accredited this school, so you can feel confident about enrolling.
The certificate program takes about a year unless you decide to go part-time or earn your associate’s degree.
2. Pima Community College
Pima offers the chance to train for a career in dental hygiene dental laboratory and dental assisting.
If you train to become a dental assistant, the coursework you complete will also apply to an associate degree.
You will end up completing about 336 hours of dental assisting experience as you work through this program.
In the process, you will get used to interacting with patients, other dental staff workers, and the dentists on duty.
By the time you get hired for the first time, you will feel confident because your Pima training will also teach you the proper sterilization of equipment for infection control.
You will also gain an understanding of how a dentist makes teeth impressions, administers fluoride treatments, and installs temporary crowns.
3. Arizona School Of Dental Assisting
The school of dental assisting sends you on your way to being a certified dental assistant (CDA) and FDA certificate.
These credentials are provided by the DANB, and you can earn them as you complete your coursework and participate in clinical training.
You can register for a variety of classes that take place and the mornings, afternoons, and weekends through the 2022 academic year.
4. The Dental Assisting School of America
The Dental Assisting School Of America has a 13-week program that sets you on a fast track to finding a job.
You will learn all that is necessary about working in an examination room alongside a dentist and assisting with office duties.
During your training, you will become exposed to taking X-rays preparing dental charts applying topical anesthetics, and sterilizing equipment.
You will also begin to understand what to do in an emergency.
Concerning that, your role as a dental assistant most likely will be spending at least half your time comforting anxious patients.
5. Altrain Medical And Dental Assisting Academy
Altrain Medical and Dental Assisting Academy have a class ratio of only eight students to one instructor.
This training only takes about three months.
You will learn how to take X-rays, assist patients in their dental chairs and make tooth impressions.
Altrain provides you with all the clinical training exam preparation, CPR certification, and other required dental assistant skills.
Dental Assistant Schools in Arizona – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Arizona
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Phoenix College | 1202 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85013 |
| Pima Community College | 4905 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85709 |
| Arizona School Of Dental Assisting | 4915 West Bell Road Suite #F200, Glendale, AZ 85308 |
| The Dental Assisting School of America | 2500 S Power Rd #127, Mesa, AZ 85209 |
| Altrain Medical And Dental Assisting Academy | 5750 W Thunderbird Rd Suite D-480, Glendale, AZ 85306, |
Salary
A report made in April 2022 shows that a dental assistant can make an average annual salary of $40,347.
Yearly income ranges for this profession are between $35,784 and $44,768.
You can find jobs in Buckeye, Glendale, Mesa, or Phoenix to start, and it is up to you to continue your education and gain the experience you need to make.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Dental Assistants in Arizona
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Phoenix | $40,313 |
| Tucson | $38,344 |
| Mesa | $40,319 |
| Glendale | $40,313 |
| Scottsdale | $40,319 |
| Chandler | $40,319 |
| Tempe | $40,319 |
| Gilbert | $40,319 |
| Peoria | $40,232 |
| Yuma | $41,850 |
Regional Salary in Arizona
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flagstaff, AZ | 160 | $45,180 | $21.72 | $56,080 | $35,470 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | 380 | $43,930 | $21.12 | $48,840 | $36,460 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ | 5,180 | $48,230 | $23.19 | $58,440 | $37,470 |
| Prescott, AZ | 260 | $44,440 | $21.37 | $54,320 | $35,430 |
| Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ | 70 | $42,030 | $20.21 | $47,400 | $34,670 |
| Tucson, AZ | 1,010 | $44,650 | $21.47 | $56,870 | $35,550 |
| Yuma, AZ | 110 | $41,160 | $19.79 | $48,150 | $30,720 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do dental assistants work in Arizona?
Dental Assistants in Arizona typically work 40 hours per week.
However, you may work part-time depending on the needs of the dental office.
Otherwise, you may only work part-time if you have a full class schedule.
What are the education requirements to become a dental assistant in Arizona?
To become a dental assistant in Arizona, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent before you enroll in your post-secondary certificate or associate degree program.
What are the duties of a dental assistant in Arizona?
Some duties of a dental assistant in Arizona include providing chairside assistance to the dentist, taking X-rays, and performing basic office duties.
You will also sterilize instruments.
Do you need a degree to be a dental assistant and Arizona?
No, you do not.
However, the requirements to become a dental assistant in Arizona include completing a dental assistant program at an accredited institution and passing the National Board Dental Assistant Examination (NBAE).
How much does dental assistant certification cost?
It depends on the school you go to and where you get certified.
Each DANB certification exam for example usually costs about $450.
