Dental assistants are a much-needed support system for dentists and dental professionals.
They ensure that everything in the dental clinic runs without a glitch.
Dental assistants need adequate training and skill impartation to execute their tasks perfectly.
It matters which school one chooses to attend.
Fortunately, several options offer great programs.
Moreover, the hard work will pay off someday.
Dental assistants receive attractive salaries once they start practicing.
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5 Dental Assistant Schools in Rhode Island
Focus on finding the right dental school.
Naturally, this impacts your acquired skills and the certificate level you attain.
Usually, proper training gives dental assistants a head start in the sector.
Below are some of the best dental assistant schools to consider in Rhode Island.
The Community College of Rhode Island
The college’s primary goal is to prepare the dental assistant to become an excellent help to the dentist.
Students attend both lecture lessons and laboratory sessions.
The aim is to equip them with real clinical experience.
The program lasts up to 14 weeks. It is a full-time program, excluding the externship.
It prepares them to handle diverse dental assignments in dental health care centers.
However, dental assistant students must first be equipped to take certification exams.
In addition, adequate training is needed to sit for the national board exam.
Only successful students are certified after passing the test.
For one to qualify for this program, the following must be provided:
- Complete CCRI application for enrollment
- Official high school level transcripts
- Complete a placement testing
- GPA average point of at least 2.0
- BCI (background check for health reasons
Lincoln Tech Dental Assisting School
The Lincoln Tech college prepares students to take the ICE and RHS parts of the needed Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam.
Classes are hands-on/practical as the school mimics real-life dental office practice.
Students attend on-campus labs for such training sessions.
Dental assistant students become familiar with different dental practices after the program.
These practices include implant placements, oral surgery, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontic procedures, and aesthetic dental treatments.
The lab simulations during practice prepare the students for real-life dental practices.
The clinical externship required at the end of the course crowns the training.
Students get to apply what they learned in actual dental clinics.
Some of the hand’s lessons that come in handy during these externships include:
- Dental office management
- Dental health
- Dental anatomy
- Prosthodontics
- Infection control
- Dental radiography
- Chairside assisting
Cranston Adult Education Program
Cranston Adult Education Program is a special adult program in Rhode Island.
It offers a variety of certified training programs.
The school has GED, ESL, and vocational training for:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Medical Assistant (MA)
- Phlebotomy Technician (PT)
- Dental Assistant (DA)
Both instructional and academic training assistance is offered at the school.
In addition, the school strives to offer fair and unbiased opportunities for all people.
Penn Foster College
Penn Foster College offers an online career diploma for those seeking to become dental assistants.
Students are equipped and taught on-the-job skills.
These include:
- Dental health procedure
- Office operations
- Dentistry terminology use
Once done with the training, one can competently pursue their dental assistant career as a certified professional.
Ashworth College
Ashworth is another online college that offers dental assistant career courses.
It allows students to complete their training in just four months.
Students can create their schedules and learn at a pace they can sustain.
Then, they graduate and are ready to become dental administrative assistants.
Dental Assistant Schools in Rhode Island – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Rhode Island
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| The Community College of Rhode Island | 400 East Ave, Warwick, RI 02886 |
| Lincoln Tech Dental Assisting School | 622 George Washington Hwy, Lincoln, RI 02865 |
| Cranston Adult Education Program | 83 Rolfe Square, Cranston, RI 02920 |
| Penn Foster College | 14300 N Northsight Blvd #125, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 |
| Ashworth College | 5051 Peachtree Corners Cir #200, Norcross, GA 30092 |
Dental Assistant Salary
A dental assistant’s salary depends on several factors.
Education level, additional skills, experience, the city you are in, and certifications influence the salary.
The average salary paid by April 2022 is $43,013, with many assistants earning $38,149 to $47,726.
To earn such a dental assistant, start with finding the right school to impart skills and certify you.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Dental Assistants in Rhode Island
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Providence | $42,849 |
| Warwick | $42,849 |
| Cranston | $42,849 |
| Pawtucket | $42,849 |
| East Providence | $42,849 |
| Woonsocket | $42,808 |
| Coventry | $42,767 |
| North Providence | $42,849 |
| Cumberland | $42,849 |
| West Warwick | $42,849 |
Regional Salary in Rhode Island
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | 1,330 | $52,250 | $25.12 | $76,140 | $35,640 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What pay per hour do dental assistants get in Rhode Island?
On average, dental assistants are paid $22.38 on an hourly basis.
This translates to an average salary of $46,560 as of 2020.
However, the average may range between $40,510 and $52,440.
What makes being a dental assistant challenging?
It is one of the most challenging jobs because you have to get to the office early and set up the dental clinic.
The chances are that you will also be on your feet for the longest part of the day.
It can take a toll on your body.
What responsibilities must dental assistants handle daily?
Dental assistants handle several things in a day’s work.
Top on the list includes:
- Ensuring patients are comfortable
- Sterilizing dental tools
- Preparing work areas for procedures
- Assisting the dentist during dental procedures
Is it possible to maintain a good life/work balance as a dental assistant?
Dental assistants can balance their life and work perfectly with proper planning and self-organization.
The job may be demanding, but it is not stifling.
Is the role of being a dental assistant stressful?
You should expect some physical stress because you will be on your feet.
You will be moving or standing for long hours.
What is more, you have to get used to some strenuous positions during dental procedures.
So prepare mentally for days when patients come in all day long.
You may not get much rest on such days.
Dental assistants may handle a lot, but the job is rewarding.
Besides the lucrative salary, there is satisfaction in helping people recover from dental issues and pain.
