Step By Step Guide To Become A Dental Assistant In Arizona 2025
Step 1: Understand the Role and Requirements
Dental assistants in Arizona play a crucial role in dental practices, helping with clinical and administrative tasks. Before starting your journey, familiarize yourself with the general duties you may perform. Responsibilities include preparing patients for procedures, sterilizing instruments, and assisting dentists during treatments. Ensure you understand the certification paths and state-specific requirements.
Step 2: Meet Basic Educational Prerequisites
To qualify for dental assistant training programs in Arizona, you need a high school diploma or GED. This foundational educational requirement is necessary before you can enroll in any further training or certification courses.
Step 3: Choose the Right Educational Program
Select a dental assistant training program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) or a similar recognized body. Arizona offers both certificate and associate degree programs, typically lasting between 9 months to 2 years. These programs provide classroom instruction and clinical experience crucial for your future role.
Step 4: Complete an Accredited Dental Assistant Program
Enroll in and complete your chosen CODA-accredited program. Coursework will include topics such as dental sciences, radiography, and infection control. Successfully completing this training is necessary for skills competence and prepares you for certification exams.
Step 5: Obtain CPR Certification
Arizona requires dental assistants to hold a valid CPR certification from a provider such as the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. Check course offerings at local hospitals or community centers to fulfill this requirement.
Step 6: Pursue Certification Through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
In Arizona, certification is an important step. Begin by applying for and passing the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam through the DANB. The cost for the exam is approximately $450. This national certification validates your skills and knowledge and enhances your professional standing.
Step 7: Research Expanded Functions
Consider training for expanded functions, which can broaden your responsibilities and employment prospects. Arizona offers several expanded function pathways, such as Coronal Polishing, which requires additional certification. Check with the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners for details on courses and certification.
Step 8: Obtain Arizona State Licensure
To legally work as a dental assistant in Arizona, meeting state licensure requirements is essential. Visit the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners homepage for the most current application information, fee schedules, and submission guidelines.
Step 9: Maintain Certification and Continuing Education Requirements
Stay updated on continuing education requirements. Arizona mandates ongoing learning to maintain your certification. Regularly check the DANB and Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners websites for updates on continuing education credits required for renewal.
Step 10: Network and Seek Employment
Join professional organizations such as the Arizona Dental Association to network with other professionals. Utilize job boards and social media platforms to search for openings, focusing on clinics and dental practices within Arizona seeking qualified dental assistants.