Program Overview
Dental Assistant Dental Assisting is an excellent healthcare profession. Dental Assistants help with direct patient care while under the supervision of a dentist. While in this program, Dental Assisting students learn a variety of skills including chairside assisting, sterilization and infection control procedures, dental laboratory procedures, office and bookkeeping. Benefits of Choosing a Career as a Dental Assistant The Dental Assistant program exposes students to every aspect of dental assisting with real hands-on experience in local dental offices and clinics. Students interested in becoming Dental Assistants can expect to earn a competitive entry level salary.
Key Program Features
Curriculum Highlights
Students will study a comprehensive curriculum that includes dental anatomy, radiography, infection control, dental materials, chairside assisting, and patient communication. Additionally, coursework in medical ethics, anatomy, physiology, and infection prevention equips students with a broad understanding of healthcare principles.
Practical experience is a core component, with students participating in clinical rotations that simulate real-world dental practice environments. This hands-on training enhances employability upon graduation.
3. Career Opportunities and Job Prospects
Job Roles in Dental Support and Allied Professions
Graduates of this program are qualified for a variety of roles, including dental assistants, dental hygienist support staff, orthodontic assistants, and administrative personnel within dental practices. Some may pursue further certification or specialization to expand their career opportunities.
Employment Outlook
The demand for dental support professionals remains strong due to increasing awareness of oral health and a growing aging population requiring dental services. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth in dental assisting roles, with median wages varying based on location and experience.
In Alabama, dental support staff can expect competitive wages, and the regional healthcare infrastructure offers numerous employment opportunities, especially within urban centers like Birmingham.
Career Opportunities
Benefits of Choosing a Career as a Dental Assistant
The Dental Assistant program exposes students to every aspect of dental assisting with real hands-on experience in local dental offices and clinics.
Students interested in becoming Dental Assistants can expect to earn a competitive entry level salary. In fact, the median salary for Dental Assistants in the U.S is around $44K. This career path can lead the way to increased earnings. Many Dental Assistants continue their education and become Dental Hygienists and further their education to become dentists. Dental Hygienist median salaries are $77K and dentists earn (on average) $163K per year in the U.S.
Degrees and Certificate
Our Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Dental Assistant degree is 62 credit hours and our Dental Certificate is 49 credits.
Accreditation
The program in dental assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of approval without reporting requirements. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (800) 232-6108 or at 401 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3300, Chicago, IL 60611-4250. The Commission’s web address is: https://coda.ada.org
44k Median U.S. salary for a Dental Assistants. For more information on salaries, conduct a web search. Salaries can vary per city and state. 164K Number of individuals working in the U.S. in this field. 6% Dental Assistant has a 6% growth rate. Meaning it is growing at a fast pace.
Explore Dental Assistant! Lawson Dental Students Lawson State provides two tracks for students exploring a career as a Dental Assistant. Earn your degree (AAS) or Certificate! Apply today! Explore a career that can lead you to new horizons in a field that has numerous possibilities.
Program Curriculum
Curriculum Highlights
Students will study a comprehensive curriculum that includes dental anatomy, radiography, infection control, dental materials, chairside assisting, and patient communication. Additionally, coursework in medical ethics, anatomy, physiology, and infection prevention equips students with a broad understanding of healthcare principles.
Practical experience is a core component, with students participating in clinical rotations that simulate real-world dental practice environments. This hands-on training enhances employability upon graduation.
3. Career Opportunities and Job Prospects
Job Roles in Dental Support and Allied Professions
Graduates of this program are qualified for a variety of roles, including dental assistants, dental hygienist support staff, orthodontic assistants, and administrative personnel within dental practices. Some may pursue further certification or specialization to expand their career opportunities.
Employment Outlook
The demand for dental support professionals remains strong due to increasing awareness of oral health and a growing aging population requiring dental services. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth in dental assisting roles, with median wages varying based on location and experience.
In Alabama, dental support staff can expect competitive wages, and the regional healthcare infrastructure offers numerous employment opportunities, especially within urban centers like Birmingham.
Admission Requirements
Prerequisites and Eligibility
Applicants should have a high school diploma or equivalent. While specific prerequisites for this program may vary, a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and mathematics is advantageous. Prospective students should review Lawson State’s admission requirements and application deadlines.
Additional Considerations
Some programs may require health screenings or immunizations to participate in clinical components. Additionally, background checks or drug screenings might be necessary for certain clinical rotations.
Prospective students should also assess their readiness for hands-on training and consider their motivation to work in healthcare environments.
5. Financial Information (Tuition, Debt, ROI)
Tuition Costs
For in-state students, tuition for the Dental Support Services and Allied Professions program is approximately $4,980 per year. Out-of-state students pay around $8,790. Additional costs may include textbooks, supplies, uniforms, and clinical fees.
Estimating Student Debt
Tuition & Financial Information
Detailed tuition information is not available. Please contact the university for the most current tuition and fee information.
Application Deadline
Please contact the university for application deadline information.
About Lawson State Community College
Lawson State Community College
Birmingham, United States
Lawson State Community College is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen...
University Profile- Language English
- Duration 1 year
- Credits 62