Career Overview
Entry Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Patient Interaction
Very High
Body Fluid Interaction
Very High
Salary
$27,750
Job Growth
18.40%
Job Description:
Assist dentist, set up equipment, prepare patient for treatment, and keep records.
What Dental Assistant Do:
Dental assistants perform many tasks, ranging from providing patient care and taking x rays to recordkeeping and scheduling appointments. Dental assistants in West Virginia are permitted to perform basic, supportive dental procedures under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.
How to Become One:
There are no board-mandated education or training requirements for this level of dental assisting in West Virginia. However, there are expanded roles for dental assistants in West Virginia which involve completing a West Virginia Board of Dentistry-approved course and examination in one or more of the expanded duties. Then complete required clinical experiences under a supervising dentist and lastly, apply to the West Virginia Board of Dentistry for a certificate(s).
Schools
Academy of Careers and Technology (ACT)
Eastern WV Community & Technical College
Mercer County Technical Education Center
Monongalia County Technical Education Center
Putnam Career and Technical Center
Ross Medical Education Center-Charleston
West Virginia Junior College – Bridgeport
West Virginia Junior College-Charleston