Dental Assistant Schools
Dental Assistant Programs in Springfield, Massachusetts
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Becoming a Dental Assistant in Springfield, Massachusetts
Are you considering a rewarding career as a Dental Assistant in Springfield, Massachusetts? This guide will walk you through the steps and options available to help you embark on this fulfilling path. Dental Assistants play a crucial role in dental offices, providing support to dentists and ensuring patient comfort. In Springfield, you can choose from various educational paths, including on-the-job training or formal education programs, to become a skilled Dental Assistant.
About Springfield
Springfield, Massachusetts, known as the “City of Firsts,” is rich in history and innovation. As the third-largest city in the state, Springfield offers a unique blend of urban and suburban living. Home to the Basketball Hall of Fame and the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, Springfield is a city that values both culture and community. For more information about Springfield, visit the official city website.
Dental Assistant Training Programs in Springfield, Massachusetts
If you’re looking to pursue a career in Dental Assisting, Springfield offers several educational opportunities:
- Springfield Technical Community College (STCC)
- Location: Downtown Springfield
- Program: STCC offers a comprehensive Dental Assistant program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
- Website: STCC Dental Assistant Program
- American Career Institute
- Location: Springfield
- Program: This institute provides a Dental Assisting program designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in dental offices. The curriculum covers essential skills and knowledge required for the field.
- Website: American Career Institute
- Porter and Chester Institute
- Location: Chicopee, MA (approximately 10 miles from Springfield)
- Program: Porter and Chester Institute offers a Dental Assisting program that combines classroom learning with practical experience in a clinical setting.
- Website: Porter and Chester Institute
Dental Assistant Employment Opportunities in Springfield
Springfield is home to numerous dental offices and clinics where Dental Assistants can find employment:
- Baystate Dental
- Location: East Springfield
- Description: Baystate Dental offers comprehensive dental services and is known for its patient-centered approach. They frequently seek skilled Dental Assistants to join their team.
- Website: Baystate Dental Careers
- Aspen Dental
- Location: Springfield Plaza
- Description: Aspen Dental is part of a nationwide network of dental practices, providing opportunities for Dental Assistants to work in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Website: Aspen Dental Careers
- Gentle Dental
- Location: Forest Park
- Description: Gentle Dental is committed to providing high-quality dental care and often has openings for Dental Assistants who are passionate about patient care.
- Website: Gentle Dental Careers
Prerequisites for Dental Assistant Programs
To enroll in a Dental Assistant program in Springfield, Massachusetts, you typically need to meet the following prerequisites:
– Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
– Education: While a high school diploma or GED is often required, specific programs may have additional prerequisites.
– Background Check: Some programs may require a background check or proof of immunizations.
Dental Assistant Certification Requirements in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, Dental Assistants can pursue different levels of training and certification:
- On-the-Job Trained Dental Assistant (OJT)
- Complete training in a dental office under a licensed dentist’s supervision.
- Complete a course on CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings.
- Complete radiation health and safety training before taking radiographs.
- Formally Trained Dental Assistant (FTDA)
- Complete a CODA-accredited dental assisting program lasting at least one year.
- Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
- Obtain certification from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
- Pass the DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam.
- Hold current CPR certification from a DANB-approved provider.
For more detailed information, visit the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry.
Licensure Requirements
All Dental Assistants in Massachusetts must obtain a license from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry. The application process includes submitting an Initial Dental Assistant Licensure Application, along with various required documents such as proof of CPR certification, a recent photograph, and more.
Get Started Today
Embarking on a career as a Dental Assistant in Springfield, Massachusetts, is a promising choice with numerous opportunities for growth and development. Whether you choose on-the-job training or a formal education program, the path to becoming a Dental Assistant is both accessible and rewarding. Contact a local school today to take the first step towards your new career.
For more information on the job outlook for Dental Assistants, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics.