This article originally appeared in Dental Assisting Digest e-newsletter. Subscribe to this informative monthly ENL designed specifically for the dental assistant here.
Finding a new job in a new state can be complicated for dental assistants, especially since dental assisting requirements, job titles, and allowable and prohibited functions vary from state to state.
But making the transition doesn’t have to be stressful. There are a few things dental assistants can do to stay one step ahead while planning a move. These items include keeping abreast of the latest dental assisting requirements, earning certification through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), researching dental assisting salary information, and more!
Visit DANB’s website to look up state dental assisting requirements
All dental assistants should be knowledgeable about their state’s dental assisting requirements. DANB’s search-by-state map features comprehensive information on each state’s requirements for dental assisting duties, including radiography procedures and expanded functions. Each state page lists any exam, education, and training requirements by job title, plus a link to that state’s dental board website. Visitors can also download a chart that outlines these requirements and the allowable and prohibited duties. View the dental assisting requirements by state.
Enhance your career mobility by taking DANB exams or earning DANB certification
Although each state has different requirements for dental assistants, DANB exams and certifications are recognized or required by 39 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Air Force, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Passing DANB exams and earning DANB certification can make it easier for assistants to meet dental assisting requirements in a new state. Learn more about DANB exams and certifications.
Consider enhancing your education
Depending on your state’s requirements, you may find that you need to pass a course or complete some other type of education to perform certain functions. Many states recognize or require dental assisting programs that are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). DANB’s website includes a list of all the CODA-accredited dental assisting programs for easy reference. Look up CODA-accredited dental assisting programs.
Depending on the state, dental assistants may not be required to complete a formal dental assisting program. For example, some states recognize courses from the DALE Foundation, the official DANB affiliate, as meeting state requirements. Additionally, the DALE Foundation’s online review courses and practice tests are a helpful way to review important dental assisting concepts, prepare for DANB exams, or earn Continuing Dental Education (CDE). Visit the DALE Foundation’s product catalog to learn more.
Some states might require that dental assistants earn continuing education. The DALE Foundation’s website features a handy map so you can look up the CDE requirements for each state. Look up dental assistant CDE requirements.
Look up dental assisting salary information
If you’re interviewing for dental assisting jobs in a new state, you might be wondering what type of dental assisting salary to expect. There are a couple resources that can help you get a sense of the average dental assisting salary. DANB’s Dental Assistants Salary Survey outlines the hourly dental assisting wages by state for those who hold DANB’s CDA certification. If you are not DANB certified, you can look up the hourly dental assisting wages by state for all dental assistants through the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website. These tools can help you see what other dental assistants in your state are earning.
Download DANB’s Dental Assistants Salary Survey report.
Look up dental assistant employment and wages.
Finding a dental assisting job in a new state isn’t always easy, but luckily DANB and the DALE Foundation offer several resources to help dental assistants make the transition as smooth as possible.
