Salary For Dental Assistants In Ohio
Based on data from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, the average annual income of a dental assistant was $34,921 in 2014. The top 25% of the industry professionals earned about $41,226. The entry-level employees earned comparatively less. Their yearly salary was $26, 520. In general, salary of dental assistants varied immensely all over the state. Qualification, experience and city of residence played a major role.
In the metropolitan cities of Ohio, the difference is quite visible. For example, the salary can range from as low as $26,866 in Steubenville to as high as $38,331 around Columbus for 2 people of similar caliber.
According to forecast posted by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, dental assistant jobs are expected to increase 20.5% from the year 2010 to 2020. This is more than double the level of growth anticipated for the entire state. In fact, the rate is higher in the largest metropolitan cities of this state. Toledo area will experience a 23.3% increase in jobs while the Dayton area will enjoy 22.3% growth rate.
Ohio is one of the best locations for dental assistant. According to data from 2013, the Columbus region has the highest number of yearly job openings. Total 416 jobs become available in Ohio each year. 59 of them are expected to be available in this metropolitan city.
Education Training And Experience Requirements For Dental Assistants In Ohio
Each level of dental assisting in Ohio requires specific eligibility requirements to be met:
Basic Qualified Personnel
In addition to completing instruction through an educational institution or licensed dentists, only those BQPs who meet the following requirements are permitted to monitor nitrous oxide minimal sedation:
- Must be at least 18 years old AND
- Must have completed a basic life-supporting training course AND
- Must have completed a 6-hour course in nitrous oxide monitoring and passed an examination through an Ohio State Board-approved permanent sponsor or must have graduated from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program after January 2010 AND
- Must possess at least two years of active practice and at least 3,000 hours experience in dental assisting
DANB Certified Dental Assistant or OCDAC Certified Ohio Dental Assistant
The Ohio State Dental Board recognizes two dental assisting certifications:
- DANB Certified Dental Assistant
- OCDAD Certified Ohio Dental Assistant
Holders of either certification are qualified to perform placement of pit and fissure sealants. They may also achieve a certificate from the Ohio State Dental Board and therefore qualify to perform coronal polishing by meeting the following additional requirements:
- Complete a training program in coronal polishing approved by the Board AND
- Pass a standardized test following the completion of a skills assessment component or pass the DANB Coronal Polish exam AND
Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary
What Will I Learn On A Dental Assisting Program
You can expect classroom instruction in oral anatomy, dental materials, digital dental radiography and X-ray techniques, oral hygiene, clinical procedures and treatments including emergency procedures, infection control and prevention, how to take a patients medical history, HIPAA guidelines for dental practices as well as the administrative tasks of the dental office. Some schools may offer externships as part of the education process, so students can receive instruction from and work alongside experienced staff.
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Ohio Dental Assistant Schools
Becoming a Dental Assistant in Ohio Dental assistants are basically individuals who assist dental operators to carry out both simple and complex procedures on patients. Their job description can be broadly classified into clinical and administrative duties. Particularly in the state of Ohio, this is a flourishing career. With minimum training and qualifications, you can earn a good annual income.
The clinical duties of a dental assistant involve applying topical anesthetics, arranging all dental instruments and medications, handling the instruments to dentist during treatment, conducting post-treatment procedures supervised by the dentist, mixing materials and preparing cements and filings, sterilizing instruments and using the suction system to keep patientâs mouth dry. As a dental assistant, it will also be your job to educate patients regarding oral hygiene such as right brushing and flossing technique. You will be in charge of following infection control techniques and maintaining a sterile work environment.
While these are some of the basics duties, what you might be expected to do on the job may vary. The job description differs based on the size of practice. Some dentists prefer to have 2 different medical assistants to conduct the clinical and administrative jobs.
What Do Dental Assistants Do
Dental assistants are valuable team members in a variety of private dental practices, including solo dental practices, group dental practices and specialty practices such as orthodontics or pediatric dentistry. These professionals may also assist dentists in settings such as hospital wards or nursing homes.
Their skills allow them to play an important role in the prevention of oral health problems. They may work in locations that do not offer the full scope of dental clinic treatments, such as schools or community health clinics. In these locations, they often focus on preventative services such as teaching about good oral health care or providing preventative materials such as fluoride.
The field of dental assisting covers a wide range of services, and different jobs may vary greatly in the duties they require. Some dental assisting involves a significant amount of front-office and interpersonal work, including managing supplies, scheduling appointments, taking medical histories and instructing patients about proper post-procedural oral care.
Dental assisting may also involve a variety of technical responsibilities including the preparation and sterilization of instruments, the development of infection control protocols, taking and developing radiographs and take impressions of teeth for models.
Those who want to move beyond clinical practice may also pursue a variety of other opportunities.
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Danb Certification Options For Dental Assistants In Ohio
The Ohio State Dental Board recognizes national certification through the Dental Assisting National Board for a number of dental assisting requirements. Specifically, the DANBs Certified Dental Assistant credential may satisfy eligibility requirements for both the OCDAC Certified Ohio Dental Assistant/DANB Certified Dental Assistant and the Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary title.
Further, OCDAC Certified Ohio Dental Assistants/DANB Certified Dental Assistants may satisfy eligibility requirements to perform coronal polishing if they pass DANBs Coronal Polish exam.
Individuals who want to achieve CDA certification must take and pass three component examinations, which include:
- General Chairside Assisting
- Radiation Health and Safety
Other DANB credentials dental assistants in Ohio may pursue as to further their career include:
- Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant
- Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant
- Certified Orthodontic Assistant
All DANB certificate holders must complete at least 30 continuing education credits every year to qualify for annual renewal of their credentials. More information on DANB certification options can be found here.
How Much Do Dental Assistants Make
The median annual wage for dental assistants in 2020 was very close to the median annual wage for all occupations: $41,180 compared to $41,950. Thats equivalent to $19.80 per hour. The highest-paid 10 percent of dental assistants earned more than $58,390, as much as some dental hygienists. The dental assistants in the bottom 10 percent of the income bracket entry-level positions earned less than $28,940. Pay conditions vary by area.
While those with more experience are likely to earn more money than those with less, experience is not the only variable when it comes to the annual wage of dental assistants. Since dental assisting duties can vary, wages will also vary depending on the services required by individual employers. Those who perform mostly office management and patient-contact duties are likely to earn less than dental assistants whose jobs also include a significant number of technical duties. States that permit dental assistants to perform regulated tasks such as coronal polishing or sealant application generally offer a higher earning potential than states that restrict these activities to dental practitioners or hygienists.
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How To Become A Dental Assistant In Ohio
According to the Ohio State Dental Board, which regulates dentistry, dental assistant radiography and dental hygiene, there are 3 different levels of dental assisting:
-Basic Qualified Personnel -OCDAC Certified Ohio Dental Assistant or DANB Certified Dental Assistant -Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary
Below is a detailed explanation of each of these and what the specific requirements of each of the levels of dental assistance are.
Basic Qualified Personnel Called BQP in short, this type of dental assistant should be trained by a licensed dentist. Their training must entail a pre-determined series of instruction from a educational institute. Experience can be attained through in-office training. Along with the aforementioned training, basic qualified personnel must meet a few requirements. Failing to do so will mean that they cannot perform certain activities such as monitoring the nitrous oxide minimal sedation.
In order to be a BQP, you must be of minimum 18 years of age and complete a basic life-supporting course. You should have at least 2 years of practice and 3,000 hours of dental assisting experience. Graduation from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program is preferred. Otherwise, you shall complete a 6-hour course in nitrous oxide monitoring and pass the board approved examination.
Dental Assistant Courses In Ohio
Week 1: Introduction to Dentistry & Dental Assisting
In this module students will be taught the history of dentistry, characteristics of a professional dental assistant, educational requirements, career opportunities, the dental healthcare teams, dental ethics/laws, general anatomy, overview of the dentition , and tooth morphology .
Week 2: Oral Health & Prevention of Dental Disease
In this module students will be taught about dental caries , periodontal disease , preventive dentistry , Nutrition , and Oral Pathology .
Week 3: Disease Transmission & Infection Control
In this module students will be taught disease transmission and infection prevention , Techniques of disinfection, Instrument Processing and sterilization, and sterilization monitoring.
Week 4: Patient Information & Assessment
In this module students will be taught about the patient record , Vital signs , Oral Diagnosis and treatment planning , The DESCRIPTION OF EACH COURSE 20 special needs and Medically Compromised patient , Principles of Pharmacology , Assisting in Medical Emergency .
Week 5: Foundation of Clinical Dentistry
In this module the students will be taught about the dental office, delivering dental care, dental hand instruments, dental handpieces and accessories, moisture control, and anesthesia and pain control.
Week 6: Radiographic Imaging & CPR
Week 7: Radiograph Class
Week 8: Dental Materials
Week 9: Resumes & Interview Preparation
Week 10: Course Review/ Final Exam/ Graduation
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Types Of Dental Assistants
The aforementioned list was for general dental assistant and there are options to expand your horizon and specialize in a particular field. Extended duties may include applying pit and fissure sealants and applying topical fluoride treatments. Handling periodontal dressing, teeth polishing, removing surgical sutures, taking x-rays and bite impressions may be included in your job.
While working with general dentists includes a wide variety of tasks, the nature of job changes when you work with pediatric dentists, periodontists, orthodontists or oral surgeons. Depending on which specialist you choose to work under, there are different types of dental assistants. They have been discussed below.
1.Orthodontic Dental Assistant If you choose this specialization, your job will include placing and ligating arch wires, orthodontic ligature ties and orthodontic separators. You will prepare the patientâs teeth for bonding and be responsible for removing excess cements, orthodontic bands, orthodontic brackets and attachments. This will require you to familiarize with ultrasonic scalers, hand instruments and other dental equipment. You will also have to select orthodontic brackets.
2.Dental Sedation Assistant As a dental seduction assistant, you will be responsible for adding medications and fluid to IVs and removing IV lines. You will also have to monitor patients undergoing general anesthesia and learn to monitor equipment like electrocardiograms and pulse oximeters.
State Of Ohio Dental Assisting Certification Requirements
Basic Qualified Personnel
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must be trained directly under a licensed dentist within a planned sequence of instruction whether in a classroom or through in-office training.
- You must have completed basic life support and remains current at all times, especially if you’re monitoring nitrous oxide-oxygen.
- You must complete and pass a 6 hour course in nitrous oxide-oxygen monitoring from an Ohio State Dental Board approved permanent sponsor.
- Or, you graduated on or after January 1, 2010 from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program.
- Or, your current credential is from another state, and your training was equal to or greater than the training requirements in Ohio.
- You need to have at least two years of practice, and a minimum of 3,000 hours of experience.
- You need proof of immunity from the Hepatitis B virus, unless you’ve been granted a waiver.
Certified Assistant
- There are 2 recognized dental assisting certifications in the state of Ohio: the DANB Certified Dental Assistant Certification , or the Certified Ohio Dental Assistant certification. Having either one makes you a certified assistant.
To perform pit and fissure sealants, and coronal polishing, additional requirements need to be met.
Coronal polishing
- Complete a coronal polishing training program that’s Ohio Board approved.
- Pass the test immediately following the completion of your skills assessment.
- Apply to the State Board to become certified to perform coronal polishing.
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Achieving Certification Through The Commission On Ohio Dental Assistant Certification
In order to be eligible for CODA certification a person must either graduate from a dental assisting program or accrue a year of dental assisting experience.
There are three components to the testing process: written examination, clinical examination, and radiography certification. The clinical examination includes a number of tasks, among them, the following: equipment identification, matrix retainers, chairside, and patient education. The written test includes approximately 250 questions it is multiple choice. The radiography test includes x-ray exposing and mounting as well as approximately 100 written questions. The Commission on Ohio Dental Assistant Certification notes that a person must pass the radiology test to achieve certification even if he or she already holds a radiology certificate.
Applications, recommendations and candidate brochures can be downloaded from the CODA website . Examinations are available twice a year. Students may take the CODA exam if they have completed at least 50% of their program. The Commission on Ohio Dental Assistant Certification will require either an employer recommendation or instructor examination at the time of license application.
Can I Study Online
Yes, you can. While you will want to gain work experience, there are a variety of online study options available to prepare you with the necessary knowledge for the job. Some, such as that offered by Penn Foster, offer support to gain an externship. You can also use the search box at the top of this page to find local colleges that offer online training.
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Interested In A Career In The Dental Field Our Dental Assisting Program Will Prepare You For This Growing Medical Field
The Dental Assisting program will prepare students for a career in the dental field. Dental Assistants help to increase the efficiency of the dentist in the delivery of oral health care. With a projected employment growth of 18 percent by 2024, Dental Assistants are in high demand. The growing link between general health and oral health will only continue to add to this growth. This program will prepare you to assist chair-side during specialty and operative procedures. Students will complete an externship experience in a local dental facility as part of the program.
Credential Opportunities:
- Ohio Certified Dental Assistant
- Licensed Ohio Dental Radiographer
Dental Assisting Graduate Testimony
Sabrina Sims – graduate 2021
Being a graduate from Youngstown State University with a Bachelors Degree in Biological Science. I was not sure which direction I wanted to take, but I knew I wanted a career in dentistry. Therefore, I applied to the dental assisting program at Choffin. I had always heard remarkable statements about the program, staff, and how well they prepared their students for the workforce. After going through the program as a student I can honestly say that I was prepared with the knowledge, training, and certifications to becoming a certified dental assistant. While on my clinical externship, I was offered a full-time position in the specific field of dentistry of my dreams. I am so glad I chose to further my education at Choffin to start my career as a certified dental assistant.
Lindsay Miller graduate 2021
When I started the Choffin Dental Assisting Program, I had just graduated high school. At first, I was unsure of my decision, but after meeting the staff, they were reassuring, helpful, and passionate and I knew I had made the correct one. I loved how Choffin sent us out on clinicals to get hands-on experience, which led to me getting multiple job offers. Choffin has opened up many doors for me and my future in dentistry.
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Why Choose Columbus Dental Assisting
Current students and graduates share their experiences with the courses and instructors of Columbus Dental Assisting.
I was one of the first students that graduated from Columbus Dental Assisting. Lauren and Kendra are amazing teachers and made my experience super enjoyable. I have grown to love dentistry! I highly recommend this school for anyone pursuing a career in dental assisting.
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What Is A Dental Assisting Externship
At East Ohio, we know your goal is to get career-ready fast. With this in mind, weve designed our dental assisting classes to meet your career goals and the needs of local employers. In addition, our externships and certification preparation are terrific ways to boost your marketability to these employers.
As one of our Dental Assisting students, you will complete an externship as part of your program. This on-the-job training allows you to apply the skills youve learned in the real world with real people under the watch of a supervisor. This experience is invaluable and helps you showcase your newly developed skills and knowledge to businesses in your area that hire dental assistants.
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