Alabama 2008 MSA Employment Wage Estimate

Name of Program Dental Assisting Technology

Occupational Title	Entry Level	Experienced
Dental Assistants	$9.95/hr	$12.76/hr

Dental Assisting Technology

The Dental Assisting Program is designed to prepare the student for a career in the dental assisting field of dentistry. A person trained in this field provides chairside assistance to the dentist, performs work in a dental laboratory, and performs certain functions in the dental office such as making appointments, billing patients and keeping records.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association and is approved by the Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama. The Certifying Board of the American Dental Association gives special recognition to those who have achieved a high degree of competence and ability in the dental assisting field.

Occupational Choices

The dental assistant works with dentists in private offices, schools, public health agencies, hospitals, clinics, and the armed forces/veteran facilities. Pleasant surroundings, regular hours, and knowledge that they are in demand are some advantages enjoyed by dental assistants.

Average Full-time Wage

Employment is expected to grow much faster than average, largely because students in dental schools are being taught to use dental assistants in their practice. Part-time employment opportunities also will be very favorable. The full-time wage for Dental Assistants averages between $18,220 and $39,940 per year*.

Additional Requirements

Dental Assisting courses begin in the fall and must be taken in sequence with each course in a given term being a co-requisite. Students beginning the spring or summer term will be enrolled in general education courses until fall semester begins.

Requirements for the program include, but are not limited to: (1) Physical and dental exams by the end of the 2nd week in October and (2) Program uniforms by the end of the 2nd week in October.

Awards

Associate Degree in Applied Technology in Dental Assisting Technology

Certificate in Dental Assisting Technology

Specialized Training Certificate in Dental Assisting Technology**

**This award is not accredited by the American Dental Association.

Estimated Length & Cost*

Tuition Award	Length & Fees	Credit Hours	Books	Tools	Supplies
Associate Degree	4 Terms $5,670	63	$1,250	$500	$20
Certificate	3 Terms $4,320	48	$800	$500	$20
Spec. Training Certificate**	2 Terms $2,430	27	$373	$500	$20

* Tax not included. Prices are subject to change without prior notice; cost of books may vary considerably among suppliers. The length of the program is based on full-time status of 12-15 credit hours per term. Enrollment in transitional level general education courses will alter the length of the program.

**Data obtained from the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2006-2007.