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Western MA Fast Facts

  • Workers in Hampden County: 230
  • Entry Level Salary:$35/hour
  • Experienced Salary:$45/hour

Hampshire Franklin Counties

  • Entry Level Salary:$33/hour
  • Experienced Salary:$39/hour
  • Education Needed: Associate’s Degree/li>
  • Learn more at VCN.org

Occupational Employment and Wages Statistics, May 2016, EOLWD

Dental Assistants

Dental assistants help prepare patients and equipment. They also work alongside a dentist and/or dental hygienist as he or she examines and treats patients.

Maintaining good oral health is a priority focus in our community, and dental assistants play a critical role in this effort.

Dental assistants help prepare patients and equipment. They also work alongside a dentist and/or dental hygienist as he or she examines and treats patients.

Dental assistants:

  • Care for patients directly by greeting them, making them comfortable, and preparing them for a dental exam or treatment
  • Help to educate patients on the importance of good oral care, and how to take care of their teeth and gums
  • Update patient records, performing administrative tasks such as updating treatment information, requesting dental records, and billing

Education and training requirements

A high school diploma or GED and a certificate training program or on-the-job training are required to become a dental assistant. Some employers prefer to hire dental assistants who have passed a certification exam. Please note when you are selecting a dental assistant training program that not all programs provide college credit, which is important if you are planning on advancing your career.

Dental assistants are also expected to have:

  • A comfort level with technology
  • Understanding of basic chemistry and microbiology
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills

 

MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board

1441 Main Street, First Floor
Springfield, MA 01103
413-233-9856

The MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities, Verizon Telephone Relay Service: TDD/TTY: 1-800-439-2370 Voice: 1-800-439-0183