How to Become a Dental Assistant in Arizona
It is a great time to pursue a career as a dental assistant in Arizona (AZ) given the strong jobs growth in the sector. There are over 7,000 people working as dental assistants in Arizona and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has predicted that the number of dental assisting jobs in the USA will grow by a massive 19% between 2016 and 2026.
There are currently no mandatory education or training requirements to become a dental assistant in Arizona. However obtaining a formal qualification will always make you more attractive to future employers and improve career prospects, especially should you choose to move between states.
Find out more about the requirements to become a Dental Assistant in Arizona below.
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- Top accredited schools for dental assisting in AZ
- Dental assistant duties in AZ
- AZ dental assistant licensing requirements
- How much does a dental assistant earn in AZ?
- Similar healthcare careers to dental assistant in AZ
Accredited Dental Assistant Schools in Arizona
| School | Area | Accrediting Body | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Phoenix College | Phoenix | CODA |
| 2. | Pima County Community College | Tucson | CODA |
There are currently 2 CODA accredited schools for dental assisting in Arizona. For additional entry level and post secondary dental assisting options you can also view all DANB accredited programs.
The map below shows results for schools offering dental assisting programs in Arizona and surrounding states;
Dental Assistant Role and Responsibilities in Arizona
Working as a dental assistant in Arizona you will perform basic supporting dentistry tasks and you will be required to work always under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
Additionally to operate dental x ray equipment as a dental assistant in Arizona you must hold a certificate in radiology. You may obtain your certificate via successfully completing the DANB Radiation Health and Safety exam, or successful completion of a written dental radiography exam in another state will also be accepted.
Arizona also recognises the roles of Dental Assistant Qualified in Coronal Polishing and Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA).
To receive your Arizona Coronal Polishing Certificate you will need to pass the Dental Assistant National Board (DANB) exam and submit a skills affidavit completed by a licensed dentist or DANB course instructor.
To work as an EFDA you will need to apply to the DANB for an Arizona Expanded Function Restorative Functions Certificate. To qualify for the certificate you must also hold a certificate in dental radiology and the Arizona Coronal Polishing Certificate.
An EFDA certificate will enable you to take on greater levels of responsibility in your role, but always under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
Dental Assistant License Requirements Arizona
Once you have graduated from an accredited program it is required by Arizona law that you obtain a license to work as a dental assistant there. The Arizona State Board of Dental governs the licensing of dental assistants in Arizona. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Phone: (602) 242-1492
Website: https://dentalboard.az.gov/
Dental Assistant Salary in Arizona
| State | Arizona |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $39,580 |
| Hourly Wage | $19.03 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $50,010 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $29,270 |
| #'s Employed | 7,030 |
The average Dental Assistant salary in Arizona is $39,580 5.2% above the national average.
This represents an hourly wage of $19.03.
There are currently 7,030 persons employed as dental assistants in the state.
The table below provides a breakdown of salaries and employment of dental assistants across the main towns, cities and non metro areas in Arizona. As can be seen the highest salaries and highest level of employment are in the Phoenix, Mesa and Scottsdale metro area.
| Area | Salary | # Employed | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ | $40,840 | 4,910 | $19.64 |
| Yuma, AZ | $35,030 | 140 | $16.84 |
| Tucson, AZ | $37,330 | 920 | $17.95 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | $36,580 | 260 | $17.59 |
| Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ | $37,700 | 110 | $18.13 |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $33,680 | 130 | $16.19 |
| Prescott, AZ | $36,660 | 210 | $17.62 |
*Updated May 2018 to allow for the most recent BLS data released in March 2018.
Related Healthcare Career Comparisons in Arizona
The table below provides a comparison between income and employment for dental assistants with related healthcare careers in Arizona;
| Career | # Employed | Hourly Wage | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Assistants | 6,820 | $18.03 | $37,500 |
| Dental Hygienists | 3,090 | $39.40 | $81,950 |
| Surgical Technologists | 2,190 | $23.95 | $49,820 |
| Physician Assistants | 2,460 | $46.12 | $95,920 |
| Radiologic Technologists | 3,190 | $29.74 | $61,860 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | 9,060 | $15.88 | $33,040 |
| Medical Assistants | 16,890 | $15.51 | $32,260 |
| Nursing Assistants | 13,530 | $13.89 | $28,890 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | 1,270 | $12.63 | $26,260 |