To become a dental assistant in Oklahoma, you will need to complete an accredited program and pass an exam in one of the Dental Assistant Schools in Oklahoma.
A dental assisting program in Dental Assistant Schools in Oklahoma takes about one year for a certificate or diploma and about two years for an associate degree.
You will be able to do classroom and laboratory work where you will learn about teeth, gums, jaws and the tools used by dentists.
You’ll also get supervised hands-on experience that will prepare you to become a dental assistant assisting patients, taking x-rays, keeping records and scheduling appointments.
Are There Dental Assistant Schools In Oklahoma?
There are about five accredited dental assistant schools in Oklahoma. These schools offers a four-year graduate programs leading to a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in general dentistry.
OU also offers postdoctoral residency programs for dentists who plan to specialize in a specific industry niche. Students must complete at least 75 hours of coursework at an accredited institution before applying.
A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 is required for all coursework, and students must be in good academic standing at their current school. After earning a bachelor’s degree, students must have at least 90 credit hours.
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How Much Do Dental Assistant Schools Cost In Oklahoma?
This depends on the program and whether you are an in-state or international student. The total cost for in-state students for the traditional Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program at the Oklahoma State University (OSU) College of Dentistry is $325,345 and $489,447.
The total cost of the Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists is $839,848. The cost of an orthodontic graduate program is $167,291 for in-state students and $161,211 for out-of-state students.
The cost of a periodontology graduate program is $177,751 for in-state students and $225,391 for out-of-state students.
The University of Oklahoma has a detailed cost breakdown for all programs, undergraduate and graduate offered in their dental college are available on their website.
They break down costs by year of attendance and include tuition, books and supplies, loan fees, living expenses, and computer costs.
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What Are The Requirements For Dental Assistant Schools In Oklahoma?
Dental hygiene programs in Oklahoma are offered at the 2-year associate level and the 4-year bachelor’s level.
They can be highly competitive and require a significant amount of previous coursework; one school even offers a 60-credit pre-dental hygiene program that is designed to fulfill the academic prerequisites to qualify for a bachelor’s degree program.
Admission requirements for degree programs include standardized test scores, a minimum grade point average for previous coursework, a background check, a drug test, and documented observation in dental practice.
Admission requirements for a bachelor’s degree may also include letters of recommendation and an interview. The curriculum of dental hygiene programs typically includes general education classes, core classes, laboratories, and a clinical training component.
Graduates of educational programs are preparing to take professional licensing exams. Read on to find out if one of these schools is right for you.
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What Are The Best Dental Assistant Schools In Oklahoma?
There are several possible paths to becoming a dental assistant. Some states require dental assistants to complete an accredited CODA program and pass an exam.
There are no formal educational requirements in other states, and dental assistants learn to perform their duties through on-the-job training.
Listed below are schools that offer dental assistant programs located in the state of Oklahoma and sorted by CODA-accredited schools and post-secondary vocational schools.
University of Oklahoma (OU) College of Dentistry
The University of Oklahoma (OU) College of Dentistry is one of the few dental schools in Oklahoma. This program offers a four-year graduate program leading to a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in general dentistry.
OU also offers postdoctoral residency programs for dentists who plan to specialize in a specific industry niche. Before applying, students must complete at least 75 hours of coursework at an accredited institution.
A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 is required for all coursework, and students must be in good academic standing at their current school. After earning a bachelor’s degree, students must have at least 90 credit hours.
University of Central Oklahoma
The University of Central Oklahoma offers a pre-dental hygiene program that prepares you to transfer to a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene.
Admission to a 4-year program is generally competitive and may be based on several factors, including your performance after high school.
This pre-dental hygiene program includes courses in 4 major areas: symbolic and oral communication, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
Western Technology Center, Weatherford
This institution offers a nine-month full-time course for adult students who have a high school diploma or GED.
As a student, you complete courses such as Fundamentals of Dental Care, Biomedical Sciences, Dental Sciences and 300 hours of practice in dental offices to improve your skills.
You will also need to pass a background check and have a vaccination record.
Moore Norman Technology Center, Norman
As a student of this school, you undergo 300 hours of practical training. You will also take courses in pre-clinical dental care, basic dental care skills, clinical practice and chairside basics.
You will also be eligible to take a certification course to obtain advanced permits for service in Oklahoma.
Rose State College, Midwest City
The college offers an Associate of Applied Science degree or a 1-year certificate program. You will receive hands-on training in courses such as dental assisting, dental radiography, advanced clinical procedures, dental pathology and dental anatomy.
The college also offers online courses that you can attend at your convenience. The Dental Hygiene program at Rose State College has a very competitive admissions process.
If accepted, you will take courses in dentistry, dental materials, dental radiography, and medical terminology, as well as a course that prepares you for the state licensing exam.
Francis Tuttle Technology Center, Oklahoma City
This school offers a 10-month dental assistant program. Their program includes academic, laboratory, and clinical courses to prepare you for a career as a dentist.
In addition, you will learn chairside assistance, patient care, sterilization, dental cast and impression skills, and digital imaging.
Tulsa Community College
Tulsa College’s dental hygiene program is a full-time program that accepts only about 14 students per year.
Between lectures, labs, and clinical experience, you can spend 35-40 hours per week on this program.
In addition to general education courses, you will take courses in oral embryology and histology, dental pain management, dental hygiene theory, and dental radiographic techniques.
You will also complete clinical rotations at approved community sites.
Tulsa Technology Center, Tulsa
This institution offers training in the fundamentals of dental care and the clinical application of dental care for high school students and adults.
Studying at Oklahoma Technical College is a great first step to a successful career. Each program focuses on giving you the tools to succeed by giving you hands-on experience to master the skills you need.
How Much Do Dental Assistants In Oklahoma Earn?
According to a survey by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental assistants in Oklahoma currently earn a minimum of $27,840 per year or $13.39 per hour.
Top earners earn up to $50,830, but as a beginner, you can earn around $30,000. Note that depending on your location and where you work, you can earn up to $58,390. So there is always room for improvement!
Dental care in Oklahoma is growing rapidly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of dental assistants will increase by 11% between 2020 and 2030.
You can work in dental offices, hospitals and clinics to gain real-world experience. You can start with Oklahoma’s best cities like Tulsa, Norman, Oklahoma City, and Yukon.
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How Do I Become Dental Assistant In Oklahoma?
Although you don’t need a formal education to become a dental assistant in Oklahoma, you still need to meet state-level requirements.
According to the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry (OBD), all dental assistants must obtain a dental permit from the Board within 30 days of employment. In addition, you must pass a background check against criteria set by the Board of Dentists.
You can now begin your journey as a dental assistant in a dental office if you meet these requirements! With foresight and dedication, you can earn more of the professional knowledge and certifications you need to grow in the dental field.
However, for each of the duties you wish to perform, you must obtain an extended work permit from the Oklahoma Office of Dentistry. Below is a list of advanced features you can use and their requirements:
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Best Paying Dental Assistant Jobs In Oklahoma
Dental care in Oklahoma is growing rapidly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of dental assistants will increase by 11% between 2020 and 2030.
You can work in dental offices, hospitals and clinics to gain real-world experience. You can start with Oklahoma’s best cities like Tulsa, Norman, Oklahoma City, and Yukon.
Ocean Dental – Dental Assistant
Oklahoma Family Dentistry – Full Time Dental Assistant
Zollege – Dental Assistant Instructor
OKC-OMS – Oral Surgery Assistant
Jefferson Dental and Orthodontics – Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
Variety Care – Dental Assistant I, II, III
Southern Smiles Family Dentistry – Dental Assistant – Bilingual Preferred
Grand Dental Studio – Dental Assistant
Phillip W Corley DDS INC – Dental Assistant
Dental Assistant Schools In Oklahoma FAQs
Once you graduate from an accredited program, Oklahoma law requires you to become licensed to work as a dental assistant. The Oklahoma State Board of Dentistry administers the licensing of dental assistants in Oklahoma.
This is a great time to pursue a career as a dental assistant in Oklahoma, given the significant job growth in this sector. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected that the number of dental jobs in the US will grow by a significant 19% between 2016 and 2026.
Dental assistant jobs in Oklahoma are currently in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects dental assistant employment to grow 19 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.
To qualify as an maxillofacial surgery assistant, a dental assistant needs a supervising maxillofacial surgeon. He or she must complete at least six months of training with an maxillofacial surgeon. An assistant may have a temporary study permit for up to two years while completing the requirements.
Depending on the size of the employer, you can perform all the duties of a dental assistant or focus more on administrative or clinical tasks. Dental assistants can also work toward more advanced or related careers, such as dental hygienists or dental lab technicians.
It will take you anywhere from six months to two years to complete a dental assistant program in Oklahoma, depending on the type of program you choose. Certificate and diploma programs are shorter (and therefore more affordable), while graduate programs are longer and more expensive.
Conclusion
Dental assistant schools in Oklahoma provide the classroom training and hands-on experience necessary to become a dentist, one of the highest paying healthcare professions in the United States.
Dental assistant schools in Oklahoma provide laboratory and classroom classes in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, radiography, histology, periodontology (the study of oral disease and health), and related sciences integral to understanding dental health.
They supplement classroom learning with extensive clinical practice where students work with patients under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
All nine dental specialties require dentists to complete additional training before practicing in that specialty. They are usually required to complete a 1- or 2-year residency in a program related to their specialty.
References
- dentalassistantedu.org – How to Become a Dental Assistant in Oklahoma
- learn.org – Which Schools Have Dental Hygiene Programs in Oklahoma?
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