Dental assistants are an integral part of dental care delivery. They work under the supervision of dentists and perform a range of tasks that include patient care, administrative duties and laboratory functions, according to the American Dental Assistants Association.

Most start out their career in a general chairside assistant or sterilization technician role. General chairside assistants handle all dentists’ equipment and materials. They clear patients’ mouths using suction equipment, process oral X-rays and help maintain patient records. Some may assist with fluoride, sealant applications and polishing teeth and dentures, depending on their licensing and certification. Dental assistants are the “right hand of the dentist,” says Robynn Rixse, a former president of the ADAA. Rixse started her career as a dental assistant and now works as a dental practice manager in Pennsylvania.

A sterilization technician specifically works on infection control procedures in a dentist’s office. They sterilize the instruments, clean the room and manage other infection control aspects that are essential to patient and employee safety. Dental assistants are crucial to infection control in an office, Rixse says, and they have a key role in making sure “every patient’s visit is a safe one.”

Although many start out in one of these roles, dental assistants can take a variety of paths, Rixse says. For example, some dental assistants might go into business development or education. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6.9% employment growth for dental assistants between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 25,700 jobs should open up.

Not all states have formal educational requirements to become a dental assistant, but many do. Here’s how to get started:

1. Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. Students interested in the field should consider taking courses in foundational sciences, like biology and chemistry.

2. Graduate from an accredited program. Programs accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation are typically offered at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutions and universities. There are about 250 programs offered in the U.S.

3. Pass a state-specific certification exam. “That makes it a little difficult for a dental assistant who wants to move from one state to another,” Rixse says. While her registered dental assistant credential is good in Pennsylvania, it may not necessarily be good in another state, for example.

Though some states have reciprocity agreements in place, Rixse says, she’d love to see the field move toward nationalized credentialing. Until then, dental assistants typically have to become recertified if they move out of state. The Dental Assisting National Board provides a guide to requirements in each state.

Dental assistants also have the option to take the certified dental assistant exam, administered by the DANB. Though not required in all states, this additional certification can help dental assistants get ahead in their careers. They’re likely to earn higher wages and hold more advanced responsibilities than a registered dental assistant.