How to Become a Dental Assistant in New Hampshire: Complete Career Guide

Dental assisting offers a rewarding career path in healthcare with strong growth potential in New Hampshire. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about becoming a dental assistant in the Granite State.

Career Overview and Job Prospects

The dental assisting field in New Hampshire shows promising growth potential:

• Employment Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% growth rate for dental assistants through 2031
• Median Salary: $44,920 annually in New Hampshire (as of 2023)
• Work Environment: Dental offices, specialty practices, and dental clinics
• Common Benefits: Health insurance, paid time off, dental benefits, retirement plans

Levels of Dental Assisting in New Hampshire

New Hampshire recognizes several levels of dental assistants:

1. Dental Assistant (Non-certified)

• Can perform basic supportive dental procedures under direct supervision
• Must work under a licensed dentist’s supervision
• Limited to basic chairside duties

2. Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)

• Can perform expanded functions
• Must maintain certification through continuing education
• Higher salary potential and more responsibilities

3. Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA)

• Highest level of dental assisting
• Can perform additional procedures such as placing and finishing restorations
• Requires additional specialized training

Education and Training Requirements

Basic Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• CPR certification
• OSHA safety training
• Infection control training

Educational Pathways

1. Formal Education Program

• Complete a CODA-accredited dental assisting program
• Programs typically take 9-12 months
• Available at community colleges and vocational schools
• Includes classroom, laboratory, and clinical experience

1. On-the-Job Training

• Learn through hands-on experience
• Work under experienced dental professionals
• May take longer to advance without formal education

National Certification Information

DANB Certification

The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) offers several certifications:

1. Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)

• Required Components:
  • General Chairside Exam (GC)
  • Radiation Health and Safety Exam (RHS)
  • Infection Control Exam (ICE)
• Prerequisites:
  • Graduate from an accredited program OR
  • 3,500 hours of work experience
  • CPR certification

1. Additional DANB Certifications

• Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA)
• Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA)
• Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant (CRFDA)

Steps to Become a Dental Assistant in New Hampshire

1. Complete Educational Requirements

• Earn high school diploma
• Enroll in an accredited dental assisting program OR
• Find entry-level position for on-the-job training

1. Obtain Required Certifications

• CPR certification
• Radiation safety certification (if taking x-rays)
• OSHA safety training

1. Gain Clinical Experience

• Complete internship or externship if in formal program
• Document all clinical hours

1. Pursue National Certification

• Study for DANB exams
• Schedule and take required tests
• Maintain certification through continuing education

1. Apply for Positions

• Create professional resume
• Join professional organizations
• Network within the dental community

1. Maintain Credentials

• Complete required continuing education
• Renew certifications as needed
• Stay updated on industry developments

Additional Resources

Professional Organizations

• New Hampshire Dental Assistants Association
• American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA)
• Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)

Educational Institutions in New Hampshire

• NHTI – Concord’s Community College
• Great Bay Community College
• Manchester Community College

Online Resources

• NH Board of Dental Examiners: www.nh.gov/dental
• DANB website: www.danb.org
• ADAA website: www.adaausa.org

Continuing Education

• Local dental society meetings
• Online dental continuing education providers
• Professional conferences and workshops

Financial Assistance and Scholarships

• ADAA Foundation Scholarship
• New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
• Federal student aid (for accredited programs)
• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding

Remember that requirements and regulations may change, so it’s always best to verify current information with the New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners or relevant professional organizations.