If a Medical Assistant wanted to change and become a Dental Assistant would more school be required? How much?

Question

I am finishing a Medical Assisting Program and am considering changing to dental hygiene but first would like to become a dental assistant. Would more school be required? If so how much? Thank You

Answer 1

why do you want to switch ? I'm in a dental assistant program right now [9 months total with internship] [also plan on doing hygiene in the future]and it is allot different from medical.Of course more school would be required , it depends on if your going to a community college or a tech. school . If college; some of the basics like English ,math ...you wont have to re take those only if you can transfer your credits to the other school . If its a tech. school ,few months ,more hands on , you will have to completely switch studies .

Ds= 9 months ,6 w/o internship

Hygiene= 2 yrs , As degree

Answer 2

you wouldn't be require english or psychology cause i'm sure you already took that in medical, but unfortunatly for dental assistant everything is different.  It is "dental science, dental materials, chairside dental" it is much different then nursing, but only a year to take it. and its such a fun field. definately think about it, i love it :)