Key Takeaways
Dental assistant jobs in Virginia are projected to grow 18% by 2032, more than double the national rate.
To operate X-ray equipment, Virginia dental assistants must complete CODA-approved training, ARRT certification, or the RHS exam.
The Fortis Dental Assistant program in Virginia prepares students in as little as 48 weeks with courses, labs, and externship experience.
Dental assistants play a critical role in helping patients improve their oral health and aiding dentists in alleviating the strain on dental practices. Many states, including Virginia, require dental assistants to be adequately trained in safety standards and protocols.
Learn more about Virginia’s dental assistant requirements, including the benefits of completing a dental assistant training program to prepare for the role.
What Does a Dental Assistant Do?
Dental assistants work in dental practices, preparing the necessary tools and providing suction during dental procedures, processing oral X-rays, and cleaning and sterilizing equipment and work areas between patient visits. Most tasks must be performed under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.
Dental assistants also work directly with patients, ensuring that they are comfortable and prepared for their examinations and procedures. They may also help educate patients on proper oral hygiene. They are also typically responsible for gathering patients’ vital signs, including their blood pressure and pulse, when required. They also support administrative functions of the practice like maintaining patients’ records, scheduling appointments, and assisting patients with billing and insurance issues.
What Are the Dental Assistant I Requirements in Virginia?
The Fortis Dental Assistant training program in Richmond, Virginia offers a dental assistant I (DA1) program. DA1 level graduates can perform the supportive dental procedures that the state has approved for dental assistants working at this level and only under the supervision of a licensed dentist. Outside of meeting radiography requirements, there are no specific training or education requirements to work at this level of dental assisting. However, given the complexity of the role, employers may prefer applicants with an education in dental assisting.
Dental assistant training programs have their own requirements, including holding a high school diploma and passing a background check.
All Virginia dental assistants are required to meet specific standards to be qualified to use radiography equipment to create X-rays of patients’ teeth, as the effects of radiation can be harmful without proper safety protocols. Virginia offers several options for meeting these requirements, and dental assistants only need to fulfill one:
Complete a radiation safety course and pass the exam as part of a dental program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
Obtain an American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification
Complete a Dental Assistant National Board review course and pass the requisite Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam
What Is the Dental Assistant Job Outlook in Virginia?
The job outlook for dental assistants in Virginia is promising. Positions for dental assistants in the state are projected to increase 18% between through 2032, according to Projections Central. This is significantly higher than the 8% increase for dental assistants nationwide between 2023 and 2033 projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), indicating this is an appealing choice for professionals looking for future opportunities in Virginia.
According to the BLS, dental assistants’ expected job growth will be due to an increasing number of dentists, who will require assistants as their practices expand. The BLS notes there is a growing understanding about the linkage between oral health and general health, and that individuals’ care for their teeth has increased over time, both of which are expected to spur the growth of dental practices to assist in that care.
Begin Your Career as a Dental Assistant in Virginia
Understanding Virginia’s dental assistant requirements is the first step toward a rewarding career, and Fortis’ Dental Assistant training program in Richmond, Virginia, can provide you with the right educational foundation to pursue this career. In as little as 48 weeks, Fortis can prepare you for entry-level roles in the field.
Featuring a combination of online and in-person courses, the program offers students flexibility in their learning environment. Courses cover material in areas such as medical technology, dental procedures, lab techniques, and dental specialties.
The program also features an externship to give students the opportunity to apply their education in a real-world setting, and it prepares them for the Radiation Health and Safety exam.
Begin your new career in Virginia with the experienced faculty at Fortis.
Recommended Readings
6 Dental Assistant Skills
Beyond the Dentist’s Chair: Career Opportunities for Dental Assistants
Dental Hygienist vs. Dental Assistant: What’s the Difference?