One thing nearly everyone has to do every few years is visit a dentist. Dentists do not work alone however. One person who helps a dentist do his or her job is a dental assistant. However, becoming a dental assistant isn't exactly easy. It requires the completion of certified dental assistant programs. Preparation for such a career should begin in high school. This preparation should include a focus on Biology, business, chemistry, and health. Taking such classes in high school will prepare a student for the kinds of classes he or she will have to take in a certified dental assistant program. After high school, a person should apply to an actual certified dental assistant program. That program should have accreditation through the Dental Accreditation Commission. Over 300 different programs at different schools have this kind of accreditation. Schools with these kinds of programs include Everest Institute, Kaplan College, the Academy of Healthcare Professionals, and Keiser University. There will be certain requirements for entering such a program. An applicant will be required to have either a high school diploma or a GED equivalent. Good grades in science classes in high school are likely to be a plus. Having a decent SAT score may also be required for certain programs. Earning a certificate from a dental assistant program won't be easy. However, it won't take as long as obtaining a regular degree. Such a program should be able to be completed in a year. On the other hand, an associate's degree will usually take at least two years to obtain. A certified dental assistant program should include classwork, lectures, homework, and exams. However, hands on experience in laboratories and dental offices will also likely be included. Things that will be taught will include how to care for patients, how to keep records, and the science behind different dental procedures. Thankfully, a person does not have to be a fulltime student to obtain a dental assistant certification. Classes can be attended two to three times to week. They can also be attended at night so those students can work fulltime jobs during business hours.