A college degree or certificate is not the only way to get your foot in the door at a dental job.  Yes, they help - but not all dental positions require them.  In fact, there are quite a few entry level dental jobs that might just be perfect for you.

Many busy dental offices and surgery centers hire receptionists, administrative assistants, and office managers to help maintain patient records, schedule appointments, and keep things running smoothly.  These positions do not always require a college education, and many of them are entry level jobs.  In order to perform these positions well, there are still certain skills that you will need, though.

Dental office workers should be friendly, responsible, organized, and calm.  It's a common misconception that office workers sit around eating pretzels and gossiping, but this couldn't be further from the truth.  As a dental office worker, you will be the first person patients see when they walk in the building and the last person they see when their appointment ends.  You must be clean and well-groomed, with freshly laundered clothes that are free of wrinkles and stains.  You must also be able to answer phone call after phone call with a smile and handle the occasional rude patient or insurance rep.

Other positions you may qualify for are a dental assistant or dental tech.  While some states require certification for these jobs, others allow workers to perform tasks with some restrictions.  For example, you may be able to prep a patient for surgery by giving her a bib and letting her choose a movie, but the pain medicine or numbing agents may have to be administered by a licensed dental worker.

Don't let a lack of formal training keep you from pursuing a career in the dental field.  Keep your eye out for entry level dental positions that match your skill level.