Can You be a Dental Assistant with a Felony?
As a dental assistant, one of the most significant benefits is having the ability to help patients maintain good oral health and provide a safe and comfortable environment for patients undergoing dental procedures. However, with the increasing stigma surrounding felony convictions, dental aspirants with a criminal background often wonder if they can pursue a career as a dental assistant.
In Summary:
- Dental assistant requirements vary by state and employer
- Conviction of a felony is typically not an automatic barrier to employment
- Factors influencing employer decisions include the severity and relevance of the felony to the role
- Prior rehabilitation, education, and skills can significantly influence an employer’s decision-making
State-by-State Dental Assistant Requirements
Unlike most medical professions, the dental assisting profession is state-by-state regulated. Therefore, the requirements for employment vary from state to state. While some states allow convicted felons to practice, others have stricter restrictions.
State-by-State Employment Restrictions
| State | Dental Assistant Requirements |
|---|---|
| California | Convictions within the last 7 years may impact employment1 |
| Florida | Must provide documentation of restoration or rehabilitation2 |
| Texas | Employers must conduct thorough background checks and verify eligibility3 |
Felony Crimes That May Affect Dental Assistant Employment
While all crimes are taken seriously, employers are more likely to reject candidates with felony convictions that involve:
• Patient trust violations (e.g., medical fraud, illegal activity involving patients)
• Harm or risk of harm to others (e.g., violent crimes, possession of weapons)
• Mislconduct in a health-care setting (e.g., insurance fraud, kickbacks)
Employers’ Considerations
Dental practices, clinics, or organizations often consider factors other than a felony conviction to determine employability, such as:
• Prior rehabilitation: Demonstrating completion of court-ordered probation or community service can favorably influence an employer’s decision.
• Education: Gaining additional education, certification, or training can overcome any doubts an employer may have.
• Skills and expertise: Proving the skills and knowledge required to excel as a dental assistant can compensate for a criminal conviction.
How to Pursue a Career in Dental Assisting with a Felony Conviction
• Focus on Education: Pursue additional training and certifications to demonstrate skills and expertise.
• Gain Experience: Volunteer, shadow, or intern to gain experience and build credibility.
• Highlight Positive Character: Emphasize community service, rehabilitation efforts, and positive character testimonials to offset any concerns about criminal activity.
• Apply Strategically: Carefully research employers and states that have a more tolerant view of convicted felons or focus on smaller clinics with a more relaxed screening process.
Conclusion:
While a felony conviction can be a significant challenge to becoming a dental assistant, it is not always a barrier to employment. With a clear understanding of the varying state-by-state regulations, an employer’s concerns, and the skills to overcome those concerns, a dental assistant with a felony conviction can still succeed.
