How To Get A Job As A Dental Assistant
A skilled Dental Assistant is invaluable in any dental practice. A Dental Assistant greets patients, when they first arrive, and helps them feel comfortable and relaxed before, and during their dental treatment. The demand for Dental Assistants is growing rapidly as people become increasingly aware of the need for dental care and maintenance.
A Dental Assistant must be mature, cheerful, compassionate, patient, and discreet. They must have good manual dexterity, and be able to follow directions promptly and efficiently. They must also have good communication skills, be able to work as part of a team, and be mentally and physically fit. Dental Assistants must often stand during a large part of the day, and must be capable of working calmly with patients, who may be frightened, worried, or stressed.
Dental Assistants work in clean, bright surroundings, in dental offices, clinics, and hospitals. They usually work a forty hour week, though some may be required to work evenings or weekends depending on their place of employment.
Some of the duties of a Dental Assistant include getting the patient comfortable in the dental chair, and preparing them for treatment. During dental procedures, the Dental Assistant hands the dentist instruments, keeps the patient’s mouth clean and dry, and supplies any records or x-rays the dentist may wish to consult. The Assistant may also administer topical anesthetics, take and develop x-rays, take dental impressions, prepare and sterilize equipment, take patient histories, organize patient records, and help with appointments, billing and general office duties, along with any other tasks assigned by the dentist.
When working directly with patients, Dental Assistants may be required to wear protective equipment, such as gloves and face masks, to protect themselves as well as the patient.
Education
Some Dental Assistants have only on-the-job training. This may have been acceptable in the past, but today virtually all employers demand some formal training.
Training programs are available in Community Colleges, Trade Schools, Technical Institutes, and in the Armed Forces. To enter these programs, candidates need to have completed High School. During High School, prospective Dental Assistants should take courses in biology, health, chemistry, and office practice.
There are both one and two year Dental Assistant courses available. Graduates of the one year program receive a certificate or diploma. Graduates of the two year program receive an Associate Degree. With increased education comes increased responsibilities, with commensurate salaries.
Requirements for Dental Assistants vary from state to state so make sure to investigate fully what is required to practice in the state of your choice. In most states, Dental Assistants must have a license to practice. To acquire a license, Assistants must have first graduated from an accredited training program. They must then take a written or practical exam.
Over half of all states now require Dental Assistants to become Certified. Certification also requires graduation from an accredited training program followed by a period of practical experience and then completion of the Certification exam. Assistants may need to be re-certified periodically.
Qualified Dental Assistants, with additional training, may move on to become office managers, equipment salesmen, or instructors. Some Dental Assistants also train further and become Dental Hygienists.
