Search for a Certified Dental Assistant Programs?

Answer 1

Dental assistants are responsible for sterilizing instruments used by the dentist, maintaining patients' records, providing instruction on basic and post-surgical oral hygiene, and giving general assistance to the dentist during dental procedures. Although many assistants used to gain their training through hands-on work experience, an increasing number of job opportunities look for candidates who have successfully completed one of the hundreds of certified dental assistant programs offered in the country.

Education

Dental assistant programs are offered through community colleges, technical schools and trade institutes or through the military. The length of the program varies, depending upon the type of educational institute and each institute's requirements. Programs offering a certificate or a diploma generally take a year to complete, while programs that grant an associate's degree typically take two years.

Coursework

Dental assistants require a strong background in the sciences, including Biology and chemistry. Since assistants are often responsible for the management of dental offices, typing skills and efficiency in computers are also valuable.

Certified dental assistant programs include courses in science and office management, but they also include laboratory and clinical experiences. While these courses are meant to replicate the dental office experience as closely as possible, some states require actual hands-on training in a dentist's office before certification or licensure is granted.

Certification

Both associate's degrees and certification programs can lead to a certification as a dentist assistant. However, the program must be approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. This is especially important when looking at private vocational schools, because many of those programs are not accredited.

After completing the educational program, the next step is to sit for the certification exam, which is given by the Dental Assisting National Board. Once the exam is passed, the individual becomes a Certified Dental Assistant. In some states, the certification exam has additional optional sections on radiation and infection, to allow the dental assistant greater opportunities for employment and specialization.

Some states may require licensure along with certification. Details can be gained from checking with the Dental Assisting National Board, or through the local healthcare board.