Dental Assistant

Answer 1

Dental assistants perform many duties within a dental office. They perform administrative work such as billing, scheduling and some light office work. In addition to helping the office run smoothly they also assist with dentistry and may help the dentist during procedures. They also are responsible for helping patients after dental visits and instruct them on what to do following dental work such as care or medicines as needed. Some of the other tasks dental assistants perform include giving patients anesthesia, prep work before procedures or taking molds of the teeth while the dentist works.

Due to the variety of tasks dental assistants must be able to handle standing, bending, stooping and carrying objects. Assistants must also be able to interact with patients clearly in a friendly manner and for those who work with children must be able to function in a calm manner regardless of what happens. Some assistants may also help with actual dental work if they have been properly licensed and trained. This additional training may be optional depending on where the job is located but some dental offices may require it in order to perform the job to its fullest.

Average salaries for dental assistants start at $29,000 for entry level up to $37,000 for experienced assistants. Salary is often determined by location and duties performed. The amount of training received can lead to an increase in responsibilities and a higher salary. Some dental assistants may wish to attain experience and certification in advanced procedures and training on using additional equipment to better perform their job.

Education necessary to become a dental assistant varies between states and the jobs performed. Often an Associate degree is required or a diploma from a licensed school to become a dental assistant. Training combines lectures with hands-on learning in office management, dental procedures and how to use X-ray equipment and radiography. Locations where dental assistants will find work include private practice dental offices, hospitals that offer emergency dental care, outreach offices and clinics.

Answer 2

Dental assistants are key members of the dental health care team.By aiding in a wide variety of tasks and assuming responsibilities from taking x-rays to handling billing, dental assistants are able to boost the efficiency of the dentist office.Working in a technical capacity as well as interacting with the patients, dental assistants are required to be exacting in their tasks while remaining cordial and communicative.People who enjoy interacting with others in an environment that is both flexible and challenging are well suited to a career as a dental assistant.

The duties of a dental assistant are regulated by most states. In most states a dental assistant may be responsible for a wide variety of tasks, including the following:developing dental x-rays, completing patient histories, acting as patient control officer, taking impressions, administrative tasks, and assisting during treatment procedures.Dental assistants also sterilize instruments and equipment, prepare patients for treatment, and educate patients on oral hygiene.Removing sutures, inserting rubber dams onto teeth, applying topical anesthetics, and other dental procedures may also be performed by dental assistants.

Many dental assistants are trained on the job.However dental-assisting training programs have become more common. Many community colleges, trade schools, and technical institutes offer 1 to 12 month programs in dental-assisting.The majority of dental-assisting programs award graduates a certificate.There are rarely degree programs available for dental assistants unless they transition into a career as dental hygienists.Though certification is not required in most states, dental assistants without formal training will find it hard to compete with trained applicants.

In order to become certified, dental assistants must pass the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination offered by the Dental Assisting National Board.The Dental Assisting National Board acknowledges graduates of programs accredited by the American Dental Association as well as dental assistants with two years of full-time or four years of part-time experience. Though not all states require certification, becoming a Certified Dental Assistant increases the marketability of a dental assistant and also gives employers, as well as patients, confidence in CDA’s abilities.

Dental-assisting programs accredited by the American Dental Association are numerous.Online dental-assisting programs are also being offered.Gulf Coast Community College and Monroe Community College offer ADA accredited dental-assisting programs that are completed entirely online.Students of online programs can complete formal training and qualify for the CDA examination without having to commute to class.

Answer 3

Making Dental Assistant School your choice of career is a rewarding decision. Take advantage of the classroom hands-on-training and individualized instructions that will prepare you to be job ready in any dentist's office after completing the course. Gain knowledge with understanding so that your skills will be marketable to meet goals for future employment.

Answer 4

With a high school diploma, a year of community college in a dental assistant program, and a state license or certificate, you can be a dental assistant. A career as a dental assistant is a great choice for someone with a professional demeanor, comfortable with an office environment and interacting with people.

Many dental assistants specialize in office procedures, and do not actually take part in patient care. Other dental assistants work directly with the dentist and assist with patient care. The dental assistant may work with a dentist in the lab, in the office, as well as chairside to assist the dentist with patient care. The specific duties of a dental assistant vary depending on the state, and the dentist. Dental assistants may be expected to make appointments, assist with billing, office management and record keeping, process dental x-rays, assist with sterilizing instruments and equipment, educate patients about proper dental hygiene, prepare instrument trays, and assist with the inventory of supplies and purchasing.

Dental assistants typically follow up a high school diploma with a year of classes at a community college. You'll then need to follow your particular state's process for certification; this typically includes a certification and licensure exam, but you'll need to check the regulation for the state where you plan to work. There are three basic types of state certification. The CDA or Certified Dental Assistant is a national credential that some states accept. RDA or Registered Dental Assistant is a specific state credential required in CA, MI, MN and NJ. In addition, some states require you to have an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant certificate if you will be working with x-rays or taking impressions of patients' teeth.

Many states require the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) certificate; currently the DANB certificate is required by 36 states. The DANB offers qualifying certification exams and gives accreditation to dental assistants. The DANB also offers Certified Dental Practice Management Administrator certificates for dental assistants who wish to specialize in dental office and practice management. You might want to start researching your options at the DANB Web site.