Typically, students finish their dental assistant programs in a community college or technical institute. Depending on whether a student is pursuing a certificate, diploma, or associate degree, programs are frequently completed in one to two years. Most programs offer opportunity for hands-on learning in a clinical setting in addition to classroom instruction.
Dental assistants carry out a variety of duties, from patient care and taking x-rays to record-keeping and organizing appointments, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Preparing the patient for an operation is one of the jobs that a dental assistant may have to perform; this job would require an understanding of the teeth and the majority of dental treatments. The dental assistant may help the dentist conduct the procedure by giving him or her the necessary tools and secondary assistance, among other things.
Additionally, dental assistants may be in charge of scheduling, organizing paperwork, and managing invoicing for the business. The dental assistant would also be in charge of extending a friendly, professional welcome to clients as they enter the building. The following is normally what dental assistants do:
- Ensure that patients are comfortable in the dental chair
- Prepare patients and the work area for treatments and procedures
- Sterilize dental instruments
- Help dentists by handing them instruments during procedures
- Keep patients’ mouths dry by using suction hoses and other equipment
- Instruct patients in proper oral hygiene
- Process x rays and complete lab tasks, under the direction of a dentist
- Keep records of dental treatments
- Schedule patient appointments
- Work with patients on billing and payment
Steps to Become a Dental Assistant
- Decide on the best educational path
- Complete an externship
- Choose a focus
- Complete state certification or licensing requirements
- Undertake other forms of certification or licensure
- Land an entry-level job
- Return to school
How Long Does It Take to Become a Dental Assistant?
Community institutions' dental assisting programs normally run two years. In addition to the several dental assisting classes they must complete, students must also sign up for general education seminars. Depending on their unique schedule and progress, some community college students may need longer than two years.
Certifications
State-to-state variations in certification and licensing criteria are possible. It is necessary for dental assistants to check with the dental board of the state in which they desire to practice because some states demand certification from dental assistants. The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) certification is often required, if certification is required at all. Depending on the kind of certification you want, the time required to obtain it varies. While some certificates are available to dental assisting students and recent graduates, others call for at least some relevant job experience.
Dental Assistant salary
Dental assistants made an average annual pay of $41,180 as of May 2020, with those in the 90th percentile earning $58,390, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Although geographic location and amount of expertise have an impact on salaries, working as a dental assistant can be both financially and professionally beneficial. The states giving the best compensation frequently demand the highest levels of training, so prospective dental assistants should be aware of this.
You can enroll in a variety of hybrid dental assistant programs that let you finish some of your education online while also attending some in-person seminars or doing fieldwork.
