Become a Dental Assistant
Dental assistants work closely with dentists, usually performing routine tasks so that the dentist can focus on more complex procedures. Assistants perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties. These include
preparing dental instruments, obtaining patients' dental records, sterilizing and disinfecting instruments and equipment, preparing patients for treatment, handing instruments to the dentist during procedures, taking dental x-rays, and making casts of teeth. Some assistants also handle office duties such as scheduling and confirming appointments, sending bills, and ordering dental supplies and materials. About 50% of dental assistants have a normal 40-hour workweek. Most of the rest work part-time, have variable schedules, or hold multiple jobs by working at more than one dental office.
Education, Certification, Licensing
Dental assistants usually learn their skills on the job, although formal training is not only helpful but in some states, a requirement for licensure. There are many accredited dental-assisting programs offered by community and junior colleges, trade schools, technical institutes, and the Armed Forces. These programs combine classroom and laboratory instruction with practical experience in dental schools, clinics, or dental offices. Most of them take one year or less to complete and lead to a certificate or diploma. Programs offered in community and junior colleges which lead to an associate degree usually take two years to complete.
Some states require dental assistants to be licensed or registered. Requirements usually include passing a written or practical examination, and taking state-approved education courses. Other states offer registration with little or no education required. In some states, continuing education is required in order to maintain licensure or registration. There may also be additional standards applied to dental assistants who perform certain advanced duties (e.g., radiological procedures). In most states, certification is not mandatory for dental assistants but may be a distinctive asset when seeking employment. Certification is available through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and confirms the assistant's qualifications and professional competence.
preparing dental instruments, obtaining patients' dental records, sterilizing and disinfecting instruments and equipment, preparing patients for treatment, handing instruments to the dentist during procedures, taking dental x-rays, and making casts of teeth. Some assistants also handle office duties such as scheduling and confirming appointments, sending bills, and ordering dental supplies and materials. About 50% of dental assistants have a normal 40-hour workweek. Most of the rest work part-time, have variable schedules, or hold multiple jobs by working at more than one dental office.
Education, Certification, Licensing
Dental assistants usually learn their skills on the job, although formal training is not only helpful but in some states, a requirement for licensure. There are many accredited dental-assisting programs offered by community and junior colleges, trade schools, technical institutes, and the Armed Forces. These programs combine classroom and laboratory instruction with practical experience in dental schools, clinics, or dental offices. Most of them take one year or less to complete and lead to a certificate or diploma. Programs offered in community and junior colleges which lead to an associate degree usually take two years to complete.
Some states require dental assistants to be licensed or registered. Requirements usually include passing a written or practical examination, and taking state-approved education courses. Other states offer registration with little or no education required. In some states, continuing education is required in order to maintain licensure or registration. There may also be additional standards applied to dental assistants who perform certain advanced duties (e.g., radiological procedures). In most states, certification is not mandatory for dental assistants but may be a distinctive asset when seeking employment. Certification is available through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and confirms the assistant's qualifications and professional competence.
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