It is never too early to talk about your children’s future. Before you know it, he is already ready in middle school. A couple more years, he will be ready to fly the coop.
If he has shown interest in the medical field, you should help him see the various options available for him, from nursing to dental assistant positions. The latter may have given you a pause. You may be asking if it is the same as dental hygienist.
In order for you to give informed details to your son about this possible career path, you should carefully read this article. It will help you understand more about the job. As a result, your child can carefully temper his expectations when taking up dental assistant classes.
What Is a Dental Assistant?
Before your son enrolls in dental assistant classes, you should know what a dental assistant is. This knowledge will help them emotionally prepare for the challenges that awaits them.
Dentists are not the only ones who dictate the responsibilities of their dental assistant. The state will also have a say in this. Which is why your son should only enroll to certified dental assistant program. This type of curriculum will hone your son’s keenness for detail and dexterity as well as impress upon him excellent bedside manners.
What Is a Dental Hygienist?
As mentioned earlier, both play essential roles in a dental clinic. There are specific duties that only a dental hygienist can carry out. One excellent example is that they can examine patients for oral diseases. They can also provide preventive care and educate patients on oral health and oral hygiene.
What Are Their Main Differences
A dental assistant works closely with both dentist and a dental hygienist. As mentioned earlier, the dental assistant program can help you son hone his dexterity. They help critical support in the dental office and become the dentist’s extra set of hand. Here are a few of their daily responsibilities:
- Ensuring that patients are comfortable in the dental chair
- Preparing patients for treatments and procedures
- Sterilizing dental instruments
- Handling instruments to dentists during procedures
- Drying patients’ mouth using suction hoses and other equipment
- Instructing patients in proper oral hygiene
- Processing X-ray and competing lab tasks under the supervision of a dentist
As mentioned earlier, there are tasks that dental hygienists can only perform. They can examine patients for oral diseases and administer preventive care. Here are their other duties:
- Removing tartar, stains, and plague from teeth
- Applying sealants and fluorides to protect teeth
- Taking and developing dental X-Rays
- Assessing the patient’s oral health and report findings to dentists
- Documenting patient care and treatment plans
- Educating patients about oral hygiene, such as how to brush and floss correctly
Conclusion
As a parent, it is important that you support your child in his career choice. Your guidance will help them get through the many challenges in college. As a result, they will become good citizens of the world.
If your child wants to take dental assistant classes, check out the curriculum offered by the Northwest Suburban College. We will not only prepare him for his future job, but we will also get him ready to take on the challenges that lie in the future. Call us now for more information!
