Would you like to work in dentistry and get a dental assistant certification? Are you decided on starting a career as a dental assistant? According to the BLS, employment in the industry is anticipated to increase by 11% by 2028. It thus means around 38,700 additional dental assistants will be needed between now and 2020.
To discover more about the tasks of a dental assistant, please continue reading Part 1. You might be on your way to learning a new route for the future, and you’ll be happy about it.
Know the Prerequisites
To start training as a dental assistant, you need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. You should take Biology, Chemistry, and Anatomy if you are still in high school, but the qualifications for dental assistants vary by state. In certain states, there are no minimum requirements for dental assistants. You must also be licensed, registered, or qualified to work or progress. For this reason, it’s crucial to find more about entrance criteria from your state’s dental board.
Most people enroll in a training program to get the skills required for dental assistant certification. These programs last roughly a year and award a certificate or diploma. You can also finish a two-year associate dental assistant degree program that includes English, Math, and more classes.
After training, you might take state or national exams, but these tests may not be required to work. However, having this on your résumé might offer you an advantage over others. And these exams provide validation upon the knowledge and competence you’ve gained.
What Does a Dental Assistant Training Entail?
Dental assistant programs are designed to provide graduates with the fundamental skills required to enter the industry. Typical coursework includes the following:
1. Dental Equipment
The training gives an overview of dental materials, their characteristics, and how to utilize them correctly (handled, cleaned, disposed of, and the like.) Cement, porcelain, bonding agents, metals, and implants are examples of such materials.
2. Dental Assisting Clinical
This section of the training gives hands-on experience. It enables the learner to hone their professional and ethical helping abilities while supervised by a qualified practitioner.
3. Radiography
Students are taught how to position patients for x-rays in a hospital setting properly. They also learn how to take digital dental radiographs and x-rays. Further training focuses on distinguishing between suitable and unusable images.
4. Oral Anatomy
This covers studying the normal and pathological anatomy of the mouth cavity and face structure. Students are also taught anesthesia, mastication, and occlusion.
5. Basic Communication Skills
All direct care practitioners must learn how to interact professionally and compassionately with their patients and their families. It improves the patient’s comfort and confidence.
Characteristics Related to a Career in Dentistry
A dental assistant must possess several characteristics to be successful. The following are essential characteristics:
1. Good Listening Skills
Active listening is a vital talent to have. Throughout the day, you will engage with patients and other staff members. You must pay close attention and follow the dentist’s and hygienist’s instructions.
2. Good Interpersonal Skills
Patients are frequently apprehensive or in pain, leading to emotional outbursts, which are occasionally directed against personnel. In these instances, you must be able to remain calm, professional, and caring. When working relationships with coworkers become strained, it is also critical to maintaining a professional demeanor.
3. Strong Organizational skills
It is critical to keep your dental documentation, instruments, and materials organized. It allows the dentist and hygienist to deliver more effective and precise patient treatment.
4. Attention to Detail
This position necessitates rigorous adherence to particular regulations and procedures, including infection control. You must also understand what activities you are and are not permitted to engage in.
5. Manual Dexterity
You must have exceptional fine motor control; this will be necessary to use tools and instruments in a specific area of the body.
Conclusion
A dental assistant is a popular career choice for various reasons, including the rising need for quality dental treatment and the fact that the profession of dental assisting is thriving.
With improvements in dentistry research and the growing demand for preventative dental care, the employment of dental assistants has consistently grown year after year. Exploring educational options to become a dental assistant is only the start of your journey.
As stated beforehand, there is a demand for dental assistants. At Northwest Suburban College, we are here to help you pursue your dream of becoming one with our dental assistant degree program. We are a health science college near Schaumburg, IL. Give us a call and learn more about our programs.
