Dental Assistant School is a great way to start a career in the dental industry. It provides you with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a valuable member of a dental team. However, before you start your journey toward becoming a dental assistant, it is important to understand what it takes to prepare for dental assistant school. This guide will provide you with some essential tips on how to prepare for dental assistant school, including the skills you need to develop, the requirements you must meet, and the resources available to help you succeed. Whether you are just starting your journey or are already on your way, this guide will help you prepare for dental assistant school and achieve success in your career.
Why Become a Dental Assistant?
Before we dive into the tips on how to prepare for dental assistant school, let’s first discuss why becoming a dental assistant is a great career choice. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider becoming a dental assistant:
1. Job Security
The demand for dental assistants is increasing, which means there are plenty of job opportunities available. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
2. Competitive Salary
Dental assistants can earn a competitive salary, with the median annual wage for dental assistants in May 2020 being $41,180.
3. Flexibility
Dental assistants can work in a variety of settings, including private dental offices, clinics, and hospitals. This means you can choose a work environment that suits your lifestyle and preferences.
4. Personal Fulfillment
Dental assistants play a crucial role in helping patients maintain their oral health. By assisting dentists and hygienists in providing dental care, dental assistants contribute to the well-being of their patients.
Now that you know why becoming a dental assistant is a great career choice, let’s move on to the meat of the blog post.
Quick Tips on How to Prepare for Dental Assistant School
1. Develop Your Interpersonal Skills
One of the essential skills for dental assistants is the ability to communicate effectively with patients and colleagues. As a dental assistant, you will interact with patients daily, so it is crucial to have excellent interpersonal skills. Some of the ways you can develop your interpersonal skills include attending workshops, practicing active listening, and volunteering in a healthcare setting.
2. Meet the Educational Requirements
Most dental assistant programs require a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs may also require courses in biology, chemistry, or other sciences. It is essential to check the specific requirements of the program you are interested in to ensure that you meet them.
3. Gain Clinical Experience
Some dental assistant programs may require clinical experience as a prerequisite for admission. Even if it is not required, gaining clinical experience can be beneficial in preparing for dental assistant school. You can gain clinical experience by volunteering at a dental office, shadowing a dental assistant, or working as a dental receptionist.
4. Familiarize Yourself with Dental Terminology
As a dental assistant, you will need to be familiar with various dental terms and procedures. Familiarizing yourself with dental terminology before starting dental assistant school can help you understand the coursework better. You can find online resources and textbooks that can help you learn dental terminology.
5. Utilize Available Resources
There are several resources available to help you prepare for dental assistant schools, such as study guides, online courses, and practice exams. These resources can help you better understand the coursework and prepare for exams. Additionally, you can reach out to current dental assistants or educators to ask for advice and guidance.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, preparing for dental assistant school requires developing interpersonal skills, meeting educational requirements, gaining clinical experience, familiarizing yourself with dental terminology, and utilizing available resources. By following these tips, you can set yourself up for success in dental assistant school and achieve your career goals.
If you are looking for a certified dental assistant program, enroll at Northwest Suburban College. We are a health sciences college near Schaumburg, IL. Contact us and inquire about our offered courses today!
