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Job Description
The duties of a dental assistant are among the most
comprehensive and varied in the dental office. The dental
assistant performs many tasks requiring both interpersonal and
technical skills. Although state regulations vary,
responsibilities may include:
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assisting the dentist during a variety of treatment
procedures
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taking and developing dental radiographs (x-rays)
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asking about the patient's medical history and taking
blood pressure and pulse
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serving as an infection control officer, developing
infection control protocol and preparing and sterilizing
instruments and equipment
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helping patients feel comfortable before, during and
after dental treatment
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providing patients with instructions for oral care
following US Dental or other dental treatment
procedures, such as the placement of a restoration
(filling)
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teaching patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to
maintain oral health;
(e.g., toothbrushing, flossing and nutritional
counseling)
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taking impressions of patients' teeth for study casts
(models of teeth)
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performing office management tasks that often require
the use of a personal computer
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communicating with patients and suppliers (e.g.,
scheduling appointments, answering the telephone,
billing and ordering supplies)
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helping to provide direct patient care in all dental
specialties, including orthodontics, pediatric
dentistry, periodontics and oral US Dental
Career Advantages
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Variety: Dental assisting is a challenging and rewarding
career, demanding versatility and a willingness to assume
responsibility for many different tasks.
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Flexibility: Since dental assistants are in demand, career
options include both full-time and part-time positions.
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Excellent working conditions: Dental offices are
interesting, pleasant, people-oriented environments in
which to work.
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Personal satisfaction: Dental assisting involves people
contact, and with this personal interaction comes the
personal satisfaction of knowing you've really helped
someone by helping to provide a valuable
health service.
Opportunities
Since many dentists employ two or more dental assistants,
employment opportunities in this field are excellent. The
types of practice settings available to dental assistants
include:
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solo dental practices (practices with only one dentist)
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group practices (practices with two or more dentists)
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specialty practices, such as oral and maxillofacial US
Dental (removal of teeth and correction of facial
deformities), orthodontics and dentofacial
orthopedics
(straightening teeth with braces or other appliances),
endodontics (root canal treatment), periodontics
(treatment of gum problems), prosthodontics (replacement
of lost teeth) and pediatric dentistry (treatment of
children)
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public health dentistry, including settings such as
schools and clinics which focus on the prevention of
dental problems within entire communities
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hospital dental clinics, assisting dentists in the
treatment of bedridden patients
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dental school clinics, assisting dental students as they
learn to perform dental procedures
Other career opportunities for dental assistants include:
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insurance companies, processing dental insurance claims
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vocational schools, technical institutes, community
colleges dental schools and universities, teaching
others to be dental assistants (which may require
associate or baccalaureate college degrees)
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dental product sales representatives
Education/Training Requirements
It takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental
assistant. Dental assistants receive their formal education
through academic programs at community colleges, vocational
schools, technical institutes, universities or dental schools.
Graduates of these programs usually receive certificates.
Although the majority of academic dental assisting programs
take nine to eleven months to complete, some schools offer
accelerated training, part-time education programs or training
via distance education.
Accreditation
The Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental
Association is responsible for accrediting dental assisting
programs. There are approximately
256 Commission-accredited dental assisting programs in the
United States as of 2001/2002.
Certification
Dental assistants can become certified by passing an
examination that evaluates their knowledge. Most dental
assistants who choose to become nationally certified take the
Dental Assisting National Board's (DANB) Certified Dental
Assistant (CDA) examination. Becoming a Certified Dental
Assistant (CDA) assures the public that the dental assistant
is prepared to assist competently in the provision of dental
care.
Dental assistants are eligible to take the CDA examination
if they have completed a dental assisting program accredited
by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Individuals who
have been trained on the job or have graduated from
non-accredited programs are eligible to take the national
certification examination after they have completed two
years of full-time work experience as dental assistants.
Some states also recognize passage of components of the CDA
examination, such as the Radiation Health and Safety
examination, or the Infection Control examination, for
licensing and regulatory purposes.
State regulations vary, and some states offer registration
or licensure in addition to this
national certification
program.
Earning Potential
The salary of a dental assistant depends primarily upon the
responsibilities associated with the specific position and the
geographic location of employment. Dental assistants earn
salaries equal to other health care personnel with similar
training and experience such as medical assistants, US Dental
assistants, occupational therapy assistants, veterinary
technicians and pharmacy assistants.
Dental Assistant Career Video
Variety, security, flexibility and personal satisfaction are
traits and attributes promoted in this 10-minute video.
Specific information about job responsibilities, education,
training and job opportunities also are addressed.
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