Dental Assistant

A career as a dental assistant might be right for you if you have a flair for putting patients at ease, good attention to detail, and good organizational abilities. What’s the good news? Dental assisting is a high-demand profession that is simple to learn.

Training programme can be completed in as little as three months. If you’re a military spouse, you’ll be relieved to learn that the Department of Defense considers this a “portable” career, which means you’ll be able to find work when you move to a new base.

What Is The Role Of A Dental Assistant?

At a dentist’s office, dental assistants are usually the first people you meet. They relax patients, clean instruments and equipment, and do a variety of other things.

Is there a difference between a dental assistant and a dental hygienist?

Because the responsibilities of dental assistants and dental hygienists sometimes overlap, the two are frequently mistaken. They are, nevertheless, distinct positions with distinct needs. Administrative and patient care responsibilities are usually shared by dental assistants.

They may be able to do minimal dental operations such as polishing in some states. Any dental work that is done by hand is done under close supervision. They usually assist a dentist by holding equipment and passing instruments to them. Dental hygienists, on the other hand, carry out more extensive dental operations and conduct oral health examinations. They are more active.

As a result, hygienists must meet more stringent licensure and education criteria than dental assistants. Hygienists typically require a two-year associate degree that includes laboratory and clinical hours. If you’re considering a career in dental hygiene, working as a dental assistant is a wonderful place to start. You’ll get a feel for the job and obtain industry experience before deciding whether or not to continue your education.

What are the prospects for dental assistants in the future?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for dental assistants will expand at a faster-than-average rate over the next decade. That means new work chances will be available on a regular basis until 2029.

What Does a Dental Assistant Earn?

In 2019, the national median dental assistant pay was $40,080 ($19.27 per hour). The compensation you might expect varies depending on where you work. The highest mean income for dental assistants is over $49k in Minnesota, Alaska, and New Hampshire. West Virginia, Mississippi, and Utah have the lowest mean salaries (under $33,000).

What Does It Take To Become A Dental Assistant?

Entry-level qualifications are determined by potential employers because many states have no training or credentialing requirements for the profession. If you have no prior experience, some dental clinics will provide on-the-job training.

Naturally, they prefer individuals who are experienced in their field. A completed term of study from a dental assisting programme will make your job search easier if you’re attempting to enter into the field. Professional certification from the Dental Assisting National Board can also help (DANB). In many jurisdictions, DANB qualifications are generally acknowledged, and they are given employment preference. They also make state licensure and/or registration easier.

Dental Assistant Training

Through online self-paced coursework, you’ll learn about the equipment and materials you’ll use as a dental assistant and the best practices for every part of your job. Lessons include:

• Room and Patient Preparation
• Equipment Preparation and Maintenance
• Materials Preparation and Maintenance
• Four-Handed Dentistry
• Assistance During Procedures
• Data Collecting and Recording
• Emergency Prevention and Management
• Patient Education
• Office Operations
• Legal Issues
• Introduction to Infectious Diseases
• Infectious Disease Control
• Occupational Safety
• Radiographic Techniques and Equipment
• Radiographic Imagining
• Radiographic Precautions
• Patient Management During Radiography
• Radiographic Film Processing
• Radiographic Image Mounting and Labeling
• Radiation Safety for the Patient
• Radiation Safety for the Operator and Other Staff
• Dental Assisting Externship with a Local Provider

Conclusion

The Dental Assisting programme at Meditec gives you a head start in a rapidly developing and profitable sector. Because all homework is completed online, you can study for your future even if you have other obligations. The programme is qualified for MyCAA financing if you are a military spouse. That implies the Department of Defense will pay for your entire education.