Taking a Closer Look into the World of Dental Assisting

What does a Dental Assistant do?
Dental assistants perform a number of clinical and Administrative tasks in a dental office setting. By hiring dental assistants to handle the preliminary tasks involved in an examination, dentists are able to use their time more efficiently—seeing more patients, spending more time learning new techniques, and researching the latest developments in dentistry.

Some of the tasks a dental assistant may perform would include checking in patients, preparing them for treatment, sterilizing dental instruments, taking x-rays, and most often,working chair side with the Dentist.

Because of the unique value and added profitability that they bring to a dental practice, newer dentists and recent graduates from dental school are more likely to hire more than one dental assistant. As older dentists continue to leave the field, the demand for dental assistants has steadily increased and is expected to grow over the next 10 years.

What does it take to become a Dental Assistant?
In the past, dental assistants would typically learn their skills through on-the-job experience. However, the majority of today's dental assistants receive their training through programs offered at career colleges—usually taking them less than a year to complete.

Throughout their education as dental assistants, these students will learn the ins and outs of dental anatomy and physiology, how to prepare the patient for an examination, how to expertly sterilize equipment, how to cast and make impressions of patients' teeth, how to make temporary crowns, and the proper way to take an X-ray.

In recent years, many junior colleges and community colleges have begun to offer dental assisting programs as well—but in a two-year associate degree format.

What are the working conditions for a Dental Assistant?
Because of the clinical nature of the dentistry profession, dental assistants get the benefit of working in a well-lighted, clean, relatively safe and professional environment.

The primary work area for a dental assistant is typical in close proximity to the dental chair, as this position allows the dental assistant to arrange instruments, materials, and medication— transferring them to the dentist as needed.

It is also customary for dental assistants to wear gloves, masks, eyewear, and protective clothing at all times to protect themselves and their patients from any infectious diseases they may encounter. Dental assistants also follow rigid safety procedures and protocol to minimize the risks commonly associated with the use of X-ray machines.

What makes someone an ideal candidate for a career in Dental Assisting?
Dental assistants enjoy being around people. They should be good listeners who are able to clearly communicate the needs and concerns of the patient to the dentist.

It is also crucial for dental assistants to be organized, have good social skills, be helpful and attentive, and be service-oriented. They should also enjoy learning—especially when it comes to science, math, and biology.

Perhaps most importantly, a good dental assistant should be genuinely interested in their patients. This is because a dental assistant plays a very important role in helping people learn how to keep their teeth and gums healthy for life.

Since dental assistants work in a healthcare setting treating patients, they should not be squeamish or hypersensitive. This is because of the possibility that the dental assistant may be asked to aid in key dental procedures and surgery, which may involve blood and tissues.

What kind of jobs and salaries can someone expect as a Dental Assistant?
According to payscale.com, a certified dental assistant can expect to earn an average starting salary of $14 per hour. A majority of dental assistants work in a full-time setting, which allows them to enjoy benefits like health insurance coverage.

And according to the American Dental Association (ADA), almost all full-time dental assistants employed by private dental practitioners received paid vacation time. The ADA also found that 9 out of 10 full-time and part-time dental assistants received dental coverage.

Dental assistants also enjoy flexible hours, weekends off, and job security. For reasons like these and many others, dental assisting is considered to be a great entry-level career, and an ideal stepping-stone to higher paying jobs in the dental industry.
With additional education, training, and experience, a dental assistant can go on to become a dental hygienist, a dental assisting instructor, a dental office manager, or a dental product sales representative.

Editorial provided by Rebecca Zielinski, Campus President, Concorde Career Institute. ABHES Accredited.