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A dental assistant performs a variety of laboratory, office and patient care duties that assist dentists in their day-to-day operations. A dental assistant often works alongside dentists as they examine and treat patients. A dental assistant is expected to make patients as comfortable as possible, prepare them for treatments, and obtain their records. Other routine duties include sterilizing instruments and equipment, preparing instruments for procedures, and instructing patients on oral healthcare.
Dental assistants are very much in demand and are given an increasing amount of responsibility due to the workload dentists are incurring. A dental assistant can delve into the more technical aspects of the job; they can prepare materials for impressions and restorations and take and process X-rays. They also remove stitches, apply topical anesthetics, place rubber dams on teeth to isolate them for individual treatment, and remove excess cement used in tooth fillings.
Various educational institutions offer dental assistant training. These institutions include junior colleges, trade schools, technical institutes and the armed forces. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 265 dental assistant training programs approved by the American Dental Association in 2005. The general curriculum for a dental assistant program includes classroom, laboratory and pre-clinical instruction. The majority of dental assisting programs take one year or less to complete and may be completed online or in the classroom. Successful completion of coursework is awarded by a certificate. Two year programs result in an Associate degree. All programs require a high school diploma or a GED. Search for dental assistant training programs.
Rules and regulations for dental assistants vary from state to state. Licensure or registration procedures often require passing an examination. A handful of states also require continuing education to maintain a license. In order to perform more advanced tasks, such as radiological procedures, a dental assistant may need additional licensing.
If you’re interested in a career as a dental assistant, there are various educational institutions that provide excellent dental assistant training. Grants and loans are available to students who qualify. Financial aid representatives are available at most institutions to answer questions and guide you through the financial aid process.
Salary Range:
$8.45 — $39.24
Education Level (minimum):
Dental assisting program through trade school or career college
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012):
21 – 35%
