Dental Assistant

If you are looking for a career that is flexible, rewarding, and exciting, you may want to consider becoming a dental assistant.

Becoming a dental assistant is an excellent career move for people hoping to eventually become dentists or orthodontists.

Explore online training programs offered in conjunction with local trade schools and universities.

The length of a dental assistant training program depends on the program you choose; however, you can expect to spend anywhere between 700 and 1,200 hours in the classroom learning about dental procedures such as filling teeth or removing wisdom teeth.

Dental assistant training programs are designed to teach you the skills you need to work in a dental office. The courses you take will vary depending on the program and where it’s located, but they will often include lessons on:

• Dental anatomy
• Anatomy of the mouth
• The nervous system
• Oral pathology
• Caries (tooth decay) diagnosis and treatment
• Treatment planning and implementation
• Fabricating and placing temporary tooth coverings
• Sterilizing dental tools and exam rooms
• Updating and maintaining patient’s dental records
• Collecting patient insurance information and billing details

What Do They Do?

People with dental assistant jobs work closely with hygienists and dentists to care for patients’ mouths. They help with providing treatments and cleaning up between visits. Some also educate clients about the importance of maintaining good habits to improve their oral health.

Before each appointment, a dental assistant prepares for the procedure by gathering necessary equipment. Associates lead clients to the treatment area, take their vital signs, and obtain information about their medical history. If state regulations allow, they may do lab work like taking impressions, polishing teeth, or applying sealants.

A dental assistant’s daily responsibilities also include:

• Handing instruments to dentists during treatment
• Using water to rinse and suction to dry patients’ mouths
• Sterilizing equipment and instruments
• Taking x-rays
• Teaching patients about oral hygiene or postoperative care

In many states, workers must attend a college or trade school and earn either a certificate or an associate’s degree. After graduation, students need to pass a licensing exam in order to start work. Other areas allow employees to train on-the-job and have no formal requirements.

• Organizational skills
• Ability to listen and follow directions
• Near vision
• Critical thinking
• Comfort with interpersonal communication

While most dental assistants work during normal business hours, some offices stay open longer to accommodate customers with busy schedules. Employees at these locations may have evening or weekend shifts as a result. Those with flexible availability are often more appealing to managers during the hiring process.

As part of a team, dental assistants help other staff members with their tasks as well. They might answer phones, schedule appointments, or order supplies for receptionists. Some may also update records or handle billing and insurance claims on occasion.

No, becoming a dental assistant does not require a college degree. Most dental assistants enter the profession by completing a dental assisting program from a trade school. Though some may offer an associate degree, these programs often yield a certificate or diploma.

Yes, a career as a dental assistant is a promising pathway to success because dental assistants play a vital role in dental practices: they support dentists in patient care and administrative tasks and ensure the smooth operation of dental offices.

Various educational institutions offer dental assisting programs, including trade schools, vocational schools, and specialized dental assistant schools. These programs typically provide comprehensive training through classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.