Dental Assistant; YX1 & 4YX

Air Force Dental Assistant (4Y0X1) assists with the entire customer experience during dental visits.

Dental Assistants assist doctors with exams, procedures, and surgeries.

They are there to ensure that each patient has the best experience possible, including before, during, and after their procedure or exam.

The required education, qualifications, and training for an Air Force Dental Assistant are outlined below.

This job requires a High School Diploma or GED.

Recruits must also meet the general ASVAB requirements for the Air Force.

The qualifications for a Dental Assistant are:

• Knowledge of oral and dental anatomy
• Normal color vision
• Between the ages of 17 and 39 (18 prior to technical training)
• Completion of a minimum two-year American Dental Association-accredited degree awarding dental hygiene program

Air Force Dental Assistants will attend Basic Military Training for 8.5 weeks.

They will then go to Fort Sam Houston in Texas for 48 days of technical training.

Assist with all aspects of the customer experience during dental visits, supporting the dentist with exams, procedures, and surgeries.

Responsibilities include scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, preparing patients for treatment, and assisting during procedures.

Preparing the patient involves taking vital signs, cleaning, and applying anticarcinogenic agents.

They also prepare and sterilize equipment, take and develop x-rays, and assist in surgeries and other dental procedures.

Additional duties include reviewing records, developing training programs, managing dental supplies, and instructing patients on post-care.

After procedures, they help schedule follow-up appointments and may assist in emergency situations.

They earn the same base pay as other Air Force personnel of the same rank and years of service. For example, the 2023 minimum monthly pay ranges from $1,917.60 for E-1 to $6,055.50 for senior ranks.

Benefits include low-cost or free medical and dental insurance, housing, food allowances, retirement options after 20 years, educational assistance, and recreational facilities.

Positive reviews highlight the benefits and valuable skills gained. Negative feedback notes frequent moves and limited promotion opportunities.

The skills acquired can lead to civilian Dental Assistant roles, which are in high demand and vary by location and experience.

Overall, this role involves assisting with dental treatments, managing patient care, and supporting dental operations, with steady pay and excellent benefits. The experience gained is valuable for civilian careers in dentistry.