What is the Job of Dental Assistant?
Dental assistants are a crucial part of the dental industry. They support the administrative areas as well as the dentists themselves. As a dental assistant, you could go from scheduling appointments and ordering supplies to taking tooth impressions and sterilizing tools. It is a job that requires the ability to multitask, an attention to detail, and a desire to help others.
Dental Schooling
Dental assistant training courses generally don’t take too long to finish in comparison to other options. Some courses can be completed in less than a year while others can take up to two years. This depends on whether you are getting a basic certification or working towards a degree. It is wise to find a course that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) to get certification that will be accepted in multiple places.
In order to work as a certified dental assistant you will need to pass an examination that proves your knowledge. Once you’ve completed an accredited course you can take the Certified Dental Assistant examination which is administered by the Dental Assisting National Board. This is why practical dental assistant training that offers real-world experience is a plus, because it will better prepare you to handle the exam.
Why Become a Dental Assistant?
If you’re wondering if the dental industry is right for you, there are plenty of benefits to becoming a dental assistant. Not only is dentistry considered one of the 10 most ethical and trusted vocations in the U.S., but it’s not going anywhere any time soon. Everyone needs their teeth cared for and that’s not something that is likely to change. The methods might change as technology progresses, but the dental industry won’t just disappear.
You also get the joy of helping people on a regular basis. Dentistry not only gives people smiles they can be proud of, but it helps keep them healthy. If you like to help others and improve their quality of life, becoming a dental assistant could be a great career path for you.
Where to Start
If you are serious about joining the dental industry as a dental assistant, the best place to start is finding a course in your area that suits your needs. You can search online for courses near you and find one that works for you depending on course length and class times. You can reach out to as many of them as you wish until you find the path that is right for you. Generally the admissions offices are very helpful and get you started with ease.