How to become A Dental Assistant

• Registered Dental Assistant
• Certified Dental Assistant
• Certified Registered Dental Assistant

What do Dental Assistants do?

A Dental Assistant would typically need to:

• Assist the dentist in all phases of various treatment procedures; help provide direct patient care in all dental specialties, including orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics and oral surgery
• Schedule and manage patient appointments; record the patient's medical history; take and record vital signs, such as blood pressure and pulse before any dental procedure
• Sanitise and keep the work area ready and prepare the patients for treatments; administer anesthesia if needed; sterilise and set out dental tools and instruments and keep materials at hand; select and hand the appropriate ones to the dentist during procedures
• Work with patients to ensure their comfort and safety in the dental chair; provide care in all phases of the dental treatment, before, during, and after
• Keep patients’ mouths dry by using suction hoses or other equipment to remove any oral disruptions that might obstruct the dental procedure for the dentist; remove sutures
• Instruct patients in proper oral hygiene and nutrition, such as how to brush & floss and which food items are harmful for the teeth, following dental surgery or other procedures and to maintain oral health
• Work with patients for billing and payment; prepare dental insurance claims 
• Perform laboratory tasks under the dentist’s direction, such as taking and processing x-rays, and taking impressions of patients’ teeth to make study casts/models
• Ensure that the dental clinic meets government-mandated safety and sterilisation requirements to prevent hazards that risk patients’ safety
• Perform office management tasks that often involve the use of a computer such as keeping records of patient data and treatments and managing appointments; answer the phone; liaise with vendors to order and bill supplies; coordinate with dental insurance providers
• Provide CPR, first aid, and adjunctive services to assist with medical emergency care
• Stay up to date on new dental technologies and equipment

Almost all Dental Assistants work in well-maintained, clean, and well-lit dental offices and clinics. Dental Assistants work under the supervision of dentists and may work closely with dental hygienists in their day-to-day activities. They spend most of their time in the chair next to the doctor.

There is also scope for overseas assignments, although you must check for educational, licensing and certification requirements in the country where you wish to work.

Dental Assistants typically work full time from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Hours and days can vary and working over the weekend is a strong possibility.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Dental Assistants can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, inquiring at staffing agencies and converting practicum and internship experiences into full-time jobs.

Dental Assistants are generally employed by: 

• Private Dental Offices
• Group Practices
• Hospitals
• Insurance Companies
• Dental Suppliers
• Dental Manufacturing Companies
• Armed Services
• Educational Institutions
• Public Health Facilities

Professional associations and organizations are crucial for Dental Assistants interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Exposure to hazards while handling certain materials and to infections while treating patients
• Discomfort due to long hours spent standing or bending; susceptibility to back problems, wrist & carpal tunnel issues, aching feet, and other chronic physical ailments due to the overtaxing nature of the job
• Frustration and overworking due to increased number of patients or because of taking on additional responsibilities
• Lack of work-life balance due to inflexible working hours; frequent burnouts in the absence of adequate self-care
• The need to maintain healthy interpersonal relations with the dentist and coworkers
• Supporting patients and helping them handle their fears and anxiety; dealing with patients who are unreliable in keeping appointments or presenting themselves on time

Any academic program that a potential Dental Assistant takes up typically requires a period of supervised experience. 

Experience drives greater success in the field of dental assisting, starting with a place in a study course or training. It also helps you stand out when competing against candidates who have had on-the-job training.

Aspiring Dental Assistants may build advanced skills through experience working as interns or helpers in laboratories, hospitals or dental clinics under the supervision of experienced professionals. Associate degree and certificate programs usually include practicum opportunities for students to gain hands-on clinical experience.

Furthermore, reading as much as possible about dental assisting and interviewing those working in this field will offer proof of your commitment and expertise to course providers and prospective employers.

There are several paths to becoming a Dental Assistant. Some employers require the completion of an accredited program in dental assisting and passing an exam, usually offered by community colleges and technical or vocational schools.

Accredited programs include classroom, laboratory, and clinical instruction for students to learn about teeth, gums, jaws and other areas dentists work on and the equipment they use. These programs involve supervised practical experience to ensure technical and workplace competence. 

Dental assisting programs usually take about one year to complete and lead to a certificate or a diploma. They include courses on dental materials, radiology, chairside learning, dental office administration and biodental science.

Programs that last two years are less common and lead to an associate degree in dental assisting. An associate degree program combines general education, technical training and extensive clinical practicum opportunities for candidates.

Some employers do not have formal education requirements and offer on-the-job training to their Dental Assistants.

Aspiring Dental Assistants are advised to take high school classes in biology, anatomy and chemistry to gain a better understanding of the biodental sciences and secure admission into prestigious universities or technical schools for higher education. 

Certification demonstrates a Dental Assistant’s technical abilities through work experience, training, and passing an examination. While some employers do not require a license for entry-level Dental Assistants, licensing and certification are essential for intermediate and advanced Dental Assisting positions.

To work in areas such as radiography, infection control or other specialities, Dental Assistants must obtain certification to demonstrate competence and skill. You may also need certification in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).Requirements usually vary across countries. Some locations mandate all dentists and dental care professionals to be registered with an authorised body.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible for promotion every two to three years.

In large laboratories, Dental Assistants may work their way up to a supervisory level and train freshers. Experienced candidates may become a Senior or Chief Dental Assistant responsible for management within a larger laboratory.

Dental Assistants may also become Dentists after completing the required study and gaining appropriate work experience.

Dental Assistants may also advance to other careers, such as Office Manager, Research Associate, Dental Sales Representative, Educator and Dental Laboratory Technologist. 

They may also diversify into roles such as Dental Hygienists, Medical Assistants, Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides, and Pharmacy Technicians after completing the required courses and obtaining appropriate certification and licenses.

Candidates with the necessary skills, experience, and education have the best job prospects. A Dental Assistant with experience, a robust knowledge base and exposure to the field through internships and professional training may have better chances of employment.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Dental Assistant build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

Most Dental Assistants acquire skills through on-the-job training. The length of training depends on the employer. A Dental Assistant must also take continuing education (CE) credits to keep their license valid every licensing period. These credits usually involve attending lectures and courses, attending hands-on clinical training or workshops, attending or presenting at conferences, and participating in clinical audit or peer review.

Post-secondary programs, obtained at community colleges, vocational schools and technical institutes, usually take 11 months and lead to a certificate. Some schools provide accelerated programs, part-time education or training via distance education.

Some History - The First Dental Assistant

The first Dental Assistant in modern history may be traced back to 1885. Dr Edmund Kells, a pioneering dentist operating from New Orleans, enlisted the help of his wife, Malvina Cueria to assist him during dental procedures. The dental field was initially dominated by males, but after this first addition of a female, it became acceptable for women to seek dental treatment without their husbands. This led to dental assistants of that era also being known as "Ladies in Attendance".

Some More History - The First Association

The first Dental Assistant association, named the American Dental Assistant Association,was founded by Juliette Southard in 1923. It began with only five members and its continued presence now boasts over 10,000 members. 

Dress Code

In a dental office, the dentist, hygienist, and Dental Assistant typically wear scrubs, which are practical, clean, comfortable, and functional for a full day's work. Appropriate solid-colored shoes and socks would also be part of the uniform.Other protective gear such as masks, caps, face visors, and gloves may also be mandatory.

Dental Instruments

A dental mirror is a small concave handheld mirror which reflects a magnified image of your teeth to help the dentist inspect your mouth. The dental mirror reveals even the tiniest of cavities to the dentist. A concave mirror is fixed into a round frame that sits at the end of a long handle. The tool is structured for ease of maneuver inside the patient’s mouth just by rotating the stick.

A Dental probe is a handy dental tool, fierce-looking but sleek with pointed heads, and used by the dentist to locate irregularities in the mouth. 

A dental drill and spoon excavators deal with cavities.The acuteness of cavities will dictate a dentist’s choice of the device. A drill is used to prick out enamel cavities but if the cavity extends deeper, an excavator is necessary.

Tartar, formed by the hardening of plaque, often stays in place despite regular brushing. Tough tartar warrants rough methods to remove it. A scaler scratches out the tartar build-up on the tooth’s surface.

A suction device cleans the teeth by sucking up the debris inevitably left behind from the use of all the above tools.

Local anesthesia is administered into the area of the mouth where a dental procedure is to be carried out. If laughing gas is used as anesthesia, it is administered through a gas mask. Otherwise, the dentist uses a dental syringe, longer than an ordinary one, to anesthetize the target area.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Dental Assistants have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

A full-time Dental Assistant, on the other hand, has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

The ultrasonic scaler is a dental tool that removes tartar, using vibrations that reverberate outside our audible range of hearing.

Dental assisting is one of the most important roles in the healthcare industry. Dental Assistants, who are integral members of the dental care team, take necessary steps prior to, during and after a dental procedure to support the dentist and promote the safety of the patient and success of the dental operation.

Be clear when you communicate information about the best care available and offer advice to your clients, but remember that the decision ultimately rests with them. It is not a reflection of your skills if they do not comply. Enjoy working with your hands and your mind, for a Dental Assistant’s career is filled with immense responsibility.