Are you looking for a fast-paced, fun, and rewarding career with minimal schooling needed? If you answered yes, consider becoming a dental assistant.
Many careers in the medical field require an expensive education and long, intense workdays. Dental offices are laid-back compared to most medical practices and hospitals. There is a high demand for dental assistants and you’ll play an essential role from day one.
What does a dental assistant do, exactly? The job duties include a combination of clinical and administrative tasks, and every day is different. Keep reading to learn more and find out if this profession might be a good fit for you.
The Role of a Dental Assistant
Although there is some overlap, the dental assistant job description differs from the dental hygienist job description. Dental hygienists have completed extra training and work independently with patients.
Dental assistants and their remote counterparts, virtual dental assistants play a supportive role, helping out with a variety of tasks as needed. The work is dynamic and interesting. As a dental assistant, your to-do list could include:
- Welcoming patients and preparing them for their procedure
- Taking medical histories
- Supporting the dentist during exams and surgeries
- Providing general assistance during fillings, crowns, and extractions
- Creating dental impressions
- Adding patient information to databases
- Updating dental records
- Assisting with administrative tasks
- Preparing and cleaning exam rooms before and after appointments
- Sterilizing dental equipment
- Ensuring safety protocols are followed properly
Depending on where you work and how much experience you have, your job description might look slightly different. When you interview for a position, be sure to ask what to expect.
What Is a Dental Assistant With Expanded Functions?
When you research dental assistant certification programs, some will offer an option to become a dental assistant with expanded functions. In certain states, you will need a special certificate to practice more advanced dental procedures.
A dental assistant with expanded functions typically takes patient x-rays, polishes teeth, and applies sealants and fluorides. In some offices, they can also remove sutures, fabricate whitening trays, and apply topical anesthetics before surgery.
If you are interested in taking on an extra set of responsibilities and receiving a higher salary, it is smart to pursue this type of training.
Is Dental Assistant the Right Career for Me?
Only you can decide if you’ll be happy working as a dental assistant, but there are a few skills that will boost your probability of success.
Interpersonal Skills
So many patients arrive at the dentist feeling nervous and stressed out. Some have had traumatic dental experiences in the past. As a dental assistant, it will be your job to help them relax and settle in.
Caring individuals tend to excel at creating a comfortable environment before the dental hygienist and dentist arrive to do their work.
If you are a good listener, taking medical histories will be a breeze. You will also be prepared to understand your guest’s concerns and requests, then relay them to other team members. Strong communication skills come in handy when it’s time to provide care instructions.
Good people skills also lead to better interactions with co-workers. You will want to be able to listen and communicate effectively when you’re receiving instructions or helping with dental surgery.
Technical Skills
Technical skills are mostly learned, so don’t worry if you haven’t practiced taking x-rays yet. Curiosity and interest in the subject matter will go a long way.
If you choose to become a dental assistant, you will develop a basic understanding of the most common dental procedures. Hands-on experience will deepen your knowledge over time.
You will also learn how to maintain dental equipment, operate computer systems, and recognize dental emergencies. Earning your CPR Certification is a standard part of any dental assistant training program.
Administrative Skills
As a dental assistant, you will often be asked to help with administrative tasks. It could be scheduling appointments, inputting patient data, or sorting out billing issues.
Dental offices have supplies that need to be inventoried and re-ordered, and the dentist will need someone to take notes during dental procedures. The dental assistant will often be asked to step in. If you are organized and have basic computer skills, you are off to a great start.
Other Desirable Characteristics
Additionally, dental offices aim to hire applicants who are:
- Detail-oriented
- Able to multi-task
- Professional
- Neat and clean
- Caring
- Flexible
When hiring dental assistants, dentists often look for self-starters who notice what needs to be done and accomplish it. Your job will be to play a supporting role in making the office run more efficiently, after all.
How Do I Become a Dental Assistant?
The path to becoming a dental assistant is slightly different in each state. Most certificates, diplomas, and associate’s degrees take 1-2 years to complete. After you finish, 39 states require you to become licensed by the Dental Assisting National Board.
Even in states where licensing isn’t required, you will get hired faster with the knowledge a formal education can provide. Expect background checks and drug tests as part of the hiring process.
Some educational programs offer special training for orthodontia, preventative care, restorative care, and other specialties. No matter what interests you, there are always opportunities to continue learning.
Enjoy the Perks of Becoming a Dental Assistant
There are dental assistant jobs available anywhere you want to live. The field is expected to grow rapidly in the next 10 years, so you can look forward to job security and significant earnings. Dental assistants earn around $40K per year, depending on their experience, location, and job performance.
As a bonus, it’s a position with flexible hours. When you are hired, request a schedule that suits your lifestyle. There are part-time and full-time jobs available.
Becoming a dental assistant also offers opportunities for career growth. Dental assistants can become hygienists, office managers, or insurance claim processors.
Most importantly, it’s a rewarding job that will challenge you daily. You will love knowing you had a positive impact on your patients’ lives. Start your journey today by researching dental assistant training programs in your area.
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