THE WORLD IS CHANGING RAPIDLY, SO ARE HEALTH CARE CAREERS

Home About Us Our Sponsors Careers Education Employers Labor Market Info Important Links Downloads Contact Us		Dental Assistant  (Dental Services) DID YOU KNOW?   (click for more) DID YOU KNOW?   (click to hide) Dental Assistant - Did-You-Know: The students are required to research an oral pathology via the internet, as well as providing oral hygiene instructions to local day-cares and nursing home patients. DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Dental assistants perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties. They work chair-side as dentists examine and treat patients. They make patients as comfortable as possible in the dental chair, prepare them for treatment, and obtain dental records. Assistants hand instruments and materials to dentists, and keep patients` mouths dry and clear by using suction or other devices. Assistants also sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare tray setups for dental procedures, and instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care. Some dental assistants prepare materials for making impressions and restorations expose radiographs, and process dental x-ray film as directed by a dentist. They also may remove sutures, apply anesthetics to gums or cavity-preventive agents to teeth, remove excess cement used in the filling process, and place rubber dams on the teeth to isolate them for individual treatment. Those with laboratory duties make casts of the teeth and mouth from impressions taken by dentists, clean and polish removable appliances, and make temporary crowns. Dental assistants with office duties schedule and confirm appointments, receive patients, keep treatment records, send bills, receive payments, and order dental supplies and materials. Mean annual salary for this position is $29,330. WHERE EMPLOYED: Virtually all dental assistants work in a private dental office. A small number work in dental schools, private and government hospitals, or state and local public health departments and clinics. PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Assistants must be a dentist`s "third hand"; therefore, dentists look for people who are reliable, can work well with others, and have good manual dexterity. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Most assistants learn their skills on the job, though an increasing number are trained in dental assisting programs offered by community and junior colleges, trade schools, technical institutes, or the Armed Forces. EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: The American Dental Association`s Commission on Dental Accreditation approved 265 dental assisting training programs in 2005. Programs include classroom, laboratory, and preclinical instruction in dental assisting skills and related theory. In addition, students gain practical experience in dental schools, clinics, or dental offices. Most programs take 1 year or less to complete and lead to a certificate or diploma. Two-year programs offered in community and junior colleges lead to an associate’s degree. All programs require a high school diploma or its equivalent, and some require a typing or science course for admission. High school students interested in a career as a dental assistant should take courses in biology, chemistry, health, and office practices. Some private vocational schools offer 4- to 6-month courses in dental assisting, but the Commission on Dental Accreditation does not accredit these. Most states regulate the duties that dental assistants are allowed to perform through licensure or registration. Licensure or registration may require passing a written or practical examination. States offering licensure or registration have a variety of schools offering courses - approximately 10 to 12 months in length - that meet their state`s requirements. Many states require continuing education to maintain licensure or registration. A few states allow dental assistants to perform any function delegated to them by the dentist. Individual states have adopted different standards for dental assistants who perform certain advanced duties, such as radiological procedures. The completion of the Radiation Health and Safety examination offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) meets those standards in more than 30 states. Some states require the completion of a state-approved course in radiology as well. Certification is available through DANB and is recognized or required in more than 30 states. Other organizations offer registration, most often at the state level. Certification is an acknowledgment of an assistant`s qualifications and professional competence and may be an asset when one is seeking employment. Candidates may qualify to take the DANB certification examination by graduating from an accredited training program or by having 2 years of full-time, or 4 years of part-time, experience as a dental assistant. In addition, applicants must have current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. For annual recertification, individuals must earn continuing education credits. Educational program types for this career. EMPLOYERS: Potential employers for this career. LAST UPDATED: 9/5/2007 - Update Current status - Active
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