How Do You Become A Dental Assistant?
Dental assistants play a major role in making a dentist’s office run smoothly. Assistants work closely with patients, dentists, and other staff. These professionals spend their days helping people improve their health. But how do you become a dental assistant? Jobs in the medical and dental field can seem out of reach to many people. The good news is, becoming a dental assistant is easier than you might think. Learn all about dental assistant training programs and everything else you need to know about how to become a dental assistant.
How To Become A Dental Assistant
The steps to becoming a dental assistant are similar no matter where you live. Dental assistants start with training and education programs. Next, they gain hands-on experience to learn more about the job. This prepares students for the practical reality of working in a dentist’s office.
The next part of the process depends on where you live. Every state has its own rules that guide what dental assistants can do. Some states allow dental assistants to perform more advanced tasks, like cleaning teeth or applying medicine to patients.
Dental assistants in these states normally need to pass a certification test before they can start working. This test is given by the Dental Assistant National Board (DANB), a professional group that supports dental assistants throughout their careers. Even if you live someplace where the DANB test isn’t required, taking it can still help your career.
Learn more about each step on the journey to becoming a dental assistant.
Dental Assistant Training And Education
The first step toward becoming a dental assistant is getting a solid education. Dental assistant training programs are designed to prepare students for the workplace. These programs usually include a mix of traditional classes as well as hands-on practical experience.
You can find dental assistant courses at community colleges, vocational schools, and trade schools. Some dental colleges also offer assistant training.
If you’re interested in becoming a dental assistant, make sure to choose an accredited program. These programs are licensed by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), which means that they’re proven to deliver good results. Students who take an accredited program can count on learning industry-standard techniques to help them in their new job.
There are around 250 accredited dental training programs in the United States. Click here to explore the best dental assistant programs near me.
How Long Does Dental Assistant Training Take?
Most assistant training programs are short. Lots of these programs are only a year long. The short program length means that you don’t need to spend a long time in school. You can finish the training quickly and start working. Becoming a dental assistant is a great way to change your life, fast.
One-year dental assisting programs usually give you a diploma or certificate when you graduate. You can put this diploma on your resume and use it to help you find a job.
Short programs are most common, but some schools also offer two-year dental assisting training courses. If you choose a longer program, you should receive an associate’s degree when you finish the requirements.
What Do You Learn In Dental Assistant Training?
Dental assistant training programs prepare students to help with many different kinds of dental procedures. You’ll learn about human anatomy, especially focusing on the head, jaw, and mouth. Students spend lots of time studying teeth and gums.
You’ll also learn about the different instruments that dentists use. Tools range from small mirrors to complicated medical machines, so there’s plenty to cover.
Working in a dentist’s office does require some science and math classes. Students will take courses in anatomy, biology, chemistry, and math as part of their training.
Hands-On Dental Assistant Training
Your training program should also give you practical, real-world experience. Training programs usually require supervised experience in a dentist’s office. This part of the training is similar to being an intern or an apprentice. You’ll work in a real dental office as you learn to help patients, dentists, and more.
Students work with more experienced professionals during their hands-on training. Dentists, dental hygienists, and long-term dental assistants help new assistants put their training to use. You’ll get experience working with real patients on common daily tasks. Students can also practice using dental terms, operating equipment, helping nervous patients, and many other skills.
Some dental assistant training programs run a dentist’s office through the school. If you go to one of these programs, you might do all of your hands-on training through this office. Students at other programs need to find an office to work in.
What Skills Do You Learn During Dental Assistant Training?
Dental assisting is a hands-on, fast-paced career. Successful assistants need to know more than just the basic skills. Dental knowledge is important, but dental assistants should also build a range of interpersonal or “soft” skills.
Attention To Detail
Dental work is delicate and complex. Assistants need to be able to follow guidelines and procedures to keep their patients safe.
Hand-Eye Coordination
Dental assistants must be able to reliably use their hands. Mouths are small and dark so dental assistants need to be able to work in close spaces.
People Skills
Assistants work closely with people all day long. They need to communicate well with dentists and other staff, plus also help patients through difficult or scary procedures. Interpersonal skills are very important for any dental assistant.
Active Listening
Assistants need to listen closely to patients to understand their problems. They also need to follow instructions from dentists and other staff.
Organization
Dental assistants are required to organized physical items, like dental tools, as well as patient information and records. Good organization skills help a dental office run smoothly.
What Licenses Do Dental Assistants Need?
Not every dental assistant needs to be licensed, certified, or registered to work. Some states have licensing requirements but others don’t. A state’s Board of Dental Examiners sets these rules. You can click here to learn more about the dental assistant requirements in your state.
In states that require licensing, dental assistants might need a range of certifications. Depending on your job, you might need one of the following licenses.
- X-ray (radiography)
- Infection control
- Dental polishing
- CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
Some dental assistants need a certification from the Dental Assisting National Board to work in their state. If this is the case where you live, you’ll need to graduate from an accredited dental assisting training program, have current CPR certification, and pass the DANB exam.
Learn More About Dental Assistants
Dental assistants perform important jobs in dentist’s offices across the country. There are some education and training requirements for this job, but you can learn to be a dental assistant in just one year. After you finish your dental assistant training program, you’re eligible to look for full-time jobs. How much money does a dental assistant make? Click here to learn about dental assistant salaries across the country.
References
American Dental Association. (2022). Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). https://coda.ada.org/en
Dental Assisting National Board. (2022). Dental assisting national board. https://www.danb.org/
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022, July 13). Dental assistants: How to become one. Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm#tab-4
