Dental Assistants
Additional Information
Duties
The following are typical responsibilities of a dental aide:
- Keep patients at ease in the dentist chair by making them feel at ease.
- Ensure that patients and the workspace are ready for treatment and operations.
- Dental tools should be sterilized.
- During dental operations, dentists will need dental tools.
- Suction hoses and other devices can be used to dry patients' mouths.
- Educate patients on the importance of good dental hygiene.
- Take x-rays and do laboratory work under the supervision of a dentist.
- Be sure to keep a record of your dental visits and procedures.
- Make an appointment with the patient.
- Manage the invoicing and payment process in conjunction with the patients.
Dental assistants frequently work in close proximity to patients and dentists for the majority of their shifts. Before a procedure, a dental assistant, for example, could examine a patient's medical history, blood pressure, and pulse; explain what will be done; and converse with them about oral hygiene. By handing tools and holding equipment like suction hoses, matrix bands and dental curing lamps throughout a procedure, they assist dentists with their work. Sterilizing tools and equipment are among the other duties of a medical technician. Dental assistants may also keep a record of the treatment and make appointments for patients who need to be seen again.
Taking x-rays of teeth and the surrounding region is a specialty that certain dental assistants are trained to perform. There is an apron on the chest and lap, the x-ray machine is placed, the sensor or film is placed in the mouth, and the x-ray images are taken. The photos are checked for clarity by dental assistants thereafter.
Dentists supervise dental assistants who operate in the lab, such as those who take impressions of a patient's teeth. It's possible they'll prepare materials for dental imprints and temporary crowns.
Dental assistants can only practice within the boundaries set by their respective states. Some states permit dental assistants to polish teeth to remove stains and grime from the enamel or to apply sealants, fluoride, or topical anesthetic.
Education
Some states need dental assistants to have graduated from a recognized institution and passed an examination before they may practice. Although technical or vocational institutions may offer such programs as well, community colleges are the most common place to find these courses.
Many dental assisting programs may take less than 1 year to complete resulting in a certificate or diploma. An associate degree is the most typical outcome of a two-year program. Accreditation is provided by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association (ADA).
In order to be accredited, a program must incorporate both classroom and laboratory instruction. Students learn about the teeth, gums, jaws, and other parts of the mouth that dentists treat and the devices they employ. These courses also involve supervised practice.
Aspiring dental assistants should take classes in anatomy, chemistry, and biology in high school.
Training
On-the-job training for dental assistants who lack formal schooling in dental assisting is possible. dental assistants are taught the names of tools, daily chores, and how to deal with patients by a dentist or hygienist who has worked in the dental field for a long time. They also learn about dental terminology.
Qualities that are essential
Pay close attention to the smallest of details. There are certain laws and norms that dental assistants must adhere to when they assist their dentists in the treatment of patients.
Dexterity. Dental assistants must be able to work with their hands in order to succeed in this profession. A tiny area of the body is usually the focus of their work, which necessitates the use of specialized techniques and instruments.
The ability to interact with others. Dentists rely on dental assistants to assist them. They must also be sympathetic to individuals who are apprehensive or sensitive to discomfort when they are receiving dental care.
Learning to pay attention. Dental assistants must keep an eye out for patients and healthcare staff alike. They need to follow directions from a dentist or dental hygienist so they can help treat patients and do tasks, such as taking x rays.
The ability to manage one's time effectively. Dental assistants must be able to multi-task well. A dentist or dental hygienist must be able to operate the proper equipment and keep track of patient appointments and data.
Registration, Certification, and Licensing
The majority of states don't require licenses for dental assistants who are just starting out. For admission or promotion, dental assistants in certain states must be licensed, registered, or certified. To work in radiography (x-ray), infection control, or another specialty, states may need their assistants to complete certain licensure criteria. Consult your state's Board of Dental Examiners for more information.
The Dental Assisting National Board issues licenses, registrations, and certificates to dental assistants in states that enable them to undertake additional responsibilities, such as coronal polishing (DANB). DANB certification requires a test score of at least 70 percent to be granted. Dental assistants seeking DANB certification must hold either a certificate from a recognized institution or a high school diploma and have completed the necessary work experience. CPR certification is also required for applicants (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
Pay
In May 2020, dental assistants earned an average annual salary of $41,180. If half of the people in a profession make more than the median wage, and half earn less, we say that the median wage is too high or too low. Between the bottom 10% and the top 10% of earners, no one earned more than $28,940.
Job Projections
Dentist assistants can expect a faster than average job growth rate of 11% between 2020 and 2030.