Dental Assistant
Dental AssistantIt would be a difficult world to imagine without a symbiotic relationship, as important as is Cutlery to Cooking , such is the case even in the real world and one pragmatic example would be the dental assistants who form the backbone to the dentists. Dental assistants help the dentists in various aspects such as sterilization of instruments, managing patients, setting up the requisite apparatus and operational procedures among various other things. Students interested in such a career can pursue through Dental Assistant Programs. The curriculum in Associate degree / Diploma is designed in a manner to prepare students for primary entry level employment in various dentistry associated jobs like hospital outpatient clinics, state and national agencies, private dental offices, insurance companies among others. While the undergraduate and graduate programs impart specialized skills that would prove helpful in climbing a step higher at their work places. Here’ a guide to what Dental Assisting is all about
Differences Between Dental Assistant And Dental Hygienist
There are some differences between dental assistant and dental hygienist.
A dental assistant performs much of the same tasks and operations as the dentist. As a certified assistant you will be expected to develop x-rays, organize patient files, prepping the patient to be seen by the dentist and clean the dental instruments. Dental assistants may also be required to take care of clerical operations. This means answering phone calls, talking to sales reps, scheduling appointments etc.
The dental assistant job description varies depending on the state, the amount of training and experience. Often times they are also responsible for keeping the office running smoothly, keeping the patients comfortable, managing patient accounts etc. In most cases a dental assistant job description involves administrative work as well as assisting the dentist with dental procedures. An assistant’s job also consists of preparing patients for their appointment. It also include taking x-rays, sterilizing any equipment that may be used during the procedure, mixing compounds that may be needed for either cleaning or filling teeth. They also assists the dentist by giving the dentist proper tools needed during procedures and they are responsible for keeping the patients mouth dry while the dentist is performing the procedure.
Dental hygienists are the individuals responsible for cleaning a patient’s teeth. Many of their duties overlap with those of a dental assistant but there is more direct patient care and higher education requirements for this profession. Duties include removing plaque and other debris from the surface of the teeth, taking patient medical histories, making models and impressions of the teeth, Patient charting, cleaning the teeth and applying the necessary decay preventatives, distributing local anaesthetics, moving sutures and dressings and providing follow up care after a dental procedure.
Because so much of a dental hygienist’s work is similar to that of a nurse or other high-level medical professional, there is more stringent watch over licensing. Hygienists must have either a two years Associate or four years Bachelor’s degree in order to work in most states. Most dental hygienists make a considerably higher salary than dental assistants.
How to Become a Dental Assistant
At present many states require Radiology License which requires passing difficult test. It does not require annual renewals. It is valid for the rest of the individual’s career. The test can be completed by sending an application form to Dental assisting National Board with an appropriate fee. The exam can be re taken as many times as necessary.
Most community colleges offer courses in dentistry. Sometimes, radiological procedures are part of the dental assistant job description. In such cases, a radiation health and safety exam may be required. You must check your local state laws or get in touch with an admissions adviser at your local community college to find out the requirements needed.
A certified assistant must earn an accreditation from a higher schooling institute besides a GED or high school diploma. It is usually one year program from a school having certified dental assistant program.
It is nine months of training with great job stability and job outlook expected to increase over the next ten years. Licensing or a degree is not required to become a dental assistant. However many dental offices prefer that you have some type of training.
Online Course Application Process
First submit an online application. The Online Dental Assistant Mentor Form to enrol in an online class. Forms will be required once these documents have been approved. Online courses do not need classrooms for study. The students are expected to complete weekly assignments and participate in online discussions at least every other day. Courses contain the same subject matter as the traditional face to face courses available. Students must be self-motivated and have basic knowledge in computer operations.
Educational Requirements
No formal education is mandatory by most employers in order to become an entry level dental assistant. Those who have opted for subjects like biology and chemistry in high school would have an advantage over others. There are several formal course options for those who wish to obtain a registered dental assistant certification. Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) course is one option. Community colleges offer a 1 year diploma or certificate program or a 2 year associate degree program.
Skills Required
A registered dental assistant must be extremely meticulous in his work. Manual dexterity is also required. Communication skills are also required to interact with patients over the phone and face to face to explain procedures and after care treatment. You will also need to have good listening skills in order to understand what the dentist requires you to do.
Certification
While different states have different requirements for a registered dental assistant. The Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) is awarded by the Dental Assisting National Board and is accepted in over 37 states. You have to either have completed a course that has been certified by CODA or have completed 2 years of full time or 4 years of part time work experience alongside a dentist in order to qualify to sit for this exam. You should also have completed the necessary cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification and it should be current.
Registered Dental Assistant
A registered dental assistant is one who has completed a certification course from an institution accredited with the American Dental Association.
Expanded Function Dental Assistant
If you are looking for a new way to do more, you might be considering becoming an Expanded Function Dental Assistant. For this, you first need to find out what that role is called in your state and what requirements are needed. There are 41 different job titles for dental assistants in the United States. In some states an Expanded Function Dental Assistant is called an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant. Some other states also call these oral healthcare workers Registered Dental Assistants with Expanded Functions. Some states have only one level of dental assistant while other states have up to five different levels