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Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a dental assistant? In this fast-growing, in-demand profession, a high school education or GED may be all that is required, especially if you are hired by a dentist who prefers to train you on the spot. Expect to earn an hourly income in the area of $13.00 per hour.
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Introduction
- A dental assistant works alongside the dentist while he performs detail work such as filling cavities, performing a root canal, preparing a crown or extracting a tooth. They might also take radiographs, handle office work and give dental hygiene instruction to patients. To excel in dental assisting, good eye-hand coordination is necessary for the instrument handling that is required, and you will need to enjoy close personal contact with others, and work well in close proximity to an authority figure.
- Dental assistants are a valuable addition to a dental practice and may require very little formal training after the completion of high school. The Bureau of Labor Statistics believes that dental assisting is one of the fastest-growing professions where a college degree is not required.
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Step 1: Get a High School Diploma
- Biology, business, health and chemistry are all valuable subjects to take in high school, if you are considering a career as a dental assistant. A knowledge of computers is essential, also, because an assistant will often be charged with scheduling follow-up appointments by computer.
Step 2: Secure Training
- Many dental offices prefer to train an assistant while they are on the job, so that the dentist can train the assistant to his specific preferences. However, the option to complete a technical school or community college course also exists. These courses will give you a working knowledge of the teeth, the mouth, the instruments you'll be using, and x-ray techniques—and may very well help to increase your starting salary.
These courses normally last from nine months to a year and will award the graduate with a certificate of completion. Two-year programs are offered at many junior colleges and provide the graduate with an associate's degree.
Step 3: Become Certified
- Certification is not required to become a dental assistant, but the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) does provide the opportunity to get that extra level of confirmation. Information on specific state requirements for dental assistants is also available on their site. In order to become certified, the applicant must pass an exam, complete continuing education classes, and have a current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.
Conclusion
- A career in dental assisting is the perfect fit for someone who desires a position in the healthcare field and enjoys close patient contact but does not want to spend years or large sums of money to further their education before starting on a career path.
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