Surgical Dental Assistant Training
Dentists keep our teeth healthy, attractive and functional. In the instance that you need dental surgery to keep your smile at its best, your dentist may enlist the aid of a surgical dental assistant to complete the surgical procedure. Surgical dental assistants need to be knowledgeable in dental concepts, equipment and terms in order to help. Dental assistants get this information through on-the-job or formal training.
Other People Are Reading
-
Goal
-
The goal of surgical dental assistant training is to prepare surgical dental assistants to act as a second set of eyes and hands for the dentist during the surgical procedure. Training programs therefore have the objectives of teaching students how to prepare the patient and equipment for the procedure, monitor vital signs, quickly identify and give dental instruments to the dentist, sterilize the equipment after the procedure and get whatever information is necessary from the patient to perform the procedure safely and efficiently, such as allergy to latex.
Training Length
-
Most surgical dental assistant programs take one to two years to complete. The one-year programs provide students with a diploma or certificate that verifies completion of the coursework. The two-year programs result in an associate degree.
-
Training Subjects
-
Regardless of the length of the training program, surgical dental assistants learn the basics of dental theory and assisting, as well as preclinical instruction. They also may have laboratory work. Lastly, students have courses in which the student becomes familiar with common dental surgery techniques, tools and procedures. These courses sometimes are supplemented with courses in biology and science.
On-the-Job Training
-
Surgical dental assistants do not need to get their training through a training program. They instead may choose to get their experience on the job. Since doing this doesn't provide a diploma, certificate or degree, surgical dentist assistants with only on the job training may apply to become a certified dental assistant via exam through the Dental Assisting National Board. Often, surgical dental assistants receive on-the-ob training even if they have gone through a program because techniques and technologies available change quickly.
Accreditation
-
Those who wish to receive training as a surgical dental assistant should make sure that the school they select is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Nationwide, this organization provides accreditation for 281 schools. A list of these accredited schools is available from the American Dental Association website (See Resources).
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit two dentist image by Andrey Kiselev from Fotolia.com
