What Do I Need to Work as a Dental Assistant?
The field of dental assisting is growing at an explosive rate. It is projected that the number of jobs in the field will increase by 36 percent from 2008 to 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The profession also pays a respectable wage, with the average annual income for dental assistants standing at $32,380 as of May 2008. Knowing what you need to work as a dental assistant is the first step on the career path.
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Professional Training
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Dental assisting is not a career you can begin with on-the-job training. You must get formal education. You can do this at a career college or community college. Most programs can be completed in as little as a year. One-year programs provide you with a certificate, while two-year programs offer an associate's degree. Degree and certificate programs are similar, although degree candidates require more general education courses. Certificate classes include first aid, dental radiography and dental infection control, with additional courses in anatomy and physiology, nutrition and pharmacology for degree candidates. You will also have to continue your professional training throughout your career to remain abreast of developing technologies.
License
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Most states have legal regulations regarding what duties a dental assistant cannot perform and what duties she must perform. Many states also require licensure. This might require you to complete a course at an accredited institution of higher learning. Some states have no such requirements and allow you to perform any duty explicitly delegated by the dentist. Check out the laws in your state to see what is required in terms of licensure.
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Certification
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According to the BLS, as of 2010, 37 states recognize or require certification for dental assistants from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). As a prerequisite, you must take two years of full-time or four years of part-time instruction in dental assisting. Some states require additional certifications for certain tasks, such as operating radiography and X-ray machines. Again, it is important to know specifically what certifications are required to practice in your state.
Personal Requirements
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There are some requirements to being a dental assistant that are a bit more intangible than having a degree, a license and certification. For example, you must be able to work under pressure and take directions from the dentist you work with. Steady hands are essential, particularly for dental assistants who specialize in hygienic care. You should also have a willingness to help people and a good bedside manner.
Job Duties
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As a dental assistant you will wear many hats throughout the day. You will prepare the dentist's work station by sterilizing and setting up equipment to perform cleanings and inspections. Many dental assistants perform X-rays. Other tasks include the application of topical anesthetics, the removal of extra cement placed during a filling and fitting dental dams for isolating specific teeth for treatment.
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