Some dentists prefer their assistants to have a diploma in dental assisting.
Dental assistants primarily help dentists during procedures, and also may have receptionist and clerical duties. Dental assistants clean and disinfect instruments and set them out in the examination and treatment rooms. During procedures such as root canal therapy and cavity filling, a dental assistant suctions saliva from the patient's mouth and hands instruments to the dentist. Qualifications vary by state and by employer.
Training
Although most dental assistants receive on-the-job training, some employers prefer assistants with a two-semester diploma or two-year associate degree from a technical school or community college. These programs include classroom and laboratory instruction. All programs approved by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation require a high school diploma or equivalent for admission, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Additionally, some dental assisting training programs have prerequisites of specific science or computer courses.
Radiology Qualifications
Some states mandate licensing or registration for employees who perform radiological procedures such as taking X-rays in a dentist's office. This may involve completing accredited dental assistant training, and some states also require an approved course in radiology. Licensing or registration typically requires passing a test such as the Radiation Health and Safety examination.
Professional Certification
Some dentists require dental assistants to hold professional certification, and some states require this certification to perform advanced tasks such as restorative dentistry. Most states recognize the Dental Assisting National Board's certified dental assistant program as fulfillment for this requirement. Acquiring this credential also allows a dental assistant to perform radiology procedures in dentist offices in most states.
Additional Qualifications
Prospective dental assistants must be reliable and have excellent manual dexterity, as noted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. They should get along with a wide variety of people from different age groups and backgrounds. They also must be patient and understanding with people who are nervous about dental procedures.
Tags: dental assistant, dental assistants, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, dental assisting