Certified Dental Assistants

2008-03-03 15:48:48

( Pharmeceutical-Medical )



Duties of a Dental Assistant

Like medical assistants, dental assistants do a variety of functions inside a clinic. They assist the dentists during dental treatments. For instance, they hold and adjust the light sources so that the dentist will be able to view the patient's teeth better. They hold trays of dental instruments and accessories that the dentist can use during oral surgery or other dental procedures.

Outside of the dental treatment room, dental assistants also perform other functions. They are often the first people to meet and greet the patients and escort them into the treatment rooms. They also perform clerical duties such as arranging dental appointments and billing patients. Some also perform laboratory duties.

Training for Dental Assistants

While you can learn a dental assistant's functions on the job, it takes a lot of organizational and interpersonal skills to be an efficient dental assistant. Hence, it will be best to undergo some formal training to become one. You can take your dental assistant training at local community or technical colleges and trade schools.

You need to have a good background in the biological and health sciences, as well as in computer and office functions. You will also learn about some basic dental procedures although you will not performing them manually as in the case of a licensed dentist. In fact, aspirants for dental licensing often find it beneficial to take jobs as dental assistants as they study and prepare to take the licensing exam.

Becoming a Certified Dental Assistant

Dental assistants will usually have greater advancement in their careers by becoming certified. Certified dental assistants also have more credibility in performing their duties, so many clinics prefer to hire them.

You must have completed the training course and passed a written examination for certified dental assistants.

Job Opportunities for Certified Dental Assistants

Dental offices and clinics definitely prefer certified dental assistants. You will have greater chances of getting hired and even moving up to a managerial level with a certification. In fact, many states do require certification before you can be employed by a dental office.

You can also go for certification in specific sub-fields of dentistry, such as radiology, aside from regular certification as dental assistant.


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