Are you interested in dentistry and passionate about helping people? Then a dental assistant career could be for you. Dental assistants work in dental offices under the supervision of dentists. They have excellent interpersonal, organizational and listening skills.
Dental assistants perform a variety of patient care and administrative duties. They take x-rays, schedule patient appointments and assist dentists during dental procedures. They’re different, however, than dental hygienists. The biggest difference between the two is that dental hygienists have less supervision and work more frequently with patients.
For those curious about dentistry and eager to gain practical experience, becoming a dental assistant is a great place to start. This guide covers the following topics as they relate to dental assistant careers:
- Job outlook
- Necessary skills
- Licensure and certification
- What to look for in education programs
- Jobs and relevant organizations
What Does a Dental Assistant Do?
Dental assistants provide patient care and support dentists through a variety of tasks. Their duties vary by job but typically include6:
- Help patients feel comfortable for their dental appointment
- Prep patients and the dental work area
- Clean dental instruments and provide them to dentists during procedures
- Educate patients regarding oral hygiene best practices
- Take x-rays and accomplish lab tasks, under dentist supervision
- Maintain dental records
- Schedule appointments
- Assist patients with billing and payment
During a procedure, a dental assistant helps dentists by passing equipment like suction hoses, syringes, probes, matrix bands, etc. While dental assistants are highly involved in the preparation and execution of dental procedures, they cannot actually perform dental procedures; that is the role of the dentist.
Dental Assistant vs Dental Hygienist
Dental assistants perform several roles related to patient support, administrative, and clinical work. Some of which involves performing office management duties, assisting the dentist during treatment procedures, and sterilizing equipment.
Dental hygienists focus on the cleanliness of a patient’s orthodontic health. Their responsibilities might include cleaning or polishing a patients’ teeth, performing dental health examinations, and educating patients on at-home dental safety.
What to Look for in a Dental Assisting Program
Choosing a dental assisting program is a big decision. The best dental assistant programs provide a combination of classroom knowledge and hands-on training to prepare you for a dental assistant career. Consider the following when choosing the best dental assisting program for you:
- Hands-on training: Does the program offer clinical observation and hands-on experience? Gaining practical experience at a dental assistant school will prepare you for your future career.
- Location: If you want to pursue an on-campus dental assisting program, location is a critical factor to consider. Think about how far you’re willing to commute and explore programs in your area.
- Duration: Program duration depends on whether you’re pursuing an associate degree or certificate. Generally, completing an associate degree takes longer than a dental assisting certificate.
- Cost: Studying dental assisting is an investment. How much are you able to spend on a program? Check for available financial aid, scholarships and payment plans.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Dental Assistant?
Becoming a dental assistant can take anywhere from nine months to two years, depending on the dental assisting career path you pursue. Certificate programs generally last nine to eleven months, while associate degree programs take about two years to complete.
Launch a Career in Dental Assisting With SJVC
Are you interested in dental assistant careers? SJVC’s Dental Assisting program offers training in patient care, office and laboratory duties. Through our program, you’ll earn certifications in Dental Radiation Safety, CPR, Infection Control and Dental Law and Ethics. With the completion of coronal polish and pit and fissure sealants, students are eligible to take the Dental Board of California Examination for state licensure. SJVC prepares students to take appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their individual majors. The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or be certified or licensed as a result of completing the program. You can complete SJVC’s Dental Assisting program in as few as 11 months.
Dental Assistant FAQ
How long is dental assistant school?
You can earn dental assistant certification in as little as 11 months.