A dental assistant is an individual who works side by side with a person in the dental field. Assistants complete less serious tasks so that the dentist can focus on procedures that are more complicated. For example, a dentist assistant might set up the rinsing water for a patient so that he or she may cleanse the mouth before and after surgery. A dental assistant may also sterilize and set up equipment the dentist will use in surgery. An assistant may also perform various tasks such as holding the suction device, taking X-rays, taking impressions, or helping to create crowns and other devices.
How to Become a Dental Assistant
Before a person attempts to become a dental assistant, he or she must be aware of the specific duties involved. That person must also make sure that he or she possesses the personality traits necessary to be successful at the occupation. A dental assistant must love helping other people. The person must also be able to keep a steady hand. It is good for the individual to also have some sort of background in psychology for individual who are afraid of certain procedures. Dental assistants must be fast learners, as they will have to absorb quite a bit of information in a short amount of time.
The next step after taking a self-assessment of one’s personal traits is to sign up for some sort of dental assistant training. An individual can receive dental assistant training at official dental assistant schools. There are nine month and eleven month programs that can prepare the student for all the duties at hand. Programs are offered at local colleges, career schools, and dental institutes. In order to sign up for these courses, one should have a strong background in biology, chemistry, and other health practices.
Once a student completes his or her training, the next step is being certified as a dentist assistant. In order for a person to receive certification, he or she must go to the Dental Assisting National Board. The person will have to take an exam that lasts approximately four hours. The exam will contain 320 questions about dentistry and working as a dental assistant. If the individual passes the test, he or she will become a certified dental assistant. It is possible for an individual to obtain a job without this certification. However, certified dental assistants make much higher salaries than one who are not certified.
Dental Assistant Requirements
Different states have different requirements for what a person must do to become a dental assistant. Generally, a dental assistant is required to have successfully completed a program of instruction that is approved by the Board of Dental Examiners. Assistants do not have to have certification to complete radiology tasks. They may take X-rays under the supervision of a dentist. However, in order to perform restorative functions, one must complete and pass a restorative examination.
Dental assistants are required to be on time for work and make the customers feel as comfortable as possible. They must be extremely excited about their job and constantly willing to learn to new things.