Dental assistants provide patient care, have the ability to take x-rays, blood pressure readings, and help dentists perform treatments and procedures. Then you should know what a dental assistant does each day. How long does it take to become a Dental Assistant? They also keep patients' dental records, schedule appointments, prepare and maintain materials and equipment. What does a dental assistant do? Posted on March 11, 2018 by beckermedia. From scheduling appointments and working with patients on payment and billing information, to sterilizing equipment and preparing the exam room, your role focused on keeping the office running smoothly. As a dental assistant, you’ll spend most of your day working directly with the dentist and patients. In the U.S., the length of time required to become a dental assistant can vary considerably from state to state. What They Do: Dental assistants provide patient care, take x rays, recordkeeping and schedule appointments.. Work Environment: Almost all dental assistants work in dentists’ offices.Most work full time. Nursing vs. Healthcare Administration: What's the Difference? Dental Assistants are also known as: The requirements of each state vary, as some require dental assistants to become certified through passing the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam. Those who make a career as a dental assistant enjoy a fun profession that offers something new every day. Some responsibilities of a dental assistant include: All dental assistants do tasks such as helping dentists with procedures and keeping patient records, but there are four regulated tasks that assistants may also be able to do, depending on the state where they work, including: Coronal Polishing Generally speaking, you’ll be tackling administrative duties and patient prep no matter where you’re employed, but … The first is that research has revealed a closer link between oral health and general health than was previously believed to exist. You can prepare to join this growing career field by earning your associate degree or diploma in dental assisting. Organization and administrative skills In small dental clinics, a dental assistant may be required to schedule appointments and assist the dentist in many tasks apart from the dental procedures, diagnoses, treatment, and patient care. What does a dental assistant do? In general, though, individuals aspiring to enter the field earn at least a high school diploma and many undergo some formal post-secondary training, even if not mandated by the jurisdiction in which they wish to work. Our finding, therefore, is perfectly in line with the dental assistant job description, many aspects of which are examination-, inquiry-, and investigation-centric. Dental assistants work under the direction of dentists to greatly increase their efficiency in delivering the highest quality oral health care to patients. A dental assistant is a dental health professional who works closely with and under the supervision of a dentist. Sealant Application Dental assistants are right by the dentist’s side as he or she works on the patient. Before the patient comes in, the dental assistant will prepare the room, including sterilizing and laying out any necessary instruments. Some of them are also social, meaning they’re kind, generous, cooperative, patient, caring, helpful, empathetic, tactful, and friendly. As a dental assistant, you’ll need to serve as an educator who … The dental field offers a variety of exciting career options and a comfortable work environment. - painting a thin, plastic substance over teeth that seals out food particles and acid-producing bacteria to keep teeth from developing cavities, Fluoride Application Dental assistants are part of the dental team. With experience and further education and training, some go on to become dental hygienists, dental office managers, or insurance claims processing and coding professionals. While attending a dental assistant program, you will learn how to be an essential participant in performing dental tasks. They perform many tasks, ranging from patient care and taking X-rays to recordkeeping and scheduling appointments, although specific duties vary by work location. As the public becomes more aware of this, the demand for preventative dental care will increase. Dental assistants may also be asked to aid the dentist during a procedure, which could include gathering materials, taking X-rays or providing patients with follow-up information or dental advice. What Does a Dental Assistant Do? Dental Assistants most often work in a Dentist’s office, under the supervision of a Dentist and closely with other members of the Dental Healthcare team. Some schools may offer accelerated training or longer part-time options. Most dental procedures are complex enough that a single pair of hands can't properly do the job, so the dental assistant is the figurative "right-hand man" that the dentist can't function without. Becoming a Dental Assistant. One of the responsibilities of the job is to listen to patients’ concerns and make sure that they feel comfortable. Would you make a good dental assistant? After some time in their role, dental assistants understand what it takes to run a dental practice, from administration to patient care and more. Furthermore, all of these professionals often employ more than one single assistant. Typically, a dental assistant will either work to support office operations, work in dental labs, or work under the supervision of a dentist who treats patients. Dental assistants can become certified by passing an examination that evaluates their knowledge. - applying fluoride directly on the teeth as another anti-cavity measure, Topical Anesthetics Application A good dental assistant should be able to help the dentist immensely, acting as a second pair of hands and a relief during longer procedures that can cause muscle fatigue. Learn more about this pathway here. Detail-oriented Opportunity for growth They are logical, efficient, orderly, and organized. Dental assistants might also process oral X-rays and help maintain patient records. Dental assistants work in a well-lighted, clean environment.Dental assistants may work in a number of settings, including: 1. A dental assistant is responsible for office and laboratory duties in a dentist's office. It is also interesting to note that certain states are amending their regulations to allow dental assistants to handle expanded dentistry functions, thereby increasing demand in the field. Dental assistants spend a great deal of time interacting with patients. Dental assistants can make a real difference in patient’s lives. One way to start answering this question is to consider which personality traits and skills are typical among dental assistants: Teamwork and communication skills The dental assistant performs many tasks requiring both interpersonal and technical skills. Take our free career test to find out if dental assistant is one of your top career matches. Dental assistants work under the supervision of dentists and may work closely with dental hygienists in their day-to-day activities. A dental assistant has many tasks in a dental office, and their duties vary by state/province and by the dental office in which they work. Performing these tasks allows the dentist and hygienist to focus more exclusively on patient care. Group practices 3. As you might have guessed from the name, assisting the dentist in his or her work is the #1 duty of a dental assistant. Dental assistants can perform some polishing or explain proper dental hygiene to patients, but most often, their patient contact occurs when working with a dentist on procedures that could benefit from extra help. Dental assistants have distinct personalities. Diploma and certificate programs generally last between nine months and a year. They will work with patients to educate them on how to keep their gums healthy. Most dental assistants who choose to become nationally certified take the Dental Assisting National Board's (DANB)Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination. Practicing as a dental assistant can open up a number of career opportunities in other specialties in the future, including oral surgery, periodontics and endodontics. Dental Assistant Responsibilities: Preparing patients for dental work. What Does a Dental Assistant Do? Pro Tip: With Herzing University's Minneapolis campus, you have a path to earn dental assisting and dental hygiene credentials in 4 years! Educational institutions 9. Dental assistants’ work responsibilities can also vary with the practice. Some dental assistants send and receive bills. Certified Registered Dental Assistant. The need for dental assistants is expected to continue to grow, largely for two reasons. Our goal is to help you reach yours. Dental assistants (also known as dental nurses) are members of the dental team. A dental assistant career is a great option to explore; it can be fast-paced, challenging and fun. Some dental assistants may only focus on clerical tasks in the front of the office, and others may only assist the dentist with clinical procedures. Learn more about Herzing’s dental assisting programs. What is the workplace of a Dental Assistant like? Office management tasks include scheduling appointments and answering phones as well as contacting suppliers for new shipments of products. They prepare patients for treatments and cleanings; take and develop x-rays; measure blood pressure and pulse rates; and sterilize equipment. Registered Dental Assistant Keep Things Running Smoothly. A dental assistant's role is to prepare the patient for treatment, sterilize instruments, support the dentist by passing instruments during clinical procedures, and help patients with their oral hygiene skills. Through this unique pathway, you can start your dental assisting career in as little as 24 months, then continue to study for a dental hygiene career while you work. One of the many roles of a dental assistant is educating patients on basic dental hygiene, and this can be a fun part of the job. Going from RN to BSN: 8 Key Benefits of a BSN in Nursing, Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission - www.hlcommission.org, Update your Zip code, preferred campus, and preferred program, Hi, how can I assist you?Questions?Chat Now, MSN - Nursing Leadership & Administration, MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, RN to MSN - Nursing Leadership & Administration, RN to MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, PMC - Nursing Leadership and Administration, PMC - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Certificate in Emergency Medical Technician – Basic, Tooth decay affects almost 4 million people worldwide, and like cavities, is among one of the, Many dental assistants choose to go back to school after only a few years of practicing to become. We’ve made our admissions process as simple as possible to help you take the next step to a brighter future. At Herzing, an affordable, career-focused education is within your reach. For example, here are a few interesting facts dental assistants can share with patients: Educating patients on facts like these can emphasize the importance of practicing proper dental hygiene. Important qualities for dental assistants to have include interpersonal skills, listening skills, organizational skills and dexterity. Certified Dental Assistant Armed services 8. Dental assistants must be team players and effective communicators, working closely with dentists and dental hygienists, who provide direct supervision. Take our career test and find your top matches from over 800 careers. Dental assistants need to be comfortable using evolving technology, as well as tools, sterilizing equipment, and a variety of chemicals. Dental assistants differ from dental hygienists in that dental hygienists perform much more unsupervised work on patients. They will create procedures for infection control in the office to increase patient safety and prevent the spread of disease. Dental manufacturing companies 7. To become a dental assistant, one does not need to do anything other than show a willingness to learn and a desire to help make smiles brighter. What do Dental Assistants do on a Daily Basis? What Can A Dental Assistant Do? Considering the relatively minimal amount of education required to become a dental assistant, this career pays rather well. Most formal training programs exist at the community college or vocational/technical school level. Sometimes, dental assistants transition into other healthcare positions. If you’re considering a career as a dental assistant, here are a few facts you should know about the profession: Ready to take the first step toward a career as a dental assistant? Students can earn an associate degree in dental assisting in two years. For further insight into the profession, take a look at the top five reasons that dental assisting school alumni decided to pursue it: It is an in-demand career Dental assistants, like medical assistants, support the administrative functions of a dentist’s office. On the other hand, the occupation generally offers a consistent, traditional 9-to-5 schedule or part-time opportunities that allow for an appealing work/life balance. We’ve heard dental assistants say they are the air-traffic controllers … Almost half of all dental assistants have a 35- to 40-hour work week, which may include work on Saturdays or evenings. Dental Assisting can be a great career choice for friendly, driven individuals who want to work in a medical setting. Due to ongoing research linking oral health to overall health, there is an increased demand for dental care. This may include scheduling and confirming appointments and ordering supplies. Considering a career as a dental assistant? Empathy and interpersonal skills Typically, dental assistants work at a dentist office where they do a variety of job duties, including caring for patients, scheduling appointments, maintaining dental records and cleaning dental … Secondly, there is a greater overall need for dental care, based both on general population growth and the fact that elderly people are now more likely to retain their teeth than in years past. It is also not uncommon for dental assistants to perform a combination of front and back office roles. What Does a Dental Assistant Do? Beginning your career as a dental assistant is a great starting point in dentistry and can lead to other more advanced positions. Dental assistants also perform general office work. What Does a Periodontal Dental Assistant Do? Dental Assistant Duties. The job outlook for dental assistants is promising, with employment projected to grow 11%1 from 2018 to 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). dental assistant: [ ah-sis´tant ] one who aids or helps another; an auxiliary. Whether you learn and earn your degree online or at one of our campus locations, you can expect the personalized attention and support that Herzing is known for. What Does A Dental Assistant Do? Other duties may involve assisting the dentist during general anaesthetic dental procedures, taking dental impressions, and recording patient notes. What Does a Dental Assistant Do? As patients move through the cycle of service, dental assistants must pay close attention as they collect and record important medical histories and data. Becoming a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) assures the public that the dental assistant is prepared to assist competently in the provision of dental care. A dental assistant ’s main job is to prepare a dental office for patient visits, though he or she may also take up small jobs like organizing files, reading and developing x-rays, and preparing dental molds and tooth impressions. Income potential Dental assistants support dentists and dental hygienists to provide more effective and efficient patient care. In addition, opportunities for dental assistants exist not only with general practitioner dentists, but with specialists including endodontists, oral surgeons, and orthodontists. Most dental assistants receive on-the-job training, though completion of a one-year dental assistant training program is becoming more common. Dental assistants support dentists and dental hygienists to provide more effective and efficient patient care. As a dental assistant, you’ll have varying responsibilities to keep the office running smoothly as well as caring for patients. As valuable members of the dental care team, dental assistants have some of the most comprehensive and varied duties in the dental office, ranging from direct patient care to recordkeeping. - some dental assistants may be qualified to apply topical anesthetic to an area of the patient’s mouth, temporarily numbing the area. Based on our pool of users, dental assistants tend to be predominately investigative people. Assistants need to have all tools and materials laid out for the dentist or hygienist when a procedure begins. Camaraderie and collaboration are essential in a dental office so that staff can focus on providing excellent customer service. Helping with infection control by sterilizing and disinfecting instruments, setting up instrument trays, preparing materials, and assisting with dental procedures. Studies have shown that the mouth and body are closely integrated; that many oral health issues share common risk factors with other chronic diseases and conditions. The work is rewarding Customer service skills will be important as well, as you will often be the first person patients meet when they arrive. A dental assistant may also conduct tests which are not very complicated and do not necessarily require the intervention of a dentist or dental surgeon. Dental assistants provide patient care, take x rays, keep records, and schedule appointments. Almost all dental assistants work in dental offices. As a dental assistant, you’ll have varying responsibilities to keep the office running smoothly as well as caring for patients. [7] [8] [9] A pleasant, calming personality goes a long way in establishing rapport with patients. They must be comfortable working with people of all backgrounds, including many who are anxious or in pain. If you’re in a dental assisting role, whether as a hygienist, assistant, or technician, your duties might vary by practice, or even by state. Technology skills This may involve sterilizing tools and preparing certain materials beforehand. They may support a dental operator (such as a dentist or other treating dental auxiliary) in … He might also provide some patient care, but the exact procedures he's permitted to perform—if any—vary … dental assistant see dental assistant . A dental assistant will assist the periodontist by using a periodontal pocket probe to measure the depth of the spaces of the gum line and teeth. They work with patients by performing tasks before and after the dentist meets with the patient as well as assist the dentist during certain dental procedures. Training and Certification. From taking care of patients to handling clerical duties, dental assistants are the heroes in the office who do it all. What Dental Assistants Do. Typically, no two days are exactly the same in the dentist office environment. The employment outlook for both is positive. Does this sound like you? What Does A Dental Assistant Do? Dental assistants are responsible for cleaning the dentist’s station and equipment. They tend to be conventional individuals, which means they’re conscientious and conservative. Working with patients to make them comfortable in the dental chair and to prepare them for treatments and procedures, Preparing the work area for patient treatment by setting out instruments and materials, Helping dentists by handing them instruments during procedures, Keeping patients’ mouths dry by using suction hoses or other equipment, Instructing patients in proper dental hygiene, Processing x-rays and doing lab tasks under the direction of a dentist, Working with patients on billing and payment. All dental assistants do tasks such as helping dentists with procedures and keeping patient records, but there are four regulated tasks that assistants may also be able to do, depending on the state where they work, including: Coronal Polishing - removing soft deposits such as plaque, giving teeth a cleaner appearance. While a dental assistant does administrative and clinical work under a dentist's supervision, a dental hygienist can provide preventive dental care in an unsupervised capacity. A dental assistant is a valuable and respected member of the dental team and performs various duties in the dental field including: Dental assistants need to complete the necessary training and certification for the state where they work. We offer a variety of financial assistance options so you can make the decision to invest in your future today. The field of dentistry has blown wide open in the past decades. How to Become One: There are several possible paths to becoming a dental assistant.Some states require assistants to graduate from an accredited program and pass an exam.