Program Offerings: Dental Assistants perform a variety of dental tasks including sterilization and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare tray setups for dental procedures, and instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care. The Dental Assistant can advance to a dental hygienist with more training. Students will learn anatomy, physiology, microbiology, general dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics and dental hygiene in preparation to pass the Registered Dental Assistant Examination.
Dental Assistants perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties. Dental assistants work chair side as dentists examine and treat patients. They make patients as comfortable as possible in the dental chair, prepare them for treatment, and obtain dental records. Dental assistants hand instruments and materials to dentists, and keep patients' mouths dry and clear by using suction or other devices. Dental Assistant's also sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare tray setups for dental procedures, and instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care.
Some dental assistant's prepare materials for making impressions and restorations, expose radiographs, and process dental x-ray film as directed by a dentist. Dental assistant's also may remove sutures, apply anesthetics to gums or cavity-preventive agents to teeth, remove excess cement used in the filling process, and place rubber dams on the teeth to isolate them for individual treatment. Those with laboratory duties make casts of the teeth and mouth from impressions taken by dentists, clean and polish removable appliances, and make temporary crowns. Dental assistants with office duties schedule and confirm appointments, receive patients, keep treatment records, send bills, receive payments, and order dental supplies and materials.
Most dental assistants learn their skills on the job, though some are trained in dental assisting programs offered by, trade schools, technical institutes, or the Armed Forces. Dental assistant's must be a dentist's "third hand"; therefore, dentists look for people who are reliable, can work well with others, and have good manual dexterity. High school students interested in a career as a dental assistant should take courses in biology, chemistry, health, and office practices.
The American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation approved 248 dental assisting training programs in 2000. Programs include classroom, laboratory, and preclinical instruction in dental assisting skills and related theory. In addition, students gain practical experience in dental schools, clinics, or dental offices. Most programs take 1 year or less to complete and lead to a certificate or diploma.
Without further education, advancement opportunities are limited. Some dental assistant become office managers, dental assisting instructors, or dental product sales representatives. Others go back to school to become dental hygienists. For many, this entry-level occupation provides basic training and experience and serves as a stepping stone to more highly skilled and higher paying jobs.
