A career in dental is a promising choice for the future, including dental assistance. These healthcare professionals are part of the dental care process in a variety of ways, helping patients and dentists with oral care and recordkeeping. Learn how to become a dental assistant, including salary, essential skills and more.
“Being a dental assistant is a smart choice because it’s a high demand career,” said Danielle Bourdeau, a dental assistant coach at Erwin Technical College. “There are many majors, including pediatrics, pulp, oral surgery and periodontal disease. As long as there are many majors, the demand is even higher, and as the required school years are completed, dental assistants can work in any major office after graduation.”
How to Become a Dental Assistant FAQ
What is a Dental Assistant?
Dental assistants disinfect and prepare the equipment during the surgery and assist the dentist. These healthcare professionals also handle office tasks such as scheduling appointments and managing patient records. They help patients throughout their office visits, answer questions and educate on appropriate oral health.
In most states, dental assistants have multiple levels. You can choose to pursue other education and certifications in Extended Functions (EFDA), such as programs such as X-ray photography (photographing X-rays) or sealant applications. Responsibilities and responsibilities vary by state and specific employment situation.
What is a typical day like?
Danielle believes that the most common dental assistant tasks are conducting dental radiography, seating and releasing patients, drawing, interpreting procedures, obtaining consent, establishing and cleaning rooms, disinfecting tools, scheduling, making appointments, and providing assistance during the program.
Why become a dental assistant?
Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) job demand is strong, and the field’s projected growth potential is more than double the average (8%) over the next 10 years. This means that no matter where they live, today’s high school students should find a large number of job openings in this career field.
On average, dental assistants make about $46,000 a year. Most work full time and usually stay the same amount of time as the dental office they work in. This is a satisfying career choice for those who like to help others and work with people one-on-one.
“If you are a person who likes to help others without judgment, this is your career!” Danielle advises. “Looking at someone’s body (their smile) and spirit (their confidence) becoming the person they always want to be is the most meaningful part of being a dental assistant. Our teeth are very important and being able to educate and help people in this field is very beneficial to me and for you as well.”
What are the necessary skills for a dental assistant?
Since these healthcare professionals interact with the public every day, they need strong communication skills. In some communities, bilingualism can help patients who do not speak English. Dental assistants are also needed and very pay attention to details. They must be good at taking guidance from dentists and hygienists to ensure the safety and comfort of their patients.
Danielle shares some of the most important traits and skills of a dental assistant, and why it is important:
- Empathy: “Many patients are worried about the dentist,” Danielle noted. “The job of a dental assistant is to relieve this fear without judgment.”
- Knowledge: “We are all patients and we all know the feeling of having questions about our visit,” Danielle explained. “Dental assistants must understand the office, the dentist, and most importantly the procedures to be performed. Dental assistants are the first person a patient sees (similar to a nurse in a doctor’s office), and most of the time is the person the patient is most comfortable with the assistant and can explain the procedure to the assistant.”
- Trustworthy: “Any medical professional must be trustworthy and comply with HIPAA regulations,” she stressed.
- Consoling behavior: There are two types of patients, those who love dentists (very few!) and those who are truly afraid (mostly). The latter requires extra attention and reassurance. So, the dental assistant has to comfort me to alleviate uncertainty and fear,” Danielle stressed. The dental assistant is the first encounter, usually the last. At the end of the date, I have a lot of patients thanking me because I spent some time giving them extra comfort and therefore tended to go back to the next date.”
Do Dental Assistant Need a Degree?
A college degree is not required to become a CDA. However, most states require dental assistants to be licensed or certified by passing standard tests. People usually complete training programs through community colleges or vocational schools to understand the skills required to obtain dental assistant certification. Some people earn a two-year degree in dental assistance but usually do not need to work in the field.
How long does it take to become a dental assistant?
It depends on whether your state requires a license or training course. In some states, you can directly supervised on-the-job training from a licensed dentist who graduated from high school. You may also be able to complete a shorter training program that will be ready to be certified in just a few months.
In other states, the required dental assistant training course takes about nine months to two years. You must then pass any required licensing exams to start applying for a job. In most cases, you can expect to become a full-time workforce within a year or two after starting training.
How to Become a Certified Dental Assistant: An Overview of the Process
Understand your state’s licensing or certification requirements
This is the first step because each state has its own laws and procedures for certified dental assistants. The other steps shown here may be required or not in your state, so get more information first from the National Dental Assistance Committee (DANB).
Complete formal education or on-the-job training
Some states allow on-the-job training under a licensed dentist, although this may limit the duties you are allowed to perform. (In the long run, less allowable responsibilities may mean lower income potential.)
Most states need at least some formal training through accreditation program offered by community colleges, vocational schools, or dental assistance colleges. This is especially true if you want to be able to perform extended functions such as taking X-rays or performing coronal polishing.
Pass the necessary permit examination
While not all states require a licensing or certification exam, you will usually find that you have greater income potential. Explore the exam and certification process you need to understand the work you need to become a CDA or EFDA.
Obtain CPR Certification and Pass Background Check
While not all states require CPR certification, it is a quick and easy way to make yourself more valuable in the medical office. CDA training courses are usually included as part of their courses, but you can also contact your local Red Cross for training courses near you.
In some states, you need to do a fingerprint and pass a background check. You may also need to be immunized for diseases such as hepatitis C before you get certified.
Earn EFDA License or Certification
After becoming a certified dental assistant, you may need to continue your education to learn the responsibilities of an extended functional dental assistant (EFDA). This will often increase your income capacity as you are able to perform more dental office responsibilities. Explore options for learning training and certification requirements in your state.
Don’t forget to grab the free printable method of how to become a dental assistant poster!
