Dental Assistants are members of the dental medical staff. They can assist a dental surgeon in offering more efficient dental care to patients. Dental Assistants are distinguished by few basic factors, by different roles, training, and patient scope. Thereby the scope and responsibilities of this dental assistant vary according to the duties of different dental departments.
The main responsibilities of a dental assistant is taking and developing x-rays, filing, preparing dental charts etc. They also assist the dentist by giving postprandial instructions. Dental Assistants can either pursue their training through community colleges or through formal vocational courses and programs offered by technical colleges or universities. There are many institutes that offer training programs through community colleges for this purpose. The advantage of these courses is that it can be completed in less time as there are no hassles or financial obligations to be taken care of.
Many States require assistants to hold national certification or licensure. To pass an exam required by one state, a dental assistant must take the exam in that state. The States that licenses dental assistants also conduct state-administered examinations. The National Certification Board for Dental Assistants (NCDA) offers recognized credentials for this purpose. Most States do not license dentists, but they do regulate the practice of dentists by setting rules and regulations for dental assistants.
The scope of work of a dental assistant is manifold. It ranges from performing routine functions to those involving technical skills and procedures. This ensures that the dental assistant needs to have vast experience in various aspects of oral health care.
To join any dental assisting program, the trainee needs to pass the certification exam for the relevant procedure. Different states license dental assistants differently. To attain national certification, a dental assistant needs to complete a course of study and then complete the necessary exams. The courses generally last two years, although there are Dental Assistant Schools that offer short duration programs. Many programs offer online courses to suit the needs of people who cannot attend regular college.
A course in the field of technical skills will help the trainee to become familiar with various dental assistant tools and equipment used in the profession. In addition, he or she will learn the theoretical aspects and apply them to real-life situations. The practical training helps the individual in learning practical skills. He or she may need to use equipment such as digital imaging machines, power tools, and drills. The courses usually conclude with a final project or examination.
The final examination covers ethical and legal issues in the dental field. Students are expected to demonstrate their technical and procedural skills in order to qualify for this final examination. Individuals who successfully complete this degree program will be prepared to work in a dental office and provide patient care. Some dental assistants perform routine duties such as taking and developing x-rays, placing dental crowns, making custom splints, removing sutures, and making temporary crowns on patients’ teeth.
Becoming a dental assistant is a great career choice for individuals who want a career that combines health care and fine arts. Dental Assistants can have an array of duties, depending on the dentist they work for. Assistants may also be involved in preventive care by performing simple health screenings on patients, educating patients about oral care and performing preventive care procedures such as cleaning and filling crowns on patients. Dentists typically have assistants working under their supervision.
Many health care providers, including dentists, use dental assistants to help them provide quality oral health care. Dental Assistants are able to assist the dentist in many duties that help the dentist in providing quality care. Dental Assistants can assist the dentist by performing routine tasks such as taking and developing x-rays, setting dental instruments in place, making custom splints, removing sutures, and making temporary crowns on patients. Other duties that a dental assistant could have included assisting the dentist with the preparation of mouth pieces, assisting the dentist with tooth extractions, helping the dentist sterilize and prepare instruments, and handling equipment such as chair lifts. These are only some of the many duties, a dental assistant could be responsible for.
For those who are interested in a fulfilling career, but do not have a dental assistant certification, dental-assisting programs may be an excellent option. Many community colleges, vocational schools, and online schools offer courses that help prepare individuals for employment opportunities in this field. Students can complete a four-year degree, or two-year degree, or pursue other educational options, including on the job training, through these dental assisting programs.
There are many benefits of choosing to enter a career as a dental assistant. The pay is often very good, which leads to great job satisfaction. You not only help dentists perform their work, but you can also help improve the quality of the work performed by your dentist. This will lead to a better smile and a healthier mouth. Dental assisting programs allow you to put your passion into a rewarding career that will allow you to enjoy both aspects of your life.