Life After Dental Assistant Training

Looking into a career as a dental assistant and wondering what people with diplomas from dental assistant schools can expect on the job market?rnA Day in the Life of a Dental AssistantrnDental assistant training prepares students to perform a variety of tasks, such as: • setting up treatment rooms for the day’s proceduresrn • greeting patientsrn • reviewing dental historiesrn • taking X-raysrn • taking impressions of patients’ teethrn • making temporary crownsrn • preparing fillingsrn • passing and retrieving instruments (mouth mirror, etc.) • providing chairside support as anesthesia is administeredrn • suctioning patients’ mouthsrn • entering information on the patients’ chartsrn • counseling patients on preventative dental care and nutritionrn • scheduling appointmentsrn • sterilizing equipmentrn • disinfecting treatment roomsrn • attending meetings to review upcoming casesrnPerhaps the most important task taught in dental assistant training? Making sure that the patient is comfortable at all times. Dental assistants help patients relax.rnSpecialties Dental assistant training can prepare graduates to assist a variety of specialists, including: • pediatric dentistsrn • oral surgeonsrn • orthodontistsrnDental assistants can choose to work in small clinics or large bustling offices. Job satisfaction often depends on the rapport with the employer and other staff members.rnProtective Gear of a Dental Assistant Dental assistant schools teach students about the personal protective equipment the job requires, including: • gogglesrn • disposable glovesrn • face shieldsrn • regular-wear scrubsrn • disposable scrubsrnDental assistant training also includes a review of the importance of hand washing.rnOther Tools of a Dental AssistantrnDental assistant training exposes students to other tools that they will use, namely: • air/water syringesrn • saliva ejectorsrn • high volume evacuatorsrnTraits of a Dental AssistantrnTo succeed, dental assistants must: • like working with peoplern • enjoy multitaskingrnThey should also possess: • typing skillsrn • a strong work ethic (dentists depend on dental assistants to make sure that their clinics run smoothly) • an understanding of various dental proceduresrn • an understanding of some dental terminologyrn • familiarity with the tools used in dentistryrn • an understanding of head and neck anatomyrn • knowledge of CPR / First AidrnBenefits of the Jobrn • relatively easy to find work – demand for dental assistants is expected to increase by 36 percent by 2018 compared with 2008 according to some statisticsrn • the good feeling that comes from helping othersrn • the pleasure of interacting with new peoplern • the pleasure of building relationships over timernChallenges of the Jobrn • depending on the clinic, the hours can be longrn • dental assistants can spend a lot of time on their feetrnSounds Interesting?rnCall the dental assistant schools in your area for information on dental assistant training today.rnContact the National Academy of Health and Business for more information on their dental assistant program.