Dental Assistant

The requirements needed to become a dental assistant vary for each state. In general, dental assistants receive a formal education at a community college, vocational school, technical institute, university, dental school or the armed forces.

Most graduates of these programs will receive a certificate or diploma. A majority of dental assistant programs take from 9 to 11 months to complete. It is possible to receive accelerated training through some programs. Part-time or distance education are also options at some colleges. While, some private vocational schools offer a 4-6 month dental assisting program, they are not accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Dental assistants can receive an associate degree by attending a two-year programs at a community or junior college. All programs require a high school diploma or the equivalent. Dental assistant programs include classroom, laboratory, and preclinical instruction in the skills and theory necessary to perform the duties of a dental assistant.

Even though most dental assistants receive a formal education, some dental assistants learn their skills on the job. The dentist and other dental assistants give instruction regarding dental terminology, instrument nomenclature and handling, the procedures for daily duties, and patient interaction.

Even for graduates of a dental assisting program, on-the-job training is often necessary. A new dental assistant will need to learn the layout of the office and the locations of the tools and files necessary for the job, as well as the procedures unique to the office. Due to the frequent changes in dental technology and variances between dental offices, a dental assistant must often learn new technologies when starting a new job.

Most states require licensure or registration to be a practicing dental assistant. This certification acknowledges an assistant's qualifications and competence. Becoming certified may require passing a written or practical exam. Certification is required in more than 30 states. The Dental Assisting National Board oversees and administers the certification process.

Dental assistants perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory tasks while working closely with dentists and patients. Dental assistants do not have the same duties as dental hygienists.

The duties of a dental assistant require a variety of technical skills. Dental assistants sterilize instruments and equipment, prepare instruments and materials required for each patient, and obtain patients' dental records. Dental assistants may prepare materials for impressions, administer x-rays and process x-ray film. They can remove sutures and apply topical anesthetic. Some dental assistants have laboratory duties which include making casts of teeth, cleaning removable appliances and making temporary crowns.

Dental assistants also perform many duties that require interpersonal skills. Dental assistants help patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment. Dental assistants may be responsible for taking a patient's medical history as well as measuring blood pressure and pulse. Dental assistants work with dentists during procedures to provide assistance as needed. They hand instruments and materials to the dentist, as well as keep the patients mouth dry. Dental assistants can also instruct patients regarding postoperative and general oral health care. In the office, dental assistants schedule and confirm appointments, receive patients, keep treatment records, send bills, and order dental supplies.

A dental assistant should enjoy working with their hands as well as their mind. A dental assistant is like a second pair of hands for the dentist. Therefore it is critical that dental assistants have good manual dexterity. Dental assistants must also be able to work well with others, including the patient. Strong communication skills are a must.

Dental assistants are most highly paid when they are employed by junior colleges in teaching positions. They make an average of $36,940 per year.

The salary of a dental assistant varies according to the responsibilities in their specific position. A dental assistant's salary is also determined by geographic location. Dental assistant salaries are comparable to other health care personnel with similar training and experience, such as medical assistants and occupational therapy assistants. In 2006, the median hourly earnings of a dental assistant were $14.53.

The officers of the American Dental Assistants Association include Kimberly Bland, Stephen Spadaro, Angela Watts, and Cathy Roberts. Kimberly Bland is a certified dental assistant, and the dental assisting director at the Manatee Technical Institute in Bradenton, FL. She is the president of the American Dental Assistants Association. She was also president of the Florida Dental Assistants Association for three terms.

Stephen Spadaro was the first recipient of the Larry L. Strickland Educational Leadership Award. This award was given by the US Army in recognition of his work to bring dental assisting education to Army dental assistants.

Begun in 1948, the Dental Assisting National Board is the certification and credentialing agency for dental assistants.

The American Dental Assistants Association, founded in 1923, is the oldest group representing dental assistants. Their mission is to promote the profession of dental assisting, and to advance the careers of dental assistants. They provide continuing education, professional journals, and education meetings.

Since employment is expected to increase faster than average, the job prospects for dental assistants are excellent. Most dental assisting jobs are in dental offices.

California has one of the highest concentrations of dental assistants, with 45,670 dental assistants. Washington employs 9,010. The District of Columbia is one of the highest paying states for dental assistants, paying an hourly mean wage of $19.45. Alaska and New Hampshire are also high-paying states.

Yuba City, California, Provo-Orem, UT, and Chico, CA are the metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of dental assistants. Dental assistants working in Framingham, MA metropolitan area are among the highest paid, at $21.41 per hour. Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA pays an hourly mean wage of $20.97. Manchester, NH pays an hourly mean wage of $20.80.