Dental Assistant Training

What is a Dental Assistant?

In a dentist’s office, dental assistants are a vital part of the day to day work. Not only do they keep up the schedule book and appointments, they keep records, order supplies, and receive customer payments. They do perform chair-side duties, like giving the dentist tools and materials.

Most dental assistants work in private offices for multiple dentists, but some also have jobs in public health departments, clinics, dental schools, and hospitals.

What job requirements does a Dental Assistant have?

Dental assistants are important to a dentist in the office. They manage the day-to-day activities, such as the front reception office, manning the phones, handling the tools and equipment, taking x-rays, and doing laboratory work.

Maintaining and preparing dental instruments
Collecting and recording health histories for patients
Inventory management and control
X-rays
Teeth cleaning
Fluoride treatments
Removing sutures
Preparation of dental materials
Charting
Patient management
Laboratory procedures, like models and impressions
Mouth guards and crown fabrication
Telephone etiquette
Reception
Communications
And more

What are the educational requirements to become a Dental Assistant?

College education is not a necessary requirement to become a dental assistant. Most just have a high school diploma, but if they are trained in biology, health, chemistry, and office practices, they will have better performance on the job. Most of their day-to-day skills are acquired on site at the job.

Today, more dental assistants have been attending school than in the past, with one- or two-year programs for an associates degree or certificate. To get better pay or a higher chance at employment, a Dental Assistant should go through the DANB exam.