Become Dental Assistant

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Become Dental Assistant

A dental assistant works in a dental clinic or office, assisting dentists to treat patients with a variety of oral healthcare issues. A dental assistant is different from a dental hygienist, who can treat patients one-on-one for certain issues. Dental assistants work exclusively with a dentist to performing cleanings, check-ups and other treatments. They can be employed in private dental practices and clinics, and public health units. Dental assistants are still required to undertake specialized training and receive certification, but the educational requirements are not as extensive those for dentists or orthodontists. It is an accessible and affordable way for many people to build a sustainable career in the dental and health care industry.

Graduate from a dental assisting program at an accredited college-level institute
Pass an exam administered by the National Dental Assisting Examination Board
Be certified by the Ontario Dental Assistants Association
Follow all regulations covering safe conduct and proper treatment
Possess strong interpersonal skills and be able to pay close attention to all details

A dental assistant, as the name implies, spends a large portion of their day assisting the dentist to treat patients in private clinics or public health units. They play an important role in the process, prepping the instruments, handing the proper tools to the dentists, and cleaning-up after every appointment. One of the most important tasks of a dental assistant to sterilize the dental instruments and the treatment area, as maintaining a clean environment is vital. A dental assistant will also likely has administrative responsibilities, ensuring that records are updated and stay organized.

Disinfecting dental instruments and prepping the treatment area
Screening patients, including asking questions about any dental issues
Taking x-rays and other diagnostic images
Working with the dentist to perform cleanings and other treatments
Placing special requests for any materials needed for certain treatments
Checking supplies and ordering replacements
Updating patient records and properly filing reports
Instructing patients on proper dental care techniques
Completing additional administrative responsibilities depending on the clinic

To become a dental assistant, there are specific educational and learning requirements. First, you must graduate from a dental assistant program at an accredited college-level institute and receive a diploma or certificate. New graduates must then pass an examination that is administered by the National Dental Assisting Examination Board. Afterwards, they must be certified by the regulatory organization of their province or territory, such as the Ontario Dental Assistants Association. They are now a fully accredited dental assistant and can search for job postings in this field.

Dental assistants work in the healthcare sector. They can work for private clinics and sometimes in hospitals and other types of healthcare facilities that offer dental-related services.

The long-term employment outlook for dental assistants is considered to be good. Maintaining dental health is an important part of proper overall health, and many people make it a point to go to the dentist on a regular basis, making it a relatively stable profession.

A dental assistant works for a dentist in a private dental office. These can be part of larger private practices, or exist as their own independent office or clinic.

According to the CNP code (national occupational classification), here are the other job titles for dental assistants: