How To Become A Dental Assistant - Questions Answered
So you want to be a dental assistant? The best way to prepare for a career is to learn as much as you can about it, determine if you're a match for the job, and prepare yourself in the best possible way to have the edge when you're finally against other graduates competing for the same opportunities.
Here's a quick guide to help you get started in your research, the answers of which will hopefully firm up your decision to either pursue this career path or warn you early on to find something else more suited for your personality and interest.
Is there really a high demand for dental assistants?
Whether you're fresh out of high school or thinking of shifting to a health care career, you will be encouraged by news that dental assisting is among the jobs with very good growth prospects until 2018. Dental clinics and private practices are relying more on dental assistants to handle both routine clerical and clinical tasks for more efficient operations.
Dentists of the old school who managed their practices alone are now retiring and with the new equipment and technology available to the field, younger dentists turn to assistants to help them operate and maintain these. That's one of the reasons for the growth of this career. Besides, with DAs and other members of the dental team like hygienists and technicians, dentists are able to serve more patients.
Location is always an area of consideration. In general, the demand for these professionals is high throughout the country. However, you have to be realistic enough to accept that there will be certain areas where more professionals are needed and some where opportunities are limited.
Still, with awareness on the importance of dental health, clinics and other health facilities offering these services will continue to thrive so there is a bright prospect for those thinking to become a dental assistant.
How to become a dental assistant?
First, you've got to be certain this is something you want to do. Hang around at your dentist's office to observe the work of the assistant. Ask questions about the dental assistant duties and the routine.
Before thinking of dental assistant training, you better be clear this is an investment you want to make – both in terms of time, effort and resources. Scout around your area to see if opportunities are available and how much it pays. The last thing you want is to spend your hard-earned money or worse, become in debt, to get an education only to discover that 1) there are limited opportunities after you graduate and 2) the job is something you won't be effective in.
Once you've resolved these issues, it's time to scout around for dental assistant schools that can provide you with training. Always go for dental assistant programs approved by the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA). Compare. Will short term training equip you with the skills and competence and make you job-ready, or do you need more time to become very adept and learn other functions and duties of the job?
Your education is divided into two parts: theoretical and clinical. Your training includes becoming familiar with oral anatomy, dental radiology and biomedical science. Likewise, you will learn about dental materials and pre-clinical procedures that are usually assigned to the worker. Other dental assistant courses for longer training programs include general microbiology, applied mathematics, pharmacology and medical emergencies.
On the clerical side, there is filing, record-keeping, bookkeeping, insurance and computer operation that you need to develop skills for.
Whether you choose a certificate program or associate degree, find one that provides intensive clinical training. That means getting as much hands-on experience as possible even while you're still in school. Here's more information about the dental assistant job description.
How much can I expect as entry level pay?
The most oft-asked question about any job is 'how much does it pay?' One thing that makes the job of a dental assistant attractive is the pay compared to the training required. And remember, people used to get the the job even without training and experience.
A 12-month diploma or certificate training program from a community college or vocational school will equip you with the skills needed for the job.
Depending on where you practice, the entry-level dental assistant salary can be between $9.00 to $12.00 per hour even without passing the certification exam. Earn that and employers are open to paying an hourly rate of $15.00.
If you choose an associate degree at a dental assistant college, which will mean more skills and longer hands-on training, you further improve your chances of making more even as a fresh graduate. But it is crucial that the program you complete allows you as much opportunity and time for clinical experience.
On the low end, dental assisting with less than a year of experience can give you $19,832. The more you show you are willing to learn, the faster the dentist will have confidence to give you more responsibilities and hopefully, the corresponding pay. Sometimes, you can receive up to $29,735 even with just a year of experience.
Salary is determined by many factors. The state where you practice being one, and even the locality where your work is based. The pay is based not just on your responsibilities and the number of hours you put in, but if you are employed by a single dentist or serve a clinic with multiple practitioners.
Credentials, too, are a factor. There is at least a $2 per hour difference between a certified or registered dental assistant and one who isn't.
What's the difference between a registered and certified DA?
You may be a skilled, competent and highly qualified dental assistant. And you may have found a job that compensates you fairly even without credentials. But the reality nowadays is you increase your chances of being hired over other applicants, and can receive a higher salary if you are either certified or registered.
State regulations regarding the practice of the profession vary. You must check if they require you to be certified or registered so you can make the necessary preparations. As a guide, learn the difference between a certified dental assistant (CDA) and a registered dental assistant (RDA).
You are awarded the certified dental assistant (CDA) after passing the Dental Assistant National Board certification exam. The primary requirement to qualify for this written test is completion of an accredited training program by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
However, the American Dental Association also recognizes the fact that there are many qualified dental assistants who gained their skills on the job, without the benefit of a formal education.
To provide them the opportunity to earn this credential, the DANB considers the work experience (minimum of 2 years) in lieu of the educational requirement to qualify for the certification test.
On the other hand, the title registered dental assistant (RDA) is a licensed credential awarded after passing the comprehensive written and clinical exams given by the state. You must have completed a training program to qualify for the examination. The clinical test is usually administered by the state dental board. You must also maintain your license or registration to keep the title. An expanded functions dental assistant must be an RDA.
What are options for growth in this career?
Dental assisting can either be the first step to a bigger career, or you can keep improving yourself then eventually impart what you've picked up over time by becoming an instructor.
It's the shortest route to getting a job at a dental clinic. You may be eyeing a career in dentistry but that's going to take time and cost you. So you take up a DA program, finish up in a year or two and begin earning (to be able to pay back student loans, among others).
With the experience you gain at work, you'll get an idea where your interest lies – study for expanded functions dental assisting, become a dental technician or a dental hygienist, become a red cross dental assistant or concentrate on the administrative side of the business. If you're an RDA, you need continuing education to keep your license, but this requirement also keeps you abreast of trends and widens your perspective about the profession.
Another path is to pass on what you've learned and guide a new batch of dental assistants through teaching.
Other dental assistants find their calling as managers, often learning to run and manage operations through experience in dental clinics. They may eventually move up to leadership positions within the dental pffice or transfer to some other field needing their expertise.
There are those who eventually move away from dental assistant careers. It is not uncommon for a former dental health worker to be in sales and marketing for dental equipment or oral products. Their knowledge gives them great advantage in promoting products and equipment since they are familiar with their uses.
A dental assistant career can be just as challenging if you have the right mindset about it.
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