The Value Of Dental Assistant Training
Even without formal dental assistant training, you can still qualify for the certification exam administered by the Dental Assistant National Board. It will consider your work experience as compliance of their requirement in lieu of education. If you have been working as dental assistant part time for at least four years, or full time in the last two years, then you are eligible to take this test.
The Importance Of Credentials
Dental assistants of the past were hired and received on the job training. All they needed was a high school diploma, the ability to follow instructions and the commitment to work in an allied health care field.
What used to be simple clinic operations then has become more complicated with the advent of computers and with insurance coverage. So while it still is possible to get the job and learn as you go, more weight is now being given to someone with dental assistant training when screening applicants.
But training isn't the only requirement employers are asking for. Being certified – the credential granted by the DANB once you pass their test – is another key factor to boost chances of winning against the competition. Jobs for dental assistants may be plenty but more skilled and competent will always have the edge.
Prepare For The Job
That means taking up a dental assistant program from a vocational or trade school just to learn the basic functions and responsibilities expected of you when you work for a dentist or in a dental clinic. You may explore online courses, but the nature of the job requires clinical training for hands-on experience.
Dental assistant training will teach you skills in two areas: office work and clinical procedures. Office work is broken down into clerical (filing, secretarial duties like answering the phone and making appointments) and administrative (book-keeping and finance, record keeping, purchasing, etc). You must be familiar with using a computer, and understand insurance coverage and claims.
The clinical functions will range from the simple: prepping patients prior to being seen by the dentist or dental hygienist, preparing the equipment and instruments to be used during procedures, and the more complex, which is dental chairside assisting functions while a patient undergoes treatment or procedures.
The more confident you are in all aspects of the job, the better your prospects of finding employment that will pay well and building your career in this field.
Career Growth
Many without formal training have thrived as dental assistants. They were trained on the job and have found fulfillment while helping see to the dental health care of patients. These days, prior training increases the chances of getting better pay. Starting pay is at least $9 per hour, but those with experience can make up to $19.
Your training may also include radiology, which is a specialized function to take dental x-rays, and laboratory examinations. Being certified to perform these functions means additional pay.
But more than just the salary, it is your exposure to the field that may encourage you to go to the next level and become a dental hygienist or even a licensed dentist.
The former is a more technical position and requires further studies and training, while the latter is a medical practitioner that needs more years of education.
Whether you choose to go these routes after, any dental assistant training in the beginning will serve as a good foundation.
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