When considering the investment of time and money a career in dental assisting requires, it is natural to be curious: what does the future look like for this position? The news is positive for those considering the field of dental assisting. The U. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a seven percent rate of growth from to —a rate that is much faster than the national average. Dental assistants have numerous opportunities for growth and can choose future careers in dental hygiene or specialized aspects of dentistry such as endodontics, orthodontics, oral surgery, and pediatric dentistry.
Dental assisting is a rewarding career that is in-demand. There are numerous opportunities for growth, and it is a great choice for people desiring to work in a clinical setting in the field of healthcare. So what are the reasons behind the accelerated job growth in this field? Medical science has started to include screening for diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disorders in routine dental care.
These diagnostic practices are a diagnostic tool for early detection of the leading causes of decreased immune functions. For example, evidence of periodontal disease and other oral infections can be an indicator of more serious health problems that may have otherwise gone undetected. These findings combined with a large aging population are the two driving factors that can explain the nearly 24, dental assisting jobs that are projected to be added to the workforce by the year BLS Dental assistants perform a wide variety of clinical and administrative jobs while interacting with patients, dental hygienists, dentists, and administrative professionals.
Job responsibilities include scheduling appointments, gathering patient contact information and medical history, and supporting dentists and dental hygienists. Dental assistants prepare and sterilize surgical equipment and communicate post-procedure care instructions to patients. This blend of administrative and clinical responsibility paves a solid foundation for career advancement to positions in other allied health professions in areas like dental hygiene or dental healthcare administration.
There are three main pathways to becoming a dental assistant and the educational and professional requirements for these positions depend on state regulations. Some states require dental assistants to graduate from an accredited educational program and pass a national exam prior to working in a dental clinic. You also can contact an accredited dental hygiene program to meet with a counselor or schedule a visit to the school.
Dental assistant As a dental assistant, you will handle a wide range of tasks such as taking x-rays and impressions and helping make patients comfortable before, during and after treatment. What does a dental assistant do? Although state regulations vary, responsibilities may include: Assisting the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures Taking and developing dental radiographs x-rays Asking about the patient's medical history and taking blood pressure and pulse Serving as an infection control officer, developing infection control protocol, and preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment Helping patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment Providing patients with oral care instructions following surgery and other procedures, such as the placement of a restoration filling Teaching patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health, including tooth brushing, flossing and nutritional counseling Taking impressions of patients' teeth for study casts models of teeth Performing office management tasks Communicating with patients and suppliers, which may involve scheduling appointments, answering the telephone, billing and ordering supplies.
Where do dental assistants work? Solo dental practices with only one dentist Group practices with two or more dentists Specialty practices such as oral and maxillofacial surgery removal of teeth and correction of facial deformities , orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics straightening teeth with braces or other appliances , endodontics root canal treatment , periodontics treatment of gum problems , prosthodontics replacement of lost teeth and pediatric dentistry treatment of children Public health dentistry, including settings such as schools and clinics which focus on the prevention of dental problems within entire communities Hospital dental clinics, where they assist dentists in treating bedridden patients Dental school clinics, assisting dental students as they learn to perform dental procedures Insurance companies, where they may work in dental claims processing.
What benefits does a dental assistant career offer? How can I train to become a dental assistant? Dental assistants receive their formal education through academic programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes, universities or dental schools. Graduates of these programs usually receive certificates. Most academic dental assisting programs take nine to eleven months to complete.
Some schools offer accelerated training, part-time education programs or distance learning options. Becoming a CDA shows that you are trained and ready to assist dentists and other dental team members in providing quality care.
Individuals who have trained on the job or have graduated from non-accredited programs are eligible to take the national certification examination after two years of full-time work experience as dental assistants. Some states also recognize passage of components of the CDA examination, such as the Radiation Health and Safety examination, or the Infection Control examination, for licensing and regulatory purposes. State regulations vary, and some states require or offer registration or licensure.
For more information on the type of education, training or registration dental assistants must have in your state, contact your state board of dental examiners. Dental laboratory technician Dental lab technicians blend art and science to create custom dentures, crowns, veneers and orthodontic appliances that restore smiles — and confidence.
What does a dental lab technician do? They work directly with dentists by following detailed written instructions and using impressions molds of the patient's teeth or oral soft tissues to create: Full dentures for patients who are missing all of their teeth Removable partial dentures or fixed bridges for patients who are missing only one or a few teeth Crowns, which are caps for teeth that are designed to restore their original size and shape Veneers that enhance the appearance and function of teeth Orthodontic appliances and splints to help straighten and protect teeth Dental technicians work with a variety of materials including waxes, plastics, precious and non-precious alloys, stainless steel, a variety of porcelains, and composites or polymer glass combinations.
Where do dental lab technicians work? Most dental lab technicians work in commercial dental laboratories employing from two to people. The average laboratory employs about five to ten technicians who may provide a full range of dental prosthetic services or specialize in producing one particular type of prosthesis for example, removable partial dentures, crown and bridge, etc. Opportunities are also available in private dental offices for technicians who like close one-on-one contact with a dentist.
Some lab technicians work in dental schools, hospitals and companies that manufacture dental prosthetic materials. Dental laboratory technology education programs offer some teaching positions for experienced technicians. What benefits does this career offer?
How can I train to become a dental lab technician? Dental lab technicians may complete a two-year program at a community college, vocational school, technical college, university or dental school. Graduates of these programs receive either an associate degree or a certificate. Some programs offer a four-year baccalaureate program in dental technology. Most candidates need a high school diploma or equivalent to apply to an accredited dental lab technology program.
There are 14 commission-accredited dental laboratory technology programs in the United States. Dental lab technicians can become certified by passing an examination that evaluates their technical skills and knowledge. CDTs specialize in one or more of six areas: implants, complete dentures, removable partial dentures, crown and bridge, ceramics or orthodontics.
To learn more about dental lab careers, talk with your own dentist or arrange to visit a local dental laboratory. Your local dental society or the local component of the National Association of Dental Laboratories will offer resources as well.
You can contact an accredited program to talk with a counselor or visit the school. Community Dental Health Coordinator CDHC In , the ADA launched the community dental health coordinator program to provide support and services for people who may have difficulty gaining access to quality dental care. What does a CDHC do? Where do CDHCs work? You can find trained CDHCs working in: Large group practices Dental clinics Schools Faith-based settings Head Start programs serving school-aged children and their families Several dental practices may also join together to hire a CDHC that works with all participating locations.
Simple steps to help you through the RDA application process. OR You have worked 15 months and done your certifications one at at time. Send in the application. The Dental Board will contact you by mail when your application has been accepted. This may take a while.
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