Nature of the Work
Dental assistants perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties. They work chair-side as dentists examine and treat patients. They make patients as comfortable as possible in the dental chair, prepare them for treatment, and obtain dental records. Assistants hand instruments and materials to dentists and keep patients' mouths dry and clear by using suction or other devices. Assistants also sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment; prepare tray setups for dental procedures; provide postoperative instruction; and instruct patients in oral health care. Some dental assistants prepare materials for making impressions and restorations, expose radiographs, and process dental x-ray film as directed by a dentist. They may also remove sutures, apply anesthetics and cavity preventive agents to teeth and gums, remove excess cement used in the filling process, and place rubber dams on the teeth to isolate them for individual treatment.
Those with laboratory duties make casts of the teeth and mouth from impressions taken by dentists, clean and polish removable appliances, and make temporary crowns. Dental assistants with office duties schedule and confirm appointments, receive patients, keep treatment records, send bills, receive payments, and order dental supplies and materials.
Dental assistants should not be confused with dental hygienists, who are licensed to perform a wider variety of clinical tasks.
Working Conditions
Dental assistants work in a well-lit, clean environment under the supervision of dentists and dental hygienists. They are required to wear safety glasses, surgical masks, protective clothing, and gloves to protect themselves and patients from diseases.
Most dental assistants work full time, with 1 out of 3 assistants working part-time. Some assistants may work evenings or weekends as well.
Employment
Dental assistants held about 332,000 jobs in 2016. 91% of dental assistants work in private dental offices, with 2% working fro the government and physician’s offices.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
Most assistants learn their skills on the job, though many are trained in dental assisting programs offered by community and junior colleges, trade schools, and technical institutes. Assistants must be a dentist's "third hand"; therefore, dentists look for people who are reliable, can work well with others, and have manual dexterity. High school students interested in careers as dental assistants should take courses in biology, chemistry, health, and anatomy
The Commission on Dental Accreditation approved 300 training programs in 2017. Programs include classroom, laboratory, and preclinical instruction in dental assisting skills and related theory. In addition, students gain practical experience in dental schools, clinics, or dental offices. Most programs take one year or less to complete and lead to a certificate or diploma. Two year programs offered in community and junior colleges lead to an associate degree. All programs require a high school diploma or its equivalent, and some require typing or a science course for admission.
Certification is available through the Dental Assisting National Board. Certification is an acknowledgment of an assistant's qualifications and professional competence, but usually is not required for employment. In several states that have adopted standards for dental assistants who perform radiologic procedures, completion of the certification examination meets those standards. Candidates may qualify to take the certification examination by graduating from an accredited training program or by having two years of fulltime experience as a dental assistant. In addition, applicants must have taken a course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Job Outlook
Employment is expected to grow 19% from 2016 to 2026, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. With ongoing research showing the importance of oral health, the demand for dental services will continue to escalate. And as the baby-boom population continues to age, people will expend more time and money maintaining and treating their teeth, increasing the need for dental care.
Earnings
The median annual wage for dental assistants was $37,630 in 2017. The lowest 10% earned less than $26,170 and the highest 10% earned more than $53,130. Dental assistants in the top industry worked for the government, with dentist and physician’s offices following close by.
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