Although in most part of the US, getting formal education to be a dental assistant isn’t necessary, and most of the time, a dentist recommendation or on the job training is optional to get accepted as a dental assistant. Still some states require certification with proper training and education. This is the reason why a lot of dental schools nowadays, community colleges and technical institutes alike offer different dental assisting courses to fill-up the increasing demand for dental assistants nationwide. Some offer undergraduate courses dedicated to become dental assistant, while others offer diploma or certificate training.
Most of these dental assisting courses take about nine months to a maximum of two years of study. But all of these courses are beneficial in one wants to improve their skills as a dental assistant, or have plans to pursue a much more professional career in dentistry. If you choose a dental assisting course, it is more likely that you will also get higher salary. Here are some samples of dental assisting courses offered by top dental schools nationwide:
• Dental Assistant Training Program – Includes theoretical, laboratory and formal training to become a dental assistant.
• Diploma Medical Assisting
• AS in Medical Assisting (Online) – Some schools offer online courses instead which is cheaper but lacks laboratory training
• Certificate in Dental Assisting – Short courses that has different specialization depending on the field that you want to focus on. This could be:
During General Anesthesia and Conscious Sedation – For proper training when patient is under any kind of sedation
Dental Radiography – X-rays and the operation of x-ray machine
Oral Health Education
Chair-Side Procedures – Proper positioning, setup, handling of equipments beside the dental chair.
Dental Equipment Use
Laboratory Procedures – Includes checking, diagnosis and providing results for basic laboratory procedures done if necessary
Dental Office Administration
Four-Handed Dentistry – Training for proper positioning of the hands of both the dentist and his/her assistant for smoother administration of dental procedure
Dental Science Fundamentals – Overview course and introductory information on Dentistry
You can also consider taking the national certification exam done by Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). If you pass this exam, then you are automatically accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation from American Dental Association (ADA). Ask your local state health office if they require more accreditations other than the ones mentioned above.
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