DENTAL ASSISTANT
Dental assistants perform
a variety of patient care, office and laboratory duties. Dental assistants
prepare patients for examinations performed by a dentist by making them
comfortable in the dentist's chair, obtaining their dental records and
recording medical or dental histories. They prepare instrument trays and
hand the dentist materials and instruments requested. Dental assistants
prepare materials for making impressions and restorations, process x-ray
films and radiographs and keep the patient's mouth clear by using suction
and other devices. They also prepare instruments for sterilization, handle
routine records and appointments and may provide patients with oral health
instruction.
Education
Students interested in dental
assisting as a career can find programs in community and junior colleges,
technical institutes and trade schools. Programs take one (1) year or less
to complete and lead to a certificate or diploma and two-year programs
lead to an associate degree. Some assistants are trained on the job or
in Armed Forces schools.
Registration/Certification/Licensure
Dental Assisting National Board
offers certification as an acknowledgment of the qualifications and professional
competence of a dental assistant but is not required for employment. To
qualify for the certification examination a student must graduate from
an accredited program or have two years of full time employment as a dental
assistant. The Kentucky Board of Dentistry requires all dental auxiliaries
to complete a course on radiographic theory and radiation safety before
being allowed to expose radiographs.
Salary
$14,000-25,000
Employment Opportunities
The types of job settings available
to dental assistants include dental offices, group practices, specialty
practices, public health dentistry, dental school clinics, hospitals and
educational institutions. Professional opportunities also exist in insurance
and sales.
Programs
Professional Association
The
American Dental Assistants Association
203 North LaSalle Street,
Suite 1320
Chicago, IL 60601-1225
1-800-SEE-ADAA (733-2322)
Last updated: June 26, 2001