How To Become A Dental Assistant

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It is easy to understand why many people want to become dental assistants. Aside from the good pay, dental assistants enjoy many benefits and are in strong demand today. The occupation is expected to grow in the years to come and the job outlook is excellent. In 2008 alone, the average hourly rate for dental assistants was close to $16. Median annual wages were over $32,000.

Dentists and physicians rely on dental assistants for a variety of tasks including patient care, office duties and laboratory duties. Among the many duties of dental assistants are to make patients comfortable, prepare them for treatment and obtain dental records. During treatment, the dental assistant helps the dentist by handing over instruments and materials, sterilizing and disinfecting instruments and equipment and instructing patients on postoperative and general oral health care.

In some cases, dental assistants may be required to prepare materials to create impressions and restorations, process dental X-ray film, remove sutures, apply gum anesthetics, remove excess cement in dental fillings and put rubber dams on the teeth. In the dental lab, dental assistants make casts of the teeth and mouth from impressions, clean removable devices and make temporary crowns. In the office, a dental assistant may be asked to schedule and confirm appointments, receive patients, keep records, send bills, receive payments and obtain supplies and materials.

To become a bonafide dental assistant, a high school diploma is required. Courses in biology, business, health and chemistry will help. Computer knowledge is also important because dental assistants will be assigned to schedule patients and set follow-up appointments. To prepare for this rewarding career, inquire from your family dentist if you can perform volunteer work in his office when school is out. This will arm you with the experience you need to make your resume shine.

Studying in a technical school or community college will add to your skills and give you a good starting salary because it will increase your knowledge of the teeth, mouth, instruments you will be using and X-ray methods. These courses may last from nine months to a year before you get a certificate of completion. An associate's degree is also usually available by joining a two-year program at any junior college.


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