A dental assistant is a great entry-level job in the field of healthcare. Here, one has a vital role at the dentist’s office, including working closely with the doctor and patients. A dental assistant has administrative duties such as scheduling appointments and following up with patients, along with tasks like processing X-rays and ensuring clean and sterilized equipment. Dental assistants can have a rewarding career. So, here is how to become one:
Requirements
The license or certification needed for dental assistants varies from state to state. It is essential to check the job requirements as per the state before opting for any course, as a certification in one region may not apply to another. Here are a few key requirements for becoming a dental assistant:
- Certification: Some states demand dental assistants to have formal training, like a diploma or certification program offered by vocational schools or community colleges. Even if it is not mandatory, having a certificate will give you an edge and also help you get a higher salary. The eligibility for these programs often includes graduating from an accredited program or a high school diploma with the necessary work experience and having undergone CPR training. It often takes one or two years to complete a dental assistant certification program.
- On-the-job training: Though most dental practices ask for minimal experience and provide training, others prefer education and hands-on training. If you live in a state where there is no formal requirement for becoming a dental assistant, you can gain experience through on-the-job training. A high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) can help you get this position. After landing a job at a dentist’s office, your co-workers will guide you on how to work with patients, perform administrative duties, and learn appropriate dental procedures. You might even be eligible to earn a certification after accumulating a certain number of supervised work hours.
Programs
The program you choose must be approved by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). The five dental assistant certifications offered by DANB are:
- National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA): Even before graduating from high school, you can prepare for the NELDA exam to become a DANB-certified dental assistant. The course covers biology, anatomy, chemistry, and health sciences that prepare aspirants to perform medical duties.
- Certified Dental Assistant (CDA): A CDA certification is well-recognized in the dental industry. Three major areas included in the exam are radiation health and safety (RHS), infection control exam (ICE), and general chairside behavior (GC). You can either give tests for each component individually or all at once.
- Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA): This certification is a combination of the orthodontic assisting exam and ICE.
Aspiring dental assistants who are looking to work in specialized dental practices can further obtain licenses in specialized areas. Some of the certifications are:
- Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA): This is an advanced certification course that covers three components: coronal polishing, sealants, and topical fluoride.
- Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant (CRFDA): The exam covers topics like impressions, sealants, and restorative functions.
In certain states, you may have to be a registered dental assistant to get a job in the field. The licensure cannot be transferred from state to state. However, a CDA certification is valid in all states.
- Registered Dental Assistant (RDA): This certification is offered by a private organization called American Medical Technologists. Candidates can either opt for a full-year diploma program or a two-year associate degree. They also need to get three years of work experience. Eligibility for appearing in this exam is graduation from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program with a diploma or an associate degree.
On completion of the certificate program, you may be required to do an externship. It is a good opportunity to put concepts into practice and hone your skills in chairside assistance, oral anatomy, radiology, and oral hygiene. Most dental assistant courses offer additional training through experimental learning sessions. Before enrolling, you should confirm that the course also includes an externship.
If you want to work beyond entry-level services can take up 4-year degree programs recognized by the Commission of Dental Accreditation (CODA). Dental assistant degree programs also include hands-on lab experience that allows students to practice their skills. This is usually followed by an externship which provides real-world training opportunities.
This is a rewarding career and can offer opportunities for alternate roles to choose from, like dental hygienists, lab techs, dental office managers, and more. It is considered one of the fastest-growing professions in the healthcare industry. An important thing to remember is that some states have continuing education (CE) requirements in which you must renew your dental assistant license every two years.