How to Succeed in the Dental Assistant Job

As a dental assistant, you will be responsible for assisting dentists during procedures, recording patients’ vital signs and medical history, and helping with dental emergencies. In addition, you will perform office duties. Each employer has different requirements for this job, so it is important to be familiar with the specifics of the job description before applying.

Having a certification is important if you hope to become a dental assistant. This credential is recognized nationwide and demonstrates your knowledge of the field. You can earn certification through the Dental Assisting National Board or other organizations that offer certification exams. You can also obtain a dental assistant license in your state.

In order to succeed as a dental assistant, you should have excellent communication skills. You should be able to follow instructions accurately and maintain eye contact with patients. Lastly, you should be a team player. You must be able to work well with other people and make good decisions. If you don’t have these skills, you should consider studying for a dental assistant program. This way, you can combine your education and experience.

Certification will allow you to earn more money as a dental assistant. You’ll be able to get higher pay than non-certified assistants and enjoy more job satisfaction. Obtaining your certification will last one year, and you’ll need to recertify every year to keep it. In addition, you’ll need to earn continuing education credits to stay certified.

Dental assistants work closely with dentists in an office setting, performing a variety of office duties and procedures. They can even perform some patient care such as applying sealants to teeth, cleaning patients’ teeth, and taking x-rays. Although the majority of dental assistants work in dental clinics, they can also find work in physician offices, government offices, and colleges.

Most dental assistants work full-time, though a small percentage of them work part-time. Some dental practices operate seven days a week, while others are only open on a few days. Because of the high demand for dental assistants, scheduling flexibility is a plus. Most dental offices have flexible hours, and they may require evening or weekend shifts.

To become a dental assistant, you must complete a dental assistant training program. These programs provide better educational opportunities, job prospects, and a fast track to certification. A dental assistant training program typically takes one to two years and can lead to a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. This training program also prepares you for the California Dental Board examination.