Time and task management is a skill that is required to excel in all jobs. If a person has this skill, they are already a good candidate for the recruiters . Being good at managing your time and services is appreciated in every job industry. But do you know that there are some jobs that only demand management skills from candidates? In the medical industry, dentists hire assistants to help them manage their dental patients and clinic responsibilities.
If you like responsible and task management-related jobs, then a dental assistant job would be perfect for you. As the name suggests, you have to work as the direct assistant of a dentist. To begin this career, you have to follow a proper study and training period to land a job successfully. So, in this blog, we will share how long it will take to become a dental assistant and what steps you need to follow for this career.
Who is a Dental Assistant?
A dental assistant is a professional who is eligible to assist a dentist during dental patient care. The assistant is also known as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) and works under the supervision of a dentist, assisting them with dental checkups, surgical treatments, and providing post-dental care to patients. The dental assistant not only helps in clinical procedures but also performs administrative duties.
People also often confuse between a dental hygienist and dental assistant. However, both are entirely different. Dental hygienists are skilled dental professionals who can perform minor dental procedures, such as filling cavities, removing plaque, tartar, and stains, and applying fluoride treatments. They focus on dental preventive care and patient education, and discuss a patient’s case with the dentist.
Responsibilities of a Dental Assistant in a Clinic
Now you know that a dental hygienist has different responsibilities than a dental assistant. So, what does a dental assistant do on a daily basis at the dental clinic? Thus, the following are the different sets of categories that a dental assistant has to perform:
Clinical Duties
First comes the main part of the job of a dental assistant. The clinical responsibilities need extra help and care. Dentists are usually busy, and they need someone else to handle small tasks related to checkups and surgical operations. Thus, dental assistants help dentists in the following ways:
- Preparing the Instruments for a Dentist
Before any dental procedure, the dentist needs the operating room ready. Dental assistants gather all the necessary instruments and keep them beside the dental chair, so the dentist can easily perform the procedure.
- Assisting the Dentist with the Procedure
During a dental procedure, dental assistants are always present alongside dentists. Their task is to assist the dentist during the procedure and handle the patient.
- Taking X-Rays of Patients
Dental assistants perform small tasks like taking X-rays of dental patients and further discussing them with the dentist and the patient to suggest the right dental procedure.
- Providing Post-Care Treatment
After a dental surgery, the dentist communicates with their dental assistant and ask them to handle the dental patients. Dental assistants provide post-treatment care and convey the dentist’s instructions to patients, enabling them to follow the necessary care.
Administrative Duties
Next comes managing the clinic and dental patients. Dentists are often unavailable to address dental patients’ concerns and discuss their issues. The first point of contact is always the dental assistant who takes in patients and discusses their dental problems. Hence, for administrative duties, the dental assistant has to complete the following tasks:
- Managing Patient Scheduling and Records
Dental assistants are responsible for handling administrative duties at the clinic, which include scheduling patients’ appointments. They also review the patient’s dental record to present it to the dentists.
- Handling Clinic Billings
Just like taking appointments and confirming them, a dental assistants ensure that all patients pay their fees before the procedure and appointment, and they also update the billing records at the clinic.
- Inventory Management of a Clinic
The dental clinic needs accurate management for its inventory. Dental assistants handle this task and keep a proper check and balance of dental instruments and solutions for the clinic.
- Managing Infection Control Practice
In a dental clinic, dental assistants ensure a strong infection control practice. They sterilize all instruments and keep the clinic clean to keep infections at bay.
Read Also: How to Choose the Best Coworking Space for Your Needs
Career Guide to Become a Dental Assistant
If you wish to become a dental assistant, then prepare to check off the items on this career checklist. As a dental assistant, the education and training period is designed to equip students to become fully eligible to help dentists and manage the administrative needs of their clinics. Therefore, the following is a guide to becoming a dental assistant:
Associate Dental Degree
Dental assistants don’t perform surgeries with dentists, but they still need to complete basic dental-related education. This helps them understand the conditions of dental patients and communicate their cases effectively to the dentist. Therefore, students must complete an associate’s degree in dental studies. The degree takes around 9-11 months to complete.
Professional License and Certification
After completing the associate dental degree, students must obtain their license to work as a dental assistant. Depending on the student’s interest, they may pursue additional certifications to establish a strong foundation before securing a dental assistant job.
Get a Dental Assistant Job
After completing all educational and licensure requirements, you can easily try applying for a full-time dental assistant job. With a complete profile and an associate dental degree and license, you are fully qualified to land a dental assistant job at the clinic.
How Many Years Does It Take to Land a Dental Assistant Job?
A dental assistant is an easy profession to follow. It doesn’t have a complex career path. The educational requirements are straightforward, and you can then find a job as a dental assistant. But many students often wonder, ‘How much time does it take to become a dental assistant?’. Generally, the average time period is between 9 months and 2 years.
It depends on the students’ availability and commitment to decide when they will complete all their educational and licensing requirements as a dental assistant. Some students might also want to take additional courses, which may take a long time to land a job. So, it depends on a student’s decision how they want to take their student journey till they finally become a dental assistant.
Salary Package for Dental Assistants
After completing all educational requirements, dental assistants can earn a high salary of $47,300. However, if a candidate takes more certifications and advanced training in dental health, they can increase their chances of earning a high income as a dental assistant.
Dental Assistant as a Career
A dental assistant is a stable and growing career around the world. Anyone who is good at managing their tasks and wants to get into a non-hectic medical field should consider a career as a dental assistant. It doesn’t have any complex educational or licensing requirements, and it takes around two years to become a dental assistant. Furthermore, candidates can grow more in this field to increase their salary.
Where can you find the best dental assistant jobs? Intuitive Health Services can help you. It is a health staffing agency that will help you locate your next dental assistant role.
