Are you looking to pursue a dental assistant career and have no idea where to start? Are you wondering if it's a good profession to go for? A dental assistant's main job is to assist the dentist with simple tasks like passing tools, scheduling appointments & getting them workplace ready. This is a different career that combines administration and health care jobs. If you like being with people, working with people, assisting with complex tasks, this career is for you. Read on to find out all about dental assisting.

Why choose dental assisting?

A dental assistant's career is a new and growing occupation that integrates health care service tasks with the office administration. The U.S Bureau of Labor statistics predict that this career's employment will increase by 11% between 2008 and 2028.
One reason for this may be the ongoing research in dental health and how it affects general health. So there is an increased requirement for oral care. Another reason is that since more people are aware, more dental care services are needed for their maintenance and treatment, increasing dental assistant jobs.
Moreover, dentists also find it easier to work with dental assistants to complete daily tasks effectively and efficiently. A dental assistant job is the beginning of the dental career, and it opens up many other roles that the person can choose later on, like office administrator or hygienist. So check out dental assistant schools today!

Want to become a dental assistant?

If you want to become a dental assistant, there are multiple ways you can adopt. First, you need to see which state you are living in. In some states, you are required to participate in a dental assisting program. Whereas in others, you may just need to do a bit of training. You should always get some professional training before applying for a job. Here are some steps you need to follow:
1. First, take part in a dental assisting program offered through vocational schools, community schools, colleges, or universities.
2. Then, you need to pass a dental assistant examination to get a certification.
3. And lastly, get yourself formal on-the-job training from experienced dental assistants, hygienists, and dentists.

What do dental assistants do?

Dental assistants cooperate with dentists and other dental staff to assist in the dental office's smooth functioning. The exact details of the job depend upon the dentist, rules, and regulations of the dental clinic's states and working environment. Some of the common responsibilities that come with the dental assistant's job are:
· Schedule appointments
· Sterilize instruments and tools
· Prepare the clinical workplace for dental treatments.
· Make sure patients are comfortably settled into the dental chair and prepared for the treatment.
· Take x-rays & other lab tests.
· Educate patients on oral hygiene practices
· Pass the tools to dentists at the time of treatment
· Assist in drying patients mouths
· Document all dental procedures
· Assist patients in payments

Conclusion

As already mentioned, dental assisting is a new and exciting career and if you're going to open your own dental office soon, you should be considering looking for a cozy dental office space too which will attract more clients if the location is right. But making the right decision regarding the program you should take is important. The right program and training can determine your life ahead. There are some basic things you should consider when looking for a good program. The program should offer a small class size with training experiences, and you should also afford it.

WRITTEN BY

Sophie H.