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Dental Schools and Programs
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Information about Dental Programs
Dental assistants work closely with, and under the supervision of, dentists. Assistants perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties. Dental assistants should not be confused with dental hygienists, who are licensed to perform different clinical tasks.
Dental assistants sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare and lay out the instruments and materials required to treat each patient, and obtain patients’ dental records. Assistants make patients as comfortable as possible in the dental chair and prepare them for treatment. During dental procedures, assistants work alongside the dentist to provide assistance. They hand instruments and materials to dentists and keep patients’ mouths dry and clear by using suction or other devices. They also instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care.
Education Needed for Dental Assistant Jobs
Many assistants learn their skills on the job, although an increasing number are trained in dental-assisting programs offered by community colleges, trade schools, technical institutes, and the Armed Forces.
High school students interested in a career as a dental assistant should take courses in biology, chemistry, health, and office practices. For those wishing to pursue further education, the Commission on Dental Accreditation within the American Dental Association (ADA) approved 269 dental-assisting training programs. Programs include classroom, laboratory, and preclinical instruction in dental-assisting skills and related theory. In addition, students gain practical experience in dental schools, clinics, or dental offices.
Most programs take one year or less to complete and lead to a certificate or diploma. Two-year programs offered in community colleges lead to an associate dental degree. All programs require a high school diploma or its equivalent, and some require science or computer-related courses for admission. A number of private vocational schools offer 4- to 6-month courses in dental assisting, but the Commission on Dental Accreditation does not accredit these programs.
Most States regulate the duties that dental assistants are allowed to perform. Some States require licensure or registration, which may include passing a written or practical examination. There are a variety of schools offering dental programs that meet their State’s requirements. They usually take 10 to 12 months to complete. Other States require dental assistants to complete State-approved education courses of 4 to 12 hours in length.
Certification is available through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and is recognized or required in more than 30 States. Certification is an acknowledgment of an assistant’s qualifications and professional competence and will be an asset when one is seeking employment. Take a Dental training course to brush up on your skills.
Employment Outlook for Dental Assistants
Employment is expected to grow 29 percent from 2006 to 2016, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. In fact, dental assistants are expected to be among the fastest growing occupations over the 2006-16 projection time period.
Earnings and Pay for Dental Assistants
Median hourly earnings of dental assistants were $14.53 in May 2006. The highest 10 percent earned more than $20.69 an hour.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Dental Assistants, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos163.htm
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