 Preparation
Many assistants learn
their skills on the job, although an increasing number are trained in
dental-assisting programs offered by community and junior colleges,
trade schools, technical institutes, or 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)
approves hundreds of
dental-assisting training programs in the United States. 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 1 year or less to complete and lead to a certificate or
diploma. Two-year programs offered in community and junior colleges lead
to an associate 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.
 A large number of
dental assistants learn through on-the-job training. In these
situations, the employing dentist or other dental assistants in the
dental office teach the new assistant dental terminology, the names of
the instruments, how to perform daily duties, how to interact with
patients, and other things necessary to help keep the dental office
running smoothly. While some things can be picked up easily, it may be a
few months before new dental assistants are completely knowledgeable
about their duties and comfortable doing all of their tasks without
assistance.
A
period of on-the-job training is often required even for those that have
completed a dental-assisting program or have some previous experience.
Different dentists may have their own styles of doing things that need
to be learned before an assistant can be comfortable working with them.
Office-specific information, such as where files are kept, will need to
be learned at each new job. Also, as dental technology changes, dental
assistants need to stay familiar with the tools and procedures that they
will be using or helping dentists to use. On-the-job training is often
sufficient to keep assistants up-to-date on these matters.
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 courses -- approximately 10 to 12 months in length
-- that meet their State's requirements. Other States require dental
assistants to complete State-approved education courses of 4 to 12 hours
in length. Some states offer registration of other dental assisting
credentials with little or no education required. Some states require
continuing education to maintain licensure or registration. A few states
allow dental assistants to perform any function delegated to them by the
dentist.
 Individual
states have
adopted different standards for dental assistants who perform certain
advanced duties. In some States, for example, dental assistants who
perform radiological procedures must complete additional training.
Completion of the Radiation Health and Safety examination offered by
Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) meets the standards in more than
30 States. Some states require completion of a State-approved course in
radiology as well.
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 may be an asset when one is seeking employment.
Candidates may qualify to take the DANB certification examination by
graduating from an ADA-accredited dental assisting education program or
by having 2 years of full-time, or 4 years of part-time, experience as a
dental assistant. In addition, applicants must have current
certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. For annual
recertification, individuals must earn continuing education credits.
Other organizations offer registration, most often at the State level.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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