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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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