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Program Offerings:
Index:
Dental Assitant's |
American Dental Association Commision |
Job Highlights
 This
page Provides You With a Vast Information about Dental Assistants
who perform a variety of dental tasks
including sterilization and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare tray setups for dental procedures, and
instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care. The Dental Assistant can advance to a dental
hygienist with more training. Students will learn anatomy, physiology, microbiology, general dentistry, periodontics,
prosthodontics and dental hygiene in preparation to pass the Registered Dental Assistant Examination.
Dental Assistant School
Rapid employment growth and substantial replacement needs
should result in good job opportunities.
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Dentists are expected to hire more dental assistants to perform routine
tasks so that they may devote their own time to more profitable procedures.
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Infection control is a crucial
responsibility of dental assistants. Proper infection control protects patients and members of the dental health
team.
Dental Assistants perform a variety of patient care,
office, and laboratory duties. Dental assistants work
chair side as dentists examine and treat patients. They
make patients as comfortable as possible in the dental
chair, prepare them for treatment, and obtain dental
records. Dental assistants hand instruments and materials
to dentists, and keep patients' mouths dry and clear by
using suction or other devices. Dental Assistant's also
sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare
tray setups for dental procedures, and instruct patients
on postoperative and general oral health care.
Some dental assistant's prepare materials for making impressions
and restorations, expose radiographs, and process dental x-ray film as directed by a dentist. Dental assistant's also
may remove sutures, apply anesthetics to gums or cavity-preventive agents to teeth, remove excess cement used in the
filling process, and place rubber dams on the teeth to isolate them for individual treatment. Those with laboratory
duties make casts of the teeth and mouth from impressions taken by dentists, clean and polish removable appliances,
and make temporary crowns. Dental assistants with office duties schedule and confirm appointments, receive patients,
keep treatment records, send bills, receive payments, and order dental supplies and materials.
Most dental
assistants learn their skills on the job, though some are trained in dental assisting programs offered by, trade
schools, technical institutes, or the Armed Forces. Dental assistant's must be a dentist's "third hand"; therefore,
dentists look for people who are reliable, can work well with others, and have good manual dexterity. High school
students interested in a career as a dental assistant should take courses in biology, chemistry, health, and office
practices.
The
American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation approved 248 dental assisting
training programs in 2000. 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.
Without further
education, advancement opportunities are limited. Some dental assistant become office managers, dental assisting
instructors, or dental product sales representatives. Others go back to school to become dental hygienists. For many,
this entry-level occupation provides basic training and experience and serves as a stepping stone to more highly
skilled and higher paying jobs.
Document Keywords : Dental
Assistants , American Dental Association Commission
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