If you want to work in dentistry but don’t have plans to attend dental school, you may want to consider becoming a dental assistant. Dental assistants are always needed in dental offices across the nation as this is a job that may have you scheduling appointments, assisting the dentist with certain procedures, developing x-rays, making tooth impressions, and much more. If you’ve assumed it’s hard to become a dental assistant, it’s actually much easier than you probably imagined. Should you want to pursue this career path, here are the simple steps you can take to become a dental assistant.
Complete a Dental Training Program
Dental assistant training programs are usually offered at community colleges and vocational schools. In some areas, high schools also offer these programs to their students. Regardless of where you obtain your training, expect the program to last one or two years and involve both classroom and lab training. Once enrolled in your training program, you will learn about teeth, gums, dental instruments, how to administer CPR, and other important topics.
Complete an Internship
While you are enrolled in your training program, you should complete an internship if one is offered to you by your instructor. Not only will this give you much-needed practical experience, but it may also help you land a job once you finish your dental assistant training.
Gain Dental Licensing and Certification
After you complete your training program, most states require aspiring dental assistants to obtain a state license. This usually means taking and passing the Certified Dental Assistant exam, which consists of over 300 questions on such topics as chairside assisting, radiation health, and infection control. If you have an area of dentistry you enjoy, such as orthodontics, you can seek certain certifications from the Dental Assisting National Board. Common certifications include Certified Orthodontic Assistant, Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant, and Registered Dental Assistant.
Apply for a Job
Your final step in becoming a dental assistant will be to apply for and get a job in a dental office. If you completed a prior internship, you may already have a job lined up following graduation. If not, apply for entry-level positions and highlight your classroom excellence, volunteer or other relevant experience, and your knowledge of dental terminology, instruments, and practices.
This is a career that will be very rewarding, allow you to help people each day, and provide you with job and financial security. Becoming a dental assistant will be well worth the time and effort you put into your training program.
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