degree to become a dental assistant

Do I Need a Degree to Become a Dental Assistant?

Teeth and gums can be the root of discomfort and serious health problems for young and old patients alike, pursuing a degree in dental assisting a good choice if you are interested in health care. You may be wondering how to become a dental assistant and if there’s any special training you’ll need to help you reach your goal.

Although the requirements for working as a dental assistant vary from state to state, most dental assistants will need some form of training. The requirements to become a dental assistant can be achieved inside of two years. Depending upon where you live, there are several levels of dental assistant work. For example, as stated by the Dental Assisting National Board, the state of California makes a distinction between a registered dental assistant, a registered dental assistant in extended functions, and a registered dental assistant in extended functions with additional training, as well as dental assistant permit-holders in orthodontics and sedation. To perform at a certain level of dental assisting work, you must meet all the requirements in that state. 

Many states including California and New York also list positions for unlicensed dental assistants. Although some states do allow unlicensed dental assistants to work in dentists' offices, the number of tasks they can perform is limited by state regulations. With at least an associate degree in dental assisting, you may be able to become a registered or licensed dental assistant, performing dental assisting work at the top of your abilities.

Working as a Dental Assistant

Although most dental assistants find work in dentists' offices, they can also be employed by hospital dental departments, dental supply manufacturers, or insurance companies. Depending on the state in which they work, their job may include a variety of tasks, including administrative duties, laboratory work, or general dental assisting. A day in the life of a dental assistant may include: 

  • Assisting dentists during procedures by handing them tools or responding to patients
  • Ensuring patients are comfortable and understand how to use the dental chair
  • Preparing patients for dental treatments
  • Drying off the mouths of patients with suction hoses
  • Giving patients advice for good oral hygiene
  • Completing lab tests under the direction of a dentist
  • Processing x-rays under the direction of a dentist
  • Sterilizing dental instruments
  • Keeping accurate records of patient treatments
  • Scheduling dental treatments and setting follow-up appointments for patients
  • Addressing payment and billing needs with clients

When the work includes laboratory tasks, such as taking impressions of a patient's teeth or creating forms for retainers, dental assistants usually work under the direction of a dentists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental assistants are only allowed to perform certain procedures on their own, and the list varies from state to state. Other procedures that may require the oversight of a dentist include applying anesthetics, performing fluoride treatments, applying a sealant, and coronal polishing.

Whether an appointment consists of providing cosmetic services, cleaning teeth and protecting against cavities, or managing and treating pain, the scope of a dental assistant's work is strictly regulated by each state. The Dental Assisting National Board maintains an interactive map on its website, to help you identify what the requirements are in your state. This tool will also tell you what level of work you'll be permitted to perform in a dentist's office, relative to the education or training you receive.

Training for a Future in Dentistry

Training in the fundamentals of health sciences can give you a good grasp of radiographic procedures, clinical protocol, and administrative tasks. You'll also learn to record patient histories, take vital signs, and manage insurance, billing, and record-keeping. Above all, you'll get the training you need to assist with laboratory procedures and minor surgeries in a dentist's office. 

Because this occupation can put workers at risk for infectious diseases, you'll develop good habits for wearing eye protection and surgical masks, donning gloves and other protective clothing, and following safety procedures in order to minimize the risks associated with x-ray machines.

As with all fields, the best training for a job in dental assisting is real-world training. An externship, taken in unison with a degree program, is a sure way to develop the skills you need to excel in the workplace. Some associate degree programs include an externship as a requirement for graduation, which will give you a competitive edge when you apply for your first job in a dentist's office.

Are You Ready for a Degree in Dental Assisting?

Are you interested in a degree as a dental assistant? Learn more about the Associate of Applied Science in Health Science with a concentration in Dental Assisting program at ECPI University. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

Learn more about ECPI's College of Health Science TODAY!

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