Which Skills are Needed for Dental Assistant Jobs?
Working in a dental assistant job requires that a person enjoys working with the public. Dental assistants assist the dentist with patients on a daily basis, so a dental assistant must possess excellent customer service skills. Dental assistant jobs are ideal for those who enjoy using their hands and minds to accomplish a varied set of tasks. It's also important for the dental assistant to possess good communication skills, as he or she will constantly be required to speak with the dentist, other dental professionals, and patients.
In most dentist offices, a dental assistant is expected to assist the dentist with a variety of complex dental procedures. Dental assistants take dental x-rays, ask patients about their medical history, and take patients' blood pressure. They help patients to feel comfortable before, during, and after dental procedures. Dental assistant jobs also require that the dental assistant be knowledgeable about sterilizing dental equipment in order to prevent infections.
A dental assistant will often be required to use a variety of office equipment in addition to regular dental assistant duties. For example, most dental assistants may need to use a computer in the dentist's office. They must also have the ability to speak with patients over the phone if necessary. Some dental assistants may be responsible for scheduling appointments, ordering supplies, discussing billing with patients, and other general office tasks.
Those who wish to have dental assistant jobs will need to attend a community college or vocational school. Programs are usually short-term, often requiring only nine to 11 months of study. Some schools offer accelerated dental assisting programs that allow students to complete their training in an even shorter amount of time. Other schools may offer distance education or part-time training.
A person who wants to become a dental assistant should verify that the prospective school is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. Upon graduating from a dental assistant program, the graduate often earns a career certificate by passing an exam. Some dental assistants decide to pursue national certification by taking the Dental Assisting National Board's (DANB) Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam.
Written by K T Solis
