The world has rapidly changed over the last few decades. The advent of technology has made our lives easier. At the same time, made us realize we direly need more health assistance. Health assistants are not just doctors and nurses. The allied health professionals include dental assistants, nutritionists, and dental hygienists. They aim to provide patients with diagnostic, preventive, and evaluative clinical and medical support. They are our health protection shield. Among the number of health assisting vocations introduced to us, dental assisting tops the list.
Dental assistants have the prospect to learn on the job. Their health care advantages are characteristically above average. The assistants discover professional contentment every day by helping others. Assistants also have better job security. Dental assistants continue to be in high demand as we see the rise in the number of dental assistant schools in California.
Do You Need a Dental School to be a Dental Assistant?
Many might wonder if enrolling in dental school is worth it or not. There is no denying that you learn a lot about dental assisting when you work professionally. But it is important to consider a school, given you have a clear understanding of the job at hand. Dental assistants work in sync with the dental hygienists and directly under the dentists. To match the pace of a professional setting, it is essential to enroll in a dental assistant training school to acquire the essential skills.
A dental assistant has to perform several tasks – from making notes of a patient’s medical history to measuring blood pressure, and pulse before any dental-care procedure; to explaining the procedure and guiding them about post-procedure oral care. Several assistants are also certified to help dentists during a procedure. So, sound knowledge about the instruments is also mandatory. This is why proper schooling is irreplaceable.
Dental Assistant vs Registered Dental Assistant
There are two distinct types of assistants working for dentists– dental assistants and registered dental assistants. The key difference between an RDA and a dental assistant is broadly based on the duties they perform. An RDA (Registered Dental Assistant) carries out greater tasks than a dental assistant. You become an RDA after completing your certification course from a dental school. You can be a registered dental assistant by being a part of institutions like MDS Dental Assisting Academy which offers RDA programs. Though it is not necessary to be a certified dental assistant enhances your career. Dental assistants are an essential part of the dentistry teams. They focus on both the clinical and administrative aspects ensuring a proper balance for proper functioning.
Growth and Career Goals
To get accepted into any one of the reputed Dental Assistant Schools in California you only need a high school diploma. Once completing the course, you can continue your career working as a dental assistant. You also can qualify as a dental office manager. In the beginning, you start working as a dental assistant, learning the methods and tools of the practice to reach the top. You can also opt to work but go back to school at the same time to become a dental hygienist. For that, you require an associate degree and need to earn your license. No matter which direction you choose in the end, the career of a dental assistant gives you an array of choices and options for a better professional life.
If you aim to serve people and make their lives better, you may consider being a dental assistant. If you’re great with your equipment and instruments, happy to arrange appointments, and relish meeting new people, this career in the oral field is yours to choose. You learn a great deal in the course. The training you receive includes medical screening dental radiology; placing temporary crowns to treatment planning. At the moment, a dental assistant’s job is as vital as a dentist’s or an oral hygienist’s.
Primary roles of dental assistant
After the completion of your course, the primary tasks that you need to perform as a dental assistant are as follows:
- Study and prepare a medical history chart of the patient
- Ensure that patients are comfortable
- Prepare the patients through the procedure
- Sterilize dental instruments for the procedure
- Assist the dentists during procedures like drying the patient’s mouth using suction hoses and other equipment
- Under the supervision and guidance of the dentist process X-Rays and perform other lab tasks
- Guide patients in proper oral hygiene
- Schedule patient appointments and check up on them
- Take an active part in billing and payments of the patients
So, if you are still confused about enrolling in a dental school, you should not delay any further. Many institutions offer you certification courses that you must not miss. So, go ahead and grab the opportunity to serve people and have your dream job.
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