Dental Assistant Job Description

The dental assistant works under a dentist’s supervision to prepare equipment that will be used in dentistry procedures, to ready patients for these procedures, and to help the dentist during these procedures by passing instruments, holding the suction catheter in place, and generally anticipating the dentist’s needs. Some dental assistants are trained to perform more sophisticated functions such as removing sutures, processing x-rays and taking the oral impressions that are used to fit crowns.

Individual states vary greatly in their definitions of the dental assistant’s scope of practice. In general, however, the dental assistant’s primary responsibilities lie in three areas:

• Patient Care: The dental assistant is responsible for obtaining the patient chart and laying out the equipment that the dentist will use during the upcoming procedure; settling the patient in the treatment chair; and performing non-invasive procedures to prepare the patient for the upcoming procedure (for example: applying a topical anesthetic to the patient’s gums, or positioning a dental dam.) During a dental procedure, the dental assistant will wield the oral suction cannula and hand equipment to the dentist as needed. Dental assistants are also charged with teaching the basics of oral hygiene and instructing patients in follow-up care after the procedure is through.

While working with patients, dental assistants are required to wear protective gowns, latex gloves, face masks and goggles to safeguard themselves and their patients against infectious diseases.

• Office Duties: The dental assistant updates patient records as instructed by the dentist. He or she may also perform receptionist duties, fielding patient phone calls, scheduling patient appointments, and confirming upcoming appointments with patients. Some dental assistants also perform light bookkeeping activities and inventory control. These dental assistants may send invoices, receive payments and order supplies as needed.
• Laboratory Duties: In most states, dental assistants who work in laboratories must meet specific training requirements. These dental assistants prepare casts of the teeth from oral impressions, clean and polish removable bridges and dentures, and make temporary crowns. Additionally, some dental assistants double as radiology technicians, taking and processing x-rays of patients’ mouths.

Article Source: http://www.jobdescriptions.net/health/dental-assistant/

Dental Assistant Salary

In 2009, dental assistants in the United States received an average annual dental assistant salary of $34,000. Most entry-level dental assistants receive around $26,000-$30,000 a year. The highest tabulated dental assistant salary reached to more than $46,500 annually. There are a variety of factors that can affect the computed dental assistant salary. Factors such as location, formal training and education could become a good basis on how much a dental assistant could earn in a year.

Those who work as dental assistants in specialty hospitals and in states where the cost of living is higher will apparently receive higher compensations than those working in dental offices and states with lesser living costs. As mentioned above, another basis of a higher dental assistant salary is the dental assistant’s ability, training and certification to work on specialized tasks in the laboratory such as coronal polishing, and radiology, among others.

Apart from the established dental assistant salary, benefits and incentives can also be awarded to dental assistants depending on their employer. In 2009, 50% of dental assistants are insured with health and medical benefits. Aside from that, 86% of dental assistants in the United States were also paid during vacation leaves along with their basic dental assistant salary.

Article Source: http://www.dentalhygienistnassistants.com/dental-assistant-salary/

How to Become a Dental Assistant

The job of a dental assistant is a good one. There are plenty of employment opportunities, and the pay package is good too. That is why a lot of people today want to take it up as a profession. But, how to become a dental assistant, that is what we are discussing here.

 

 

How to Become a Dental Assistant – 4 Steps to Help You Become a Dental Assistant

Step #1 – Knowing Your Duties

Even before you join the profession, you should have some idea about what jobs you are expected to perform. This will give you a better understanding, and you can also set your expectations. Here’s a list of jobs you will be required to do,

• Preparation of dental equipment even before the patient arrives.
• Taking records of medical and dental history of the patient.
• Taking teeth impressions for casts.
• You have to use swabs and suction.
• You have to remove stitches.

Step #2 – Finding Out Whether You Are Right for the Job

So, now that you know what your responsibilities will be, you must assess whether you are OK with performing these tasks or not. Some important capabilities required are,

• You must be an active listener.
• You must have good communication skills.
• You should have good time management skills.
• You should be able to offer instructions on oral hygiene to the patients.

Step #3 – Training

If you are asking yourself how to become a dental assistant, you should know that this is probably the most important step. Indeed, training is essential to get that job you want, and with the right training and some experience, you can soon excel and earn a lot of money.

So, you must get yourself enrolled to an accredited institution that is offering training to turn people in dental assistants. Usually, the programs offered are between 9 and 11 months. These programs are offered at dental institutes, career schools, and also at community colleges. To join up, you should have studied biology, health, office practices and chemistry in high school.

Step #4 – Certification

The final step in how to become a dental assistant is certification. Once your training is complete, you need to ask for official certification. For this, you can approach the Dental Assisting National Board. However, before the certification can be issued to you, the board will conduct a 4 hour exam where you have to answer 320 questions. Those who pass this exam become certified dental assistants. Certified professionals earn more than those who are uncertified.

Article Source: How to Become Dental Assistant