Choosing a career can be overwhelming, but one job that is both stable and rewarding is becoming a dental assistant. Dental assistants are responsible for a variety of tasks in a dental office. They may take X-rays, prepare patients for treatments, sterilize instruments, and more. Dental assistants must be able to work efficiently and be familiar with all of the workings of a dental office, as well as how to take impressions of teeth and make crowns and other dental prosthetics. Fortunately, the training required to go into this field will teach you everything you need to know. If you want to learn more, keep reading to find out how to become a dental assistant.
How can you become a dental assistant?
In order to become a dental assistant, you need to obtain your certification. This certification can be obtained by completing an accredited program at a dental assistant school. There are many different schools that offer dental assistant programs across the United States, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding one in your area. These programs will typically provide you with the necessary training to work as a dental assistant. In addition, many programs offer externships that will give you the opportunity to gain experience in a dental office.
Once you have completed an accredited program, you will then need to pass a certification exam in order to apply for jobs. The American Dental Association (ADA) offers the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam. This exam is administered by the National Board for Dental Examinations (NBDE). The CDA exam is a comprehensive exam that covers all aspects of dental assisting. The exam is fairly long and administered in a multiple-choice format. Passing your CDA demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills required for the job.
After you receive your certification, it’s a good idea to take a break and reward yourself for your hard work before applying for jobs. There are so many ways to do this, but diamond bracelets have always been a classic graduation gift. You deserve to celebrate your accomplishment and give yourself a break before you start your career.
What can you do to prepare for your certification program?
If you aspire to work as a dental assistant, there are some important things you should do before starting your certification program. For one, you should work on your time management skills. As a dental assistant, you will be responsible for many tasks, many of which will require your prompt attention. If you are not able to manage your time well, you will likely struggle to keep up with the demands of the job. Studying and keeping up with your coursework will also demand that you are able to stick to a consistent schedule.
People skills are crucial for dentists and dental assistants as well since you will spend a lot of your time engaging with patients. They also need to be able to maintain a professional demeanor at all times. Excellent social skills can allow dental assistants to build relationships with patients and create a positive experience for them. Your training program will teach you a lot about how to interact with patients, but it’s a good idea to look for other ways to learn how to communicate as clearly and effectively as possible with people at work.
As you can see, there are several steps involved in becoming a dental assistant. If you have an interest in dentistry and want to work in a dental office, becoming a dental assistant may be a good option for you. Assistants work closely with dentists, providing patients with quality care. With on-the-job training and certification, you can actually start applying for jobs in a relatively short amount of time. Just make sure you’re prepared for the experience, which includes leveling up your time management and social skills. Follow the tips in this article and you’ll be on your way to your chosen career in dentistry.
