Office of Continuing Education

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a clinical dental assistant is currently just under $38,000 per year.

Employment is projected to grow by 19% through 2026, which is considered much faster than average. Job demand for dental assistants is projected to grow 10% over the next decade.

WHAT DOES A CLINICAL DENTAL ASSISTANT DO?

Clinical dental assistant jobs vary based on the dental office and the state your work in. Typical duties include preparing patients for treatment, sterilizing tools, instructing on proper dental hygiene, passing instruments to the dentist during procedures, keeping records of treatments, scheduling appointments and processing x-rays.

 

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO BECOME A CLINICAL DENTAL ASSISTANT?

Most clinical dental assistant training programs can be completed in one year or less. This does not include the time you will spend working in an externship or similar position to gain experience in the field. It also does not include the required two years of work experience you will need to become certified.

 

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A CERTIFIED DENTAL ASSISTANT?

To become a Certified Dental Assistant, you will need to pass the three components of the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certification Exam and meet the Board’s work experience requirements. You will need to pass the Radiation Health and Safety, Infection Control, and General Chairside components of the DANB Certification Exam as well as complete at least two years of work experience (or a minimum of 3,500 hours accrued over a two to four year period).

 

WHAT KIND OF HOURS DO CLINICAL DENTAL ASSISTANTS WORK?

Most dental assistants work a full-time schedule of 40 hours per week, however there are some dental assistants that work part-time. Many of the hours will be worked during the day, but depending on your dental office, you may be asked to work some evenings or weekends.

 

WHERE DO CLINICAL DENTAL ASSISTANTS WORK?

Almost all clinical dental assistants work in dental offices under the supervision of dentists, though some may find employment with the government or in physicians’ offices. Dental assistants work very closely with dental hygienists. In this position, you will be on your feet for large portions of the day and wear surgical masks, safety goggles, gloves, and protective clothing to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

 

IS A CLINICAL DENTAL ASSISTANT THE SAME AS A DENTAL HYGIENIST?

No, a dental assistant and a dental hygienist are not the same. A dental assistant directly supports a dentist with small, supervised jobs performed on patients’ teeth and administrative tasks in the office. A dental hygienist will work one-on-one with patients with less supervision. A dental assistant can practice after earning a dental assistant training certificate while a dental hygienist must obtain an associate degree in dental hygiene at minimum.

 

Prepare for the Radiology and Infection Control portions of the Dental Assisting National Board

Identify of teeth and their functions, as well as the anatomy of the head and neck

Sterilization and disinfection techniques and infection prevention

Completing patient charting and take vital signs

There are no prerequisites prior to taking this course.

OVERVIEW OF THE DENTAL PROFESSION

Introduction to the Practice of Dentistry

 

DENTAL HEALTH AND DISEASE

Oral health and preventative techniques; etiology of dental disease

 

Anatomy and Physiology

Basic human physiology, embryology and histology; head and neck anatomy

 

INFECTION CONTROL

Microbiology, infection control and managing hazardous materials

 

BASICS OF DENTAL ASSISTING

Patient care, dental charting and pharmacology; anesthesia and sedation, chair-side assisting and dental instruments and tray setups

 

RADIOLOGY

Producing and processing quality radiographs; extraoral and digital radiography

 

DENTAL MATERIALS

Dental cements, bases, liners, and bonding agents; restorative materials, dental dams, matrix, and wedges

 

DENTAL ASSISTING IN THE SPECIALTY PRACTICE

Oral pathology and maxillofacial surgery; endodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics and prosthodontics

 

DENTAL OFFICE MANAGEMENT

Records management; administrative techniques

 

Cindy Lamkin

Cindy Lamkin has been employed in the dental field for over 20 years. She graduated from the University of South Dakota with a degree in dental hygiene and holds Registered Dental Assistant and Registered Dental Hygienist credentials. In addition to practicing clinical hygiene, she has also worked in dental office administration and treatment coordination. Her career includes general dentistry, as well as specialty practices of periodontics, endodontics, pedodontics, and orthodontics.

 

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