Discover the Dental Assistant Outlook: What You Need to Know!

By Remington College Posted March 31st, 2023

Are you curious about the dental assistant outlook? Becoming a dental assistant may be an incredibly rewarding career. In this post, we'll cover what exactly a dental assistant does on a daily basis as well as their job outlook and how to become one yourself.

What is a Dental Assistant?

A healthcare worker who works in close collaboration with dentists to provide patient care and handle administrative duties is referred to as a dental assistant. They are responsible for preparing patients for treatment, sterilizing instruments, taking x-rays, and providing chairside assistance during procedures.

Dental assistants must have excellent communication skills as they interact directly with patients on a daily basis. Detail-focused and well-ordered, dental assistants must be able to manage the different duties that need attending to throughout their day. Dental assistants typically receive their training through formal education programs or on-the-job experience from a licensed dentist.

Upon entering the dental office, a dental assistant will typically welcome the patient and check that all forms have been properly filled out before guiding them to an exam room. Here, they will take vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse rate before helping the dentist examine the patient’s teeth or gums. Additionally, dental assistants may assist in administering local anesthesia prior to certain treatments if needed.

Sterilizing instruments is another important duty of a dental assistant's job description which involves prepping equipment used by dentists so that it is safe for use on each patient during procedures like fillings or extractions. This process includes carefully cleaning tools after each use using special solutions followed by thorough disinfection using heat or ultraviolet light sources depending on what type of instrument needs sanitization.

In addition to these duties, many dental offices require their staff members including assistants to take x-rays of patients' mouths when necessary as well as perform other related administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments or filing insurance claims forms. Lastly but certainly not least, dental assistants provide chair side assistance while working alongside dentists during actual procedures which can range from simple cleanings all way up more complex oral surgeries depending on how experienced an individual is in this field.

Attending to particulars, enjoying patient contact and grasping new skills swiftly are all part of the dental assistant's job description. For those looking to get started down this career path there are plenty of resources available online today offering both theoretical knowledge and practical experiences alike; so don't let anything stop you from reaching your goals.

How to Become a Dental Assistant?

Becoming a dental assistant is an exciting and rewarding career choice. To be a dental assistant, one must undergo an accredited program or acquire hands-on training from a medical practitioner. After completing the program or training, you must pass the National Board Dental Assisting Examination (NBDE) to become certified as a dental assistant.

Upon completion of the coursework requirements for attaining certification as a dental assistant, one must take and pass the NBDE exam. This examination encompasses topics pertinent to oral health care such as patient assessment and treatment planning, infection control, radiography, instrumentation and materials, laboratory procedures and preventive dentistry, restorative dentistry and orthodontics; in addition to pain control and emergency situations.

Once certified by passing this exam with satisfactory scores it is possible to begin work as a dental assistant right away. A typical day working as a dental assistant may include tasks such as preparing patients for their visits by reviewing medical histories, helping with x-rays or sterilizing instruments prior to use during procedures performed by dentists or hygienists.

Other duties may include providing instructions regarding proper oral hygiene techniques at home such as brushing and flossing teeth properly after meals plus educating patients about nutrition choices that affect oral health outcomes. In addition, they may also assist with administrative tasks like answering phones calls from patients inquiring about appointments times etc., updating patient records via computer systems when needed too.

Work Environment

Dental assistants typically work in well-lit and clean offices. It’s a demanding job that requires knowledge of dental procedures, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to handle multiple tasks at once.

Dental assistant duties can range from scheduling appointments to sterilizing instruments or taking X-Rays under the dentist’s supervision. They may also be responsible for preparing materials used during treatments such as filling cavities or performing root canals. In some cases they might even provide direct patient care like cleaning teeth or applying topical medications before a procedure is performed by the dentist themselves.

Overall, the work environment of a dental assistant can be quite rewarding. It is essential to be aware of the daily duties involved when considering taking up this job role in order to make an educated choice.

Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for dental assistants is projected to rise by 8% from 2021-2031, reflecting an aging population and a growing demand for preventive dental care services.

FAQs

Is it stressful being a dental assistant?

Being a dental assistant can be stressful at times, but it is also very rewarding. It requires multitasking and attention to detail in order to ensure patient safety and comfort. A successful dental assistant needs to have good verbal abilities, be familiar with modern technology, and know how to interact appropriately with patients. Dental assistants must stay informed on the latest techniques and modifications that could occur in dentistry to guarantee success. With proper training and dedication, however, being a dental assistant can be both fulfilling and enjoyable.

What are the risks of being a dental assistant?

The risks of being a dental assistant are largely dependent on the environment in which they work. While some practices may have safety protocols and procedures that minimize risk, others may not. Possible hazards include exposure to hazardous materials such as radiation or chemicals, working with sharp instruments, coming into contact with potentially infectious material from patients’ mouths, ergonomic injuries due to repetitive motions or poor posture while performing duties such as bending over for long periods of time and lifting heavy items. Additionally, there is always a risk of injury from accidental needle sticks when disposing of needles after use. It is critical that dental assistants are cognizant of the potential risks and take measures to reduce them by adhering to their employer's safety rules and utilizing protective gear when needed.

Check out some additional resources here.

See questions and answers for your Dental Assistant interview here.