The oral care field is a fast-growing field. Dental professionals are in high demand as more people understand the link between general and oral health. But breaking into the profession can be challenging if you don’t have formal training. Still, you don’t need to go to college to become an oral care professional. With a vocational school diploma, you can make a difference as a dental assistant.
What Does a Dental Assistant Do?
Dental assistants support dentists and hygienists in providing quality dental care. It’s a meaningful, hands-on role.
Their key responsibilities include:
Patient Care
Dental assistants greet and prepare patients for treatments, making them feel comfortable and at ease. As the first point of contact for patients, making them feel welcomed establishes a positive and friendly atmosphere within the office while building rapport that helps alleviate any anxiety, they may have about oral care procedures.
Assisting During Procedures
Dental assistants work closely with the dentist during procedures in a process called four-handed dentistry. The goal is to make procedures safer and more efficient by working together. Tasks may include:
Preparing Instrument Trays – preparing instruments and supplies required for a wide range of procedures. Selecting the proper tools and arranging them in the correct order is imperative for efficiency and infection control.
Draping and Positioning – applying draping to protect the patient’s clothing and to serve as a safety and infection control barrier between the treatment area and the patient’s body. And once the dentist is gloved, they’re responsible for repositioning the patient and lighting as needed.
Passing Instruments – handing instruments to the dentist as needed during a procedure, using the proper techniques for efficiency and to avoid cross-contamination.
Managing Suction and Water Spray – suctioning and water spray help keep treatment areas clean and visible by removing saliva and debris. During procedures, dental assistants manage the suction and water spray devices at the dentist’s request.
Retraction – may use specialized instruments to retract the patient’s cheeks, lips, or tongue, providing the dentist with an unobstructed view of the treatment area.
Assisting With Anesthesia – helping dentists with anesthetics by applying numbing agents to the gums that make injections more comfortable and by monitoring the patients during general anesthesia. They ensure the patient is comfortable and that the anesthesia is effective before the procedure begins.
Mixing Materials – during restorative procedures, dental assistants prepare materials such as dental fillings, cement, and alginate. This requires expertise with amalgam, ceramic, resins, and dental adhesives.
Ensuring Patient Comfort – remaining attentive to patients’ needs throughout procedures, observing for signs of distress. Dental assistants watch for pain or anxiety signals and coordinate with the dentist if treatment adjustments are needed to improve the patient’s comfort. When people have special needs or physical limitations, they provide the necessary support.
Documentation – accurate documentation is required for continuity of care. Dental assistants often take notes during procedures, documenting the treatment process including which materials were used, the dentist’s observations and how the patient tolerated the procedure.
Emergency Preparedness – training to assist in emergencies that may arise during procedures. Dental assistants are ready to support the dentist in providing immediate care if unexpected complications occur.
Taking X-Rays
Dental assistants with extended function training can take x-rays, managing the entire process, from positioning to capturing the images.
Performing Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments help strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. Dental assistants apply fluoride gel with either a disposable brush or a custom-fit tray, covering all areas that are prone to cavities.
Coronal Polishing
Dental assistant polish teeth above the gum line after a cleaning. More than just a cosmetic procedure, it removes stains and smooths the surface of teeth, removing the tiny imperfections that attract bacteria.
Assisting in the Lab
Dental assistants are trained to help in the lab, performing tasks from mixing casting material to cleaning and adjusting oral appliances.
Infection Control
Infection control procedures help prevent the spread of infections, creating a safer environment for both patients and staff. Dental assistants implement these protocols by:
Sanitizing Work Areas – sanitizing work surfaces, dental chairs, and other touch points between patient visits.
Disinfecting Equipment – equipment, such as sinks and waterlines, can harbor an infectious biofilm. Regular disinfection is a must.
Sterilizing Instruments – the instruments used during oral care treatments must be sterilized to eliminate infectious microorganisms. Dental assistants use autoclaves and chemical solutions to kill bacteria on surgical tools and other non-disposable supplies.
Managing Waste – proper disposal of biomedical and hazardous waste is essential for infection control. Dental assistants ensure that sharps, such as needles, and other potentially infectious waste are disposed of in designated containers.
Patient Education
Dental assistants educate patients about oral hygiene and dental care. They answer phone calls, troubleshoot symptoms and relay guidance on the dentist’s behalf. As go-to sources of information, they serve as patient resources, providing pre- and post-procedure instructions and checking on their well-being.
Administrative Duties
Dental assistants often have administrative duties in addition to their clinical responsibilities.
Common tasks include:
Reception – greeting patients as they arrive, checking them in and updating their personal and insurance information.
Managing the Schedule – collaboration with the front office team to handle appointment scheduling, ensuring that staff remains productive while patients are seen promptly.
Recordkeeping – are responsible for maintaining accurate and up-to-date records. This includes updating contact and insurance information, filing x-ray reports, and integrating clinical documentation received from referring providers.
Inventory Management – keeping track of clinical supplies and equipment inventory, ensuring that essential items are in stock, and orders are placed as needed.
Care Coordination – dentistry is a team sport. Dental assistants keep everyone on the same page by communicating with laboratories, specialists, and other oral care providers.
Billing – helping with billing procedures, including providing estimates, processing payments and generating invoices.
Office Organization – maintaining a safe and efficient workspace is everyone’s responsibility. Dental assistants chip in when they can by helping with filing and general organizational tasks.
What is the Most Important Role of a Dental Assistant?
A dental assistants job is more than the sum of its part. At its core, the profession embodies empathy and compassion. Dental assistants bridge the gap between patients and their dental providers, empowering patients to seek care. Entrusted with the well-being of clients and the success of their employers, their most important role is to be a team player and embrace the mission, whatever it entails.
How Do You Become a Dental Assistant?
Most careers in dentistry take years in college to train for, but you can become a dental assistant in a fraction of the time by enrolling at a vocational school. The only academic criteria are a high school diploma or a general equivalency certificate. Dental assistant programs cover the theory and practical skills you need to succeed, no experience is required.
What Are the Benefits of a Formal Education for Dental Assistants?
While it’s still technically possible to get a job as a dental assistant without a formal education, many states require some form of training. Getting a vocational school diploma has perks, including:
A Comprehensive Education
Formal education programs for dental assistants offer comprehensive training that covers a wide range of topics related to dental assisting. Students learn about oral care procedures, mouth anatomy, infection control, restorative materials, and patient care.
This well-rounded education equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their roles. And because it’s career-focused, programs are of shorter duration yet nonetheless complete.
Exposure to the Latest Treatments and Technology
Oral care technology and techniques are continually evolving. Formal education programs are often updated to reflect these advancements, ensuring that dental assistants stay current with the latest trends and best practices in the field.
Even if you once worked in an oral care practice, chances are that things have changed significantly if it’s been more than five years. Formal education will help you build on your old skills while catching up with the times.
Hands-on Experience
There’s always a gap between classroom learning and real life. Vocational school diploma programs provide the hands-on training graduates need to feel confident in their abilities. Students are given opportunities to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, preparing them for the practical challenges they’ll encounter on the job.
Networking
Attending a vocational school program helps dental assisting students build connections with peers, instructors, and oral care professionals who can offer unique insights into the oral care industry. Upon graduation, these networks are an asset for job hunting and professional development.
Professional Credentials
Earning a diploma provides dental assistants with a tangible credential that demonstrates their commitment to their field. It sparkles on a resume, enhancing their employability and credibility among patients. Formal education may also fulfill the academic requirements for certification which can lead to better job opportunities and higher earning potential.
Career Advancement
Dental assistants with formal education typically may have access to more diverse career paths and opportunities for advancement. Better equipped to handle specialized roles, they’re better positioned for promotions and leadership positions.
Final Thoughts
A dental assistant’s contributions to the oral care field are not confined to the technical aspects of dental practice. They have the power to inspire confidence by building strong connections and creating meaningful experiences that transcend practical skills. Few roles make as lasting impact on the many lives they touch.
Want to Learn More?
The Dental Assistant training program at Meridian College provides extensive hands-on training including a school externship at a dental office where you will assist the dentist in treating actual patients.
Meridian College also has dedicated school instructors, which offer you training in dental assisting that you can use to get an entry-level position at a dentist office or dental clinic. You get to work in real world situations and use your training from classroom lectures to further your skill during lab work in dental assisting.
Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a dental assistant.