Becoming a Dentists Aid

Dental assistants aid the dentist as they check on the patients and treat them with their teeth or gum problems. The dental assistants greet the patient as they enter the room. They will then escort the patient to the examining room and prepares them by letting them sit down on the dental chair and puts on a cloth bib. They also change the headrest of the examination chair and adjust it to the comfortable position and to the appropriate height. Dental assistants also take X-rays of the patient’s teeth and develop the film for the dentist to have a clear view on the problem and to examine it. They also get the patients dental record from the files so that the dentist can check on it before the examination is done. During the dental examinations and procedures, the dental assistants to the chair-side duty by handing all instruments and tools needed by the dentists.

After the examination and procedure is done, the assistants give the patients the instructions on how to take good care of the gums and teeth. They also educate the patient on how to prevent the build-up of cavities and keep the teeth and gums clean. Dental assistants also help in other tasks. They mix the compounds needed in casting which is used for planning and correcting any teeth problems. They mix the compounds, pour in on a tray, les it dry for a while, trim and polish it thereafter. The State also decides on what task will the dental assistant performs. Dental assistants who are licensed are able to perform a wider range of clinical task. Dental assistants also apply medications to the teeth and gums and even remove cement after filling in the cavities. Other places allow dental assistants to even put on the fillings in the patients mouth. Dental assistants work on both clerical and administrative tasks. Like scheduling appointments, managing patient’s record, keeping inventories and receiving payments.

What are the requirements needed to become a dental assistant? First, most dental assistant schools require a high school diploma. High school graduates who wanted to be a dental assistant should take courses on science, biology, chemistry and a lot. Dental assistants receive trainings on schools, institutions and colleges. Dental assistant schools offer a two year college program and then receive an associate degree after while a certification is given after completing a one year program. Accredited schools also teach students on proper dental assisting skills with the lectures and laboratory coursework’s. Students take courses in anatomy, nutrition, speech and psychology. Students also gain a lot of practical experience in dental clinics where there school is affiliated with their program. To take a certification exam, one must have a formal training from a dental assistant education program.

Dental assistants’ salaries are determined by a lot of factors like the type of office, location of the work and education. Dental assistants can earn up to $29,000 a year. Highest paid salary is $41,000 and lowest paid is $19,000 a year.