| Dental assistants work closely with dentists, usually | | | | combine classroom and laboratory instruction with |
| performing routine tasks so that the dentist can focus | | | | practical experience in dental schools, clinics, or dental |
| on more complex procedures. Assistants perform a | | | | offices. Most of them take one year or less to |
| variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties. | | | | complete and lead to a certificate or diploma. |
| These include preparing dental instruments, obtaining | | | | Programs offered in community and junior colleges |
| patients' dental records, sterilizing and disinfecting | | | | which lead to an associate degree usually take two |
| instruments and equipment, preparing patients for | | | | years to complete. |
| treatment, handing instruments to the dentist during | | | | Some states require dental assistants to be licensed |
| procedures, taking dental x-rays, and making casts of | | | | or registered. Requirements usually include passing a |
| teeth. Some assistants also handle office duties such | | | | written or practical examination, and taking |
| as scheduling and confirming appointments, sending bills, | | | | state-approved education courses. Other states offer |
| and ordering dental supplies and materials. About 50% | | | | registration with little or no education required. In some |
| of dental assistants have a normal 40-hour workweek. | | | | states, continuing education is required in order to |
| Most of the rest work part-time, have variable | | | | maintain licensure or registration. There may also be |
| schedules, or hold multiple jobs by working at more | | | | additional standards applied to dental assistants who |
| than one dental office. | | | | perform certain advanced duties (e.g., radiological |
| Education, Certification, Licensing | | | | procedures). In most states, certification is not |
| Dental assistants usually learn their skills on the job, | | | | mandatory for dental assistants but may be a |
| although formal training is not only helpful but in some | | | | distinctive asset when seeking employment. |
| states, a requirement for licensure. There are many | | | | Certification is available through the Dental Assisting |
| accredited dental-assisting programs offered by | | | | National Board (DANB) and confirms the assistant's |
| community and junior colleges, trade schools, technical | | | | qualifications and professional competence. |
| institutes, and the Armed Forces. These programs | | | | |