Dental Assistant Jobs
Find The Right Position For You
Dentists play a big role in a patient’s oral health. But, that does not make the role of a dental assistant any less significant. In fact, dental assistants have a big responsibility in caring for patients, from the time they arrive for their appointment until they are ready to leave.
Dental assistants handle all types of matters, such as:
Assist in oral examinations
Take patient vital signs
Prepare tray for oral procedures
Educate patients on oral care and prevention
Maintain treatment records
Aid in bettering visibility for dentists during procedures
Take dental impressions
Clean and sterilize
Take high-quality x-rays
And that’s really just the tip of the iceberg. Dental assistants stay very busy with a lot of interaction with patients, dentists, and colleagues. To really succeed in this role, you will want to have great organizational skills, communication skills, problem-solving skills, pay attention to detail, be able to follow basic instructions, and have knowledge of dental medicine.
When considering the right candidate to hire for an available dental assistant job, many employers look for certain qualifications. While they can vary from employer to employer, there are certain standards that make you appear ready for the position - and stand out from the crowd. Take a look at the list below:
High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Completion of a Dental Hygiene Program.
Currently licensed as a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) or a Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions (RDAEF)
1-2 years experience as an RDA
They look for additional certifications, such as a radiology certification or a CPR certification. And, of course, they want someone who can communicate well with patients and be a team player when it comes to staff. Positivity will go a long way, too.
One of the biggest responsibilities of a dental assistant is to, as the title suggests, assist the dentist. Working in oral health care involves dealing with complex jobs in small spaces. For example, root canal treatment requires the dentist to use tiny tools to clear out the infection deep within the tooth. With the help of a dental hygienist, the dentist will always have clear visibility of the tooth in question while the assistant can make sure the dentist gets the exact tool or supply needed -without ever having to look up.
Keep in mind that there are different settings in which dental assistants can work. Depending on your preference, you may find that you prefer working with kids in a pediatric dentistry setting. Or, perhaps with a family dentist engaging with patients of all ages. Maybe orthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, or one of the many other specialities sparks your interest.
It is a good idea to join an official organization of other dental assistant professionals such as the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA). Not only does this affiliation look good on your resume, but it also keeps you up to date on things that are happening within your field, any special training offerings that may be available, and all sorts of resources you may find useful.
As you venture into the world as a dental assistant, don’t forget to enjoy the adventure!
Doc Hunters carries forward with our vision of finding the best possible dentist for your practice and your patients. Our “90 Day Guarantee” and “No Hire, No Charge” contract means that we stand behind our work and believe in our ability to deliver on our promise. For job seekers looking to get hired now, learn more about current orthodontist job openings on our job seekers page.