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Dental Assistant

from: http://www.communityhealthcareers.com/careers_dentalassist.htm

Dental assistants work alongside dentists while patients' teeth are being examined and cleaned. They keep the dental instruments sterilized and in good condition and ensure that the dentist has everything needed to perform his or her job well. Some dental assistants are qualified to clean teeth and conduct flouride treatments and can advise patients on good oral hygiene and cleaning techniques.

The Cool Things They Do:
  • Prepare patients for dental examination, obtain dental records and assist the dentist during examinations
  • Sterilize and maintain instruments
  • Advise patients on oral hygiene
  • Handle office duties such as scheduling and invoicing patients and updating charts or ordering dental and office supplies

Assistants certified for intra-oral duties can also take and develop x-rays, polish and clean teeth and give fluoride treatments.

Working Conditions:

Dental assistants are required to be well-organized and efficient while maintaining a calm disposition in order to keep patients at ease. A great deal of their time involves standing on their feet and bending over patients. Some time also involves office duties.

Most Dental Assistants Work In:
  • Private or group dental practices
  • Clinics
  • Schools
  • Hospitals
  • Nursing homes
Personal Characteristics/Skills:
  • A calm and friendly disposition; ability to put anxieties at ease
  • Excellent time management skills
  • Ability to give attention to detail
  • Strong communication skills
  • Interpersonal communication skills
  • Office experience and computer skills
Education and Training Required:

Post-secondary technical training program in Dental Assisting.

Length of Study/Training : 3 months to one-year community college program

Certification (s):

There is an optional certification process through the Ontario Dental Nurses and Assistants Association (ODN & AA) for Level I (chair-side) dental assistants. Level II (chair-side plus intra-oral) dental assistants must have the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Certificate to practice.

Helpful High School Courses:
  • Sciences
  • English
  • Computer Basics
  • Health
Employment Prospects - GOOD

With improvements in technology, as well as a growing population that is well-informed about oral hygiene, people are keeping their teeth longer so that the need for routine dental procedures will continue to rise.

Earnings:

Average annual salary: approx. $33,500, although certified dental assistants can earn more.

More Information:

Ontario Dental Association
http://www.oda.on.ca

Canadian Dental Assistants’ Association
http://www.cdaa.ca

Canadian Dental Association
http://www.cda-adc.ca

National Dental Assisting Examination Board
http://www.ndaeb.ca

Ontario Dental Nurses and Assistants Association
http://www.odnaa.org

American Dental Assistants Association (US)
http://www.dentalassistant.org

Job Futures:

Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services
http://jobfutures.ca/noc/341.shtml


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