The average dental assistant is required to have a good deal of education and training to provide services to patients in a dentist’s office.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor, there is an increasing need for dental assistants to help dentists treat patients with excellent job prospects for the 2004-2014 projected job period. There are 265 programs accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA) across the country. Programs to education dental assistants are offered in community and junior colleges, technical institutes and trade schools. Students are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Courses for dental assisting are related to areas of science, math, computers, communication and basic patient skills.
Dental assisting programs provide hands-on experience in dental offices or clinics to prepare students to work in the field. Most dental assistant educational programs offer one year of education and hand-on training. The majority of states require dental assistants be licensed or registered. This process varies from state to state but usually means passing a written or practical examination. Dental assistant certification is offered in more than 30 states by the Dental Assisting National Board (DNAB). The DNAB requires students to have graduated from an ADA accredited program or meet certain on the job experience criteria.
A dental assistant needs to have substantial education and experience to work with a dentist and offers incredible support to the dental staff and patients.
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