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How should I prepare myself for the process of becoming a dental assistant?
i need advice on what type of certifications or schooling i will need ?
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello again, Jasmine !
I am glad to give you more specific information in response to this question. Although the State of California doesn't require dental assistants to have a college degree, their requirements are strict and I would like to let you know what you'll need to do.
There are different levels of being a dental assistant in California and the length of your program of study will depend on how far you want to go. The length of time going for this training will vary because of that, too. Let's discuss the four types of dental assistants that exist. The Unlicensed Dental Assistant, for example, will require you to have certification in Basic Life Support. You also must take an approved course in infection control. These courses are done by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.
The next is a Registered Dental Assistant. You would need to take a course in registered dental assisting or have already worked 15 months as a dental assistant to get registered. You'd have to take the written test on laws and ethics also. In addition, a course on tooth polishing and infection control, and learn the California Dental Practice Act. Once you do all that, you than apply to the Dental Board of California to be registered.
The next level is Dental Sedation Assistant Permit Holder. You have to already be a registered dental assistant to pursue this job. It requires that you have worked as a registered dental assistant for a year, completed a dental assistant sedation course and a course on infection control, one on basic life support, take a state exam on sedation duties, than apply to the Dental Board of California for a permit.
Last but not least is Orthodontic Assistant Permit Holder. You can go for this if you have already worked for a year as a registered dental assistant. You will have to take an orthodontics assistant course and written exam on orthodontics, take a basic life support course, and courses in infection control and the California Dental Practice Act.
So becoming a dental assistant is a good start. It is a field of work which you can eventually build upon, creating a new eligibility for yourself. All of the courses I've mentioned that you must take must be approved by the Dental Board of California.
I hope this has contributed to information you may need and wish you all the best in your studies.
I am glad to give you more specific information in response to this question. Although the State of California doesn't require dental assistants to have a college degree, their requirements are strict and I would like to let you know what you'll need to do.
There are different levels of being a dental assistant in California and the length of your program of study will depend on how far you want to go. The length of time going for this training will vary because of that, too. Let's discuss the four types of dental assistants that exist. The Unlicensed Dental Assistant, for example, will require you to have certification in Basic Life Support. You also must take an approved course in infection control. These courses are done by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.
The next is a Registered Dental Assistant. You would need to take a course in registered dental assisting or have already worked 15 months as a dental assistant to get registered. You'd have to take the written test on laws and ethics also. In addition, a course on tooth polishing and infection control, and learn the California Dental Practice Act. Once you do all that, you than apply to the Dental Board of California to be registered.
The next level is Dental Sedation Assistant Permit Holder. You have to already be a registered dental assistant to pursue this job. It requires that you have worked as a registered dental assistant for a year, completed a dental assistant sedation course and a course on infection control, one on basic life support, take a state exam on sedation duties, than apply to the Dental Board of California for a permit.
Last but not least is Orthodontic Assistant Permit Holder. You can go for this if you have already worked for a year as a registered dental assistant. You will have to take an orthodontics assistant course and written exam on orthodontics, take a basic life support course, and courses in infection control and the California Dental Practice Act.
So becoming a dental assistant is a good start. It is a field of work which you can eventually build upon, creating a new eligibility for yourself. All of the courses I've mentioned that you must take must be approved by the Dental Board of California.
I hope this has contributed to information you may need and wish you all the best in your studies.
Updated
Shima’s Answer
1. Research the role of dental assistant
2. Take relevant courses: Consider taking courses in dental terminology, anatomy, and dental procedures.
3. Find a dental assisting program: Look for accredited dental assisting programs in your area.
4. Gain hands-on experience: Consider volunteering or interning at a dental office to gain hands-on experience.
5. Obtain certification: Once you have completed your education and training, consider obtaining certification as a dental assistant. This will demonstrate your expertise and make you more competitive in the job market.
6. Network: Attend industry events and join professional organizations to network with other dental professionals. This can help you find job opportunities and stay up-to-date on industry trends.
2. Take relevant courses: Consider taking courses in dental terminology, anatomy, and dental procedures.
3. Find a dental assisting program: Look for accredited dental assisting programs in your area.
4. Gain hands-on experience: Consider volunteering or interning at a dental office to gain hands-on experience.
5. Obtain certification: Once you have completed your education and training, consider obtaining certification as a dental assistant. This will demonstrate your expertise and make you more competitive in the job market.
6. Network: Attend industry events and join professional organizations to network with other dental professionals. This can help you find job opportunities and stay up-to-date on industry trends.