| You can complete your Dental Assistant training in | | | | might offer to assist you with the cost of attending the |
| about 12 to 24 months. This will provide you with the | | | | classes or reimburse you for your education upon |
| necessary abilities to work in a dental facility. If you are | | | | completion if you agree to work for them. |
| interested in becoming a Dentist or Dental Hygienist, | | | | Working as a Dental Assistant prior to becoming a |
| then it is a good idea to train as a Dental Assistant | | | | Hygienist or Dentist gives you an edge on the |
| first. This will provide you with the opportunity to | | | | competition. You will have work experience and |
| explore the dental field and know exactly what you | | | | education to market versus only education. Many |
| are getting involved in before spending four or more | | | | employers want both when they hire dental Hygienists |
| years on an education in a field you are not going to | | | | and Dentists. You will also have very sharp skills in the |
| enjoy. | | | | areas of communication and understanding fears |
| Dental assistants help with a variety of needs in dental | | | | patients may have when they enter the dentist office. |
| offices. They sterilize tools and get items ready for | | | | A certificate as a Dental Assistant can be a mere |
| procedures for both Dentists and Hygienists. They | | | | stepping stone for some who have greater ambitions |
| assist during the actual procedures, handing necessary | | | | in the dental field. However, the experience is one you |
| tool and equipment. In some states, they are even | | | | will find educational and full of opportunity. You will also |
| allowed to administer local anesthetics. | | | | be more likely to treat new Dental Assistants with |
| Dental Assistants have a front row seat for all the | | | | compassion and take them under your wing as they |
| dental procedures as they take place. Careful | | | | enter the dental field in the future. |
| observation of techniques will be a great learning | | | | All fields of dentistry continue to grow because people |
| experience for them. While Dental Assistants aren’t | | | | are taking better care of their teeth then ever before. |
| allowed to perform the procedures they are watching | | | | New technology has lead to procedures that are not |
| due to licensing issues, they definitely come to learn the | | | | as painful as in the past, encouraging patients to come |
| process for each procedure. | | | | in for dental care. People are also living longer, so their |
| Once a Dental Assistant decides to continue their | | | | teeth need to last longer. |
| education and pursue a career as a Dentist or | | | | If you are a Dental Assistant with an interest in |
| Hygienist, they knowledge they gained in the dental | | | | pursuing a career as a Dentist or Hygienist, look into |
| office will be very valuable. Since the Dental Assistant | | | | various programs in your area. Some with give you |
| has watched procedures take place many times, they | | | | credit for the work you are doing at your position in |
| are more likely to complete the procedures accurately | | | | the dental office. It will depend on the program and |
| themselves during the learning process of their | | | | what types of tasks you are performing. However, |
| continued dental education program. | | | | many people find out they have less courses to take, |
| Many Dentists want to keep the qualified staff they | | | | saving them both time and money if they look into this |
| have. They are often willing to work your schedule | | | | prior to enrolling in a dental program. |
| around your classes. Some in larger dental offices | | | | |