Dental assistant schools are the topic for this article. The dental assistant position is one of the fastest growing fields in America today. It is estimated that in the next eight years the dental assistant position is expected to expand by as much as nearly 40 percent. With great benefits, ability to promote within, and accessibility to jobs in nearly every city, it is understandable why more and more people are choosing this career path.
Guidelines for Acceptance to Dental Training Schools
Schools for dental assistants have guidelines for all their candidates for training and for their trainees or students. Here are some of the guidelines for dental assistant schools for their incoming trainees:
- Most dental assistant schools require students to have at least a high school diploma.
- Schools often require candidates to pass an entrance examination to determine readiness to train as a dental assistant.
- Aspiring candidates must also have above average grades in science subjects like Biology, Chemistry and Physics. They must also excel in Math and English. Basic computer skills would work as an advantage.
- Candidates must possess the behavior that is expected from a trainee.
- Candidates must pass a medical exam although not all dental assistant schools require this.
Other guidelines in most schools for dental assistant are focused on how their trainees are evaluated during the entire course.
Different Things to Look for When Considering Schools
To become a certified dental assistant (CDA), one must first be certified by an accredited school or college. The licensure, registration and certification of the duties that an assistant is able to perform are varied from state to state. It is advisable that one check with the state they plan to practice in to be informed of the certification requirements before enrolling in any schools.
Be aware that all schools that offer dental assistant training are not accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA). This is necessary for certification as a dental assistant. Also, if enrolling in online courses, check to make sure that the parent school is approved by either the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). These are also necessary.
There a variety of dental assistant schools that will provide the necessary training for certification. The length of these training courses is usually on average seven months; however, this is not always the case. Several schools offer courses that can be as short as four months and others, such as community colleges and universities, provide associates degree courses that last as long as two years. Also, many schools allow students to enroll in online courses. This is beneficial to those who must work, but are looking to gain this education to change or enhance career paths.
The Classes Associated With Training
The dental assistant training program is usually divided between theory classes and laboratory procedures. Some of the classes that one might encounter at dental assistant schools are:
- Anatomy, Physiology, and Terminology
- Computer Basics
- Math Fundamentals
- CPR and First Aid
- Dental Anatomy and Pathology
- Fundamentals of Dentistry
- Dental Office Administration
- Dental Pharmacology
- Clinical Dental Procedures
- Dental Equipment Use and Care
- Dental Radiography
- Dental Materials
Also an externship at a dental office is usually required. The average term for an externship is usually around 300 hours.
Guidelines for Course Training
Other guidelines in most schools for the dental assistant are focused on how their trainees are evaluated during the entire course. After being accepted for training, a student must commit to attend lectures, demonstrations, training and on-the-job training which are the basis of their guidelines for evaluation.
- A dental assistant must learn all the skills that are important in performing tasks involved in their day to day routines. Skills that are most important are assisting dentists in various dental procedures, dental surgeries, dental emergencies and many more. They must be familiar with the different terms used in dentistry as well as the materials and equipment used.
- Along with the necessary skills are basic medical skills that may become important in the care of any dental patient. First aid skills, CPR and taking accurate patient vital signs are just some of the topics learned.
- Basic medical knowledge is also learned like human anatomy, medical terminologies as well as many other necessary topics to be able to help dentists and patients out.
- A part of any of the dental assistant schools, a major guideline is for their trainees to undergo practical on-the-job training. This may cost an additional fee but can assure that any graduate will possess job skills to be able to seek employment right away.
- Another important guideline for schools or any dental practice and medical practice for that matter is to have trainees express exemplary behavior in the treatment of patients as well as professional behavior when working with other dental professionals. This is evaluated side by side with the knowledge and skills learned in the curriculum.
- Dental assistant schools may require their students to be evaluated before they are deemed ready for graduation. Rigorous evaluation tests, demonstrations and projects are given to measure trainees.
Dental assistant schools prepare their students for employment as well as for certification examinations. Becoming a certified dental assistant or CDA is not a requirement in all states in the US before this person is eligible for employment; however, this is of course an important part of an assistant’s career. This may also be a reason for a better pay grade as well as possible advances in employment positions in the future.
The Cream of the Crop in Terms of Training Institutions
Of the many dental assistant schools available, a few stand out among the rest. These schools are reputable and well-established in providing education and furthering advancement in careers. These degree, diploma, and certificate programs offer some of the best training available, however, they are also usually more expensive than others. The standout schools are as follows:
- American School of Nursing
- Allied College
- US Career Institute
- Ultimate Medical Academy
- Sanford-Brown College
- Remington College
- Lincoln Technical Institute
- Everest College
These dental assistant schools are among the best in the country, yet this does not mean that they are the only schools worth gaining accreditation. There are plenty of good schools around the country available in each state. What matters is which school is the proper fit for you.