Dental Assistant Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a dental assistant. Feel free to use our dental assistant job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a dental assistant.
Who is a Dental Assistant?
Generally, a dental assistant is an entry-level employee who works closely with a licensed dentist. A dental assistant’s responsibilities may include scheduling appointments, sterilizing and arranging instruments, accompanying patients, performing X-rays, and performing routine clerical work. Although formal education is not always required, many high school vocational programs offer training to become a dental assistant. Certain dentists provide on-the-job training to dental assistants.
The duties of a dental assistant vary by office. Numerous states, for example, require additional certification and training before a dental assistant is permitted to operate an x-ray machine. A dental assistant is generally not permitted to perform surgical procedures on a patient. In most cases, an effective dental assistant assists the dentist during a procedure by suctioning excess saliva or providing instruments. Cleanings are frequently performed by trained dental hygienists, who frequently complete college-level vocational training.
Additionally, a dental assistant may spend time comforting patients, particularly small children. This may necessitate exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to work under duress. A successful dental assistant must also demonstrate a high level of professionalism when scheduling appointments and resolving patients’ concerns and questions.
A dental assistant’s starting salary is typically low for a job in the medical field. Without x-ray certification, an entry-level dental assistant may earn only $8 to $12 per hour, depending on the size and location of the dentistry center. A dental assistant’s advancement opportunities may be limited to an office manager or a seniority position among coworkers. A dental assistant who wishes to advance their career should consider training as a dental hygienist or enrolling in dental school.
As is the case with many other entry-level to mid-level positions in the medical field, the dental assistant position is in high demand. Turnover rates can be high as employees seek more responsible employment opportunities elsewhere. Straight out of a high school vocational program, becoming a dental assistant is a distinct possibility. Additionally, some private educational institutions and community colleges offer dental assisting training.
Dental assistants typically have a high school education or an equivalency diploma. While many dentists provide on-the-job training, some prefer candidates who have completed a dental assistant program at a community college or technical school. Successful dental assistants typically require a variety of skills, including communication and manual dexterity. Additionally, some jurisdictions and employers require licensed or certified candidates.
While high school education is typically required to become a dental assistant, a General Educational Development® (GED®) may suffice. Though employers do not specify which classes a student must take in high school, some courses can help a student develop the necessary skills for this job. For instance, a person interested in this type of job will likely benefit from high school biology, chemistry, and health classes. If an individual has the opportunity to enroll in a class that teaches business or office skills, he or she may benefit as well.
Pre-employment training programs are not always included in the standard dental assistant qualifications. Numerous employers do not require prior training for new hires, as they frequently provide on-the-job training to new assistants. However, some employers prefer to hire individuals who have completed dental training programs. Typically, such a program lasts about a year or two and culminates in the award of a diploma, certificate, or associate’s degree. This type of training program typically includes classroom and laboratory studies in addition to a clinical component.
Other common dental assistant credentials include abilities and characteristics acquired through life or other types of work. For example, a candidate should typically possess strong communication skills to interact with the dentist he serves, his patients, and the rest of the dental office staff. He must also pay close attention to detail to effectively follow directions and make necessary file notations. Because dental assistants are frequently required to pass dental equipment and perform other tasks with their hands, they must also have a high level of manual dexterity. Additionally, a dentist needs to know that his assistant will consistently show up for work and perform his duties as expected, which is why reliability is critical in general.
Occasionally, licensure, registration, or certification are included in the dental assistant qualifications required for this position. Certain jurisdictions require licensure or certification, and even if they do not, some dentists prefer to hire individuals who possess these credentials. Generally, an individual must pass an examination to register or obtain licensing or certification.
Dental Assistant Job Description
Below are the dental assistant job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a dental assistant job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a dental assistant include the following:
- Assisting in the taking of dental X-rays
- Assisting with dental procedures such as fillings, extractions, and the creation of tooth molds.
- Utilizing dental instruments to clean the patient’s teeth
- Examining patients and providing follow-up instructions
- Scheduling appointments
- Getting examination rooms ready
- Preparing patients for treatment
- Assisting the dentist during procedures
- Making impressions of teeth
- Supplying oral hygiene products and educational materials
- Creating X-rays
- Educating patients on proper flossing and brushing techniques
- Educating patients on the importance of proper oral hygiene.
- Cleaning, sanitizing, and preparing dental equipment and tools
- Assisting and caring for patients before, during, and after dental procedures
- Assisting dentist with laboratory tasks and procedures, such as X-ray acquisition and reading
- Maintaining and organizing patient records and dental procedure information
- Scheduling cleanings, treatments, and procedures for patients
Qualifications
Education
Before working with patients, dental assistants must earn a high school diploma and complete a technical dental program. The certificate or associate’s degree program will include coursework in anatomy, biology, and chemistry, as well as a supervised dental practicum. The practicum is a critical component of the educational requirements because it provides aspiring dental assistants with hands-on experience in the dental field.
Training
The majority of dental assistants receive their training through their technical degree program and practicum experience. You can expect to observe and interact with patients during the practicum experience, as well as learn about the various dental tools and how to properly use them. After completing your educational requirements, you may be able to continue receiving on-the-job training as an entry-level dental assistant.
Certifications
Certifications are not typically required for entry-level dental assistant positions. Dental assistants who wish to work with specialized equipment or in a more experienced role, however, may be required to obtain certification. The dental assistant industry offers the following certifications:
- National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA)
The NELDA certification is ideal for dental assistants at the entry-level who wish to become certified immediately upon completion of their technical program. Candidates must pass all three examination components successfully, which include anatomy, morphology, and physiology, infection control, and radiation health and safety.
- Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
The CDA is offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and is an excellent option for dental assistants seeking national certification. You are eligible for certification if you have completed an accredited dental assisting program and have at least two years of experience working as a dental assistant.
- Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA)
The COA certification is an excellent option for dental assistants interested in working in orthodontics. To earn the certification, you must complete a two-year program, obtain the CDA, and then pass the COA exam.
- Certified Preventative Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA)
The CPFDA certification is ideal for dental assistants interested in performing preventative tasks such as dental cleanings and fillings on their own. Polishing, sealants, topical anesthetics, and topical fluorides are all covered in the exam. There are no prerequisites, but interested candidates must pass the exam successfully.
Essential Skills
- Personality traits
Interpersonal skills enable individuals to interact with one another. This is a necessary characteristic if you wish to work in the field of dental assisting. Dentists and patients work in close collaboration with dental assistants. Occasionally, patients may be in pain or stressed, necessitating sensitivity to the emotions of those around them.
- Communication
Additionally, as a dental assistant, you may interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds and circumstances. Adaptable communication is critical to ensuring the quality of dental office care. You may want to inform patients about what to expect during their appointment. Additionally, you may act as a liaison between patients and a dentist, requiring exceptional communication skills.
- Listening skills
As a dental assistant, you must be receptive to patients and other healthcare professionals. Dental assistants assist dentists and dental hygienists in treating patients and performing tasks such as processing X-rays. A dental assistant must face the patient and maintain eye contact to be an effective listener. Additionally, they can provide regular feedback to help the patient or dentist understand what is being said.
- Organizational skills
The dentist’s office environment is dynamic and constantly changing. As a dental assistant, you must be prepared to take on a variety of responsibilities. Excellent dental assistants demonstrate their preparedness by maintaining an extraordinary level of organization. From patient schedules to paperwork and examination room preparation, organization skills can assist you in a variety of ways.
- Dexterity
Dental assistants must be able to manipulate objects to assist dentists or dental hygienists during procedures. Having exceptional dexterity enables you to operate dental instruments and equipment during examinations. Additionally, this ability may assist you with administrative tasks such as typing.
- Computer literacy
Computer literacy and an average keyboarding speed are two prerequisites for success as a dental assistant. It assists you in maintaining patient records, transcribing notes, and filing insurance claims.
- Empathy and compassion
An exceptional dental assistant must take care of each patient and ensure their comfort throughout their appointment. A patient who is nervous about the dental procedure will appreciate an assistant who reassures them while clearly explaining what will happen.
- Administrative skills
Dental assistants spend the majority of their time in the office performing administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, maintaining patient files, and answering phones. Attention to detail, effective time management, and a working knowledge of basic medical file systems and technology are also necessary.
- Technical aptitudes
A dental assistant must have a working knowledge of dental medications and be able to predict the sequence of tasks during complex dental procedures.
- Constant education
As a dental assistant, you may be required to stay current on dental procedures and technology. Dental assistants are constantly required to acquire new skills and increase their knowledge of examination procedures.
- Adherence to strict instructions
A significant portion of a dental assistant’s job is to adhere to protocols. While each dentist may have their protocol, every dental office must adhere to infection control standards. Maintaining a sterilized, sanitized, and the tidy dental office is a critical aspect of the dental assistant’s job. Additionally, dental assistants must adhere to the Privacy Rule of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The assistant should maintain the confidentiality of all information and follow all safety protocols.
- Multitasking skills
Dental assistants perform a variety of tasks. They assist patients while they are seated in a dental chair, assist the dentist during procedures, and sterilize instruments and equipment. All of these dental assistant duties necessitate the ability to multitask.
- Problem Solving Skills
Dental healthcare facilities are typically fast-paced environments. Patients may visit regularly, filling the majority of the day. The fast-paced nature of the workday requires the assistant to think quickly, process information, make decisions, and implement instructions immediately.
- Positivity
Dental assisting is a patient-centered profession. Along with an appreciation for interpersonal relationships, a positive attitude can help you advance in this career. Dental patients are not always enthusiastic about their oral health. Successful dental assistants have developed the ability to transform a patient’s unpleasant experience into a positive one.
- Team player
Dental assistants may undertake tasks alone or as a member of the team. In the day’s course, a dental assistant might need to assist others in the dental office. They also may be the only assistant in an office with multiple tasks, hence the need to be flexible and willing to help.
How to Become a Dental Assistant
To become a dental assistant, you must meet specific educational and experience requirements. The following steps will guide you through the process of becoming a dental assistant:
- Enroll in and complete a dental assisting technical program
Enrolling in and completing a dental assisting technical program is the first step toward becoming a dental assistant. Ascertain that the program you choose is accredited and that you take advantage of any practicum opportunities that will enable you to begin developing critical dental assistant skills.
- Get certified
Some aspiring dental assistants may choose to obtain certification before seeking employment. Certifications can help you stand out from the competition and demonstrate your commitment to the industry. Other assistants may prefer to gain industry experience before pursuing dental certification.
- Prepare and construct your resume
After fulfilling all education and certification requirements, it’s time to prepare your resume for your upcoming job search. Include all relevant education and experience in the dental assisting field. Create a new cover letter for each application to emphasize the unique experiences and skills required for that position.
- Apply for dental assistant positions
Carefully evaluate each open dental assistant position’s job description to determine the position’s minimum education and certification requirements. Select the positions for which you are most qualified and use the interview to demonstrate why you are the best fit.
Where to Work as a Dental Assistant
The majority of dental assistants work in hospitals, healthcare facilities, and small clinics.
Dental Assistant Salary Scale
In the United States, the national average salary for a Dental Assistant is $39,054 per year.