Becoming a dental assistant is a rewarding career goal. It is easy to slip into the workforce once you have accomplished certificate training, or an associates degree program that works into your schedule. Great hours, pay and benefits also rank high among the rewards.
Dental assistants work closely with the patient, sometimes even more so than the dentist him/herself. The duties of dental assistants range from sterilization of equipment, preparing instruments for the dentist, and making patients feel as comfortable as they can while seated in a dentist's chair.
They assist dentists during procedures and prepare materials needed for those operations/procedures. They also may take and process patient x-rays, and instruct patients on post-operative care. Working as a dental assistant provides a sterile work environment like that of a hospital. It is important for the assistant to keep themselves safe from potentially harmful organisms that might be encountered from a patient. The use of masks, gloves and eye wear are usually necessary. Not only do these habits keep the assistant safe, but it also keeps patients safe from one another.
Courses taken in the field of science, such as biology, chemistry, health, etc, are encouraged for those looking to become a dental assistant. The ADA (American Dental Association) had, in 2006, approved 269 dental training programs. Though this route is preferable, some certification can be obtained via on-the-job training. In this case, other dental assistants teach the newcomer terms, procedures, names of instruments and when the trial period is done, accreditation may take place.
But what about the dental assistant terms? Are those difficult? Easy to follow? Like any career, there is a learning curve. Below is a list of dental assistant terms to help familiarize yourself with your possible chosen career path.
Groups
ADAA (American Dental Assistants Association): A National Professional organization specifically for dental assistants.
DANB (Dental Assisting National Board): This board provides potential dental assistants with information on becoming certified.
Procedures
Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery: The correction of facial deformities and the extraction of teeth.
Extraction: The process by which the tooth or tooth parts are removed.
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics: The straightening of teeth with braces or other dental appliances.
Endodontics: A root canal treatment.
Scaling: The removal of calculus, stains and plaque on the teeth.
Periodontics: The treatment of gum problems.
Sutures: Stitches that are used to repair a wound or cut.
Types of Dentistry
Solo Practices: Practices with just one dentist.
Pediatric Dentistry: A practice that specializes in the treatment of children's teeth.
Group Practices: Practices that house two or more dentists.
General Dental Assistant Terms relating to Dentistry:
Anesthetic: A drug used to numb a part of the body or cause a person to fall asleep to lessen or eliminate the pain during a dental procedure.
Asepsis: Techniques used to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms.
Bruxism: The clenching or grinding of teeth, most especially during the night
Cross contamination: Through improper sterilization techniques, the passing of bacteria and viruses (including AIDS) between patients.
Disinfection: The cleaning process that destroys most microorganisms, generally not more highly resistant forms, however.
Space maintainer: A gadget meant to provide a space within your mouth, such as when a baby tooth is lost. This maintainer keeps a gap open for the permanent tooth.
As you can see becoming a Dental Assistant might not be as time-consuming or difficult as other chosen career paths.
