Introduction

Dental Assistant Job Listings by State:

Dental Assistant Job Hints

Because a great number of dental assistant job openings are forecast for the next several years, it can be helpful to know what dentists might be looking for in the employees they hire. This position often has the most untapped potential of all,� wrote Linda Zdanowicz for Dental Health Magazine.

Successful dental assistants possess some important personal qualities. Members of this profession need to have good manual dexterity, a respect for patient confidentiality, and an ability to work well in a fast-paced environment. Not only should you be a good team player, but also those with whom you work will want to know you are reliable. In essence, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has explained, you will serve as the dentist's second pair of hands.�

Indeed, assistants must love their work. I don't want someone who sees service as servitude, Zdanowicz stated. A person who is willing to go the extra mile in offering great service can be a considerable benefit to the work team. A good education and chairside skills are important, too. Zdanowicz says that one quality she values is intelligence, and knowing that her assistant is able to answer questions confidently and reflect well on the assistant's employer and on the practice as a whole.

Be goal-oriented, Zdanowicz encourages. Live up to your potential. Those who desire to improve their abilities continually can be even more essential to the office.

Dental Assistant Training

For entry-level dental assistant jobs in most states, there is no formal training required. High school students interested in the field should focus their studies particularly on the sciences. Biology, chemistry, and health courses are beneficial, and prospective dental assistants should also learn about office practices. Many times, dental assistants receive their training on-the-job, with the help of the dentist who hired them or from other dental assistants in the office.

However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that formal schooling is a growing trend in the dental assisting profession.

• Many students are taking part in the programs available at trade schools, technical institutes, community and junior colleges, and even the military to learn about this occupation.
• Part-time, accelerated, and distance learning options are also available.
• The time spent in school is relatively short, often lasting just a few months to a year.

As of 2009, the Commission on Dental Accreditation had approved 281 dental assisting training programs. Depending on the type of program you complete, you can earn a certificate or diploma (from one-year courses of study), or even an associate’s degree (from a two-year program).

Even with formal education, some on-the-job training could be required to become familiar with the dental assisting profession. Dentists likely have individual preferences for how they work in an office, and the dental assistant will need to learn that style. Similarly, files and dental tools will probably be kept in different places, depending on the office in which you work. Your versatility will be key to helping you succeed.