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LaRissa
Student
Hopewell, Virginia
8
Questions
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What skills and job experience should I have when applying for a dental assisting job .?
Are there any specific skills needed to be a dental assistant
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Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1587
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California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
It is important to note that there are multiple types of dental assistants; the difference between them is based on level of education, licensing, and assisting.
• DENTAL ASSISTANT (DA): An entry-level dental assistant who works under the supervision of a dentist or dental hygienist.
• CERTIFIED DENTAL ASSISTANT (CDA):
Although on-the-job training with a licensed dentist or comparable experience can help you meet the requirements, many aspiring CDA's complete a formal training program. Certificate programs, which CODA-accredited institutions often offer, take between nine months and a year to complete. Associate degree programs community colleges offer may take two years to complete and include general prerequisite courses, in addition to the specific dental assistant courses. Both programs cover the basic responsibilities of dental assistants and provide opportunities to practice relevant skills. Depending on the state and specific institution, enabling you to perform more complex tasks than an unlicensed DA.
• REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT (RDA): An RDA's path to starting their career often takes even longer, especially if their state requires previous certification. The basic requirements in many states include at least a year of educational courses with a hands-on curriculum or around three years of previous experience in a role supervised by a registered dental assisting professional. While it may take longer for RDA's to finish their requirements and receive their credential, they can also continue working during this time as a CDA or unlicensed dental assistant. As of November 01, 2024, the average annual pay of RDA in CA is $52,500.
DENTAL ASSISTANT ESSENTIAL SKILLS
A highly skilled dental assistant is an essential member of any dental healthcare team. Dental assisting is a profession that needs integrity, personal responsibility, dedication and a commitment to continuous learning. A dental assistant studies dentistry techniques and performs general office duties, including a range of patient care and laboratory duties. Many of the technical skills can be learned through the classroom and developed through hands-on training.
• TECHNICAL SKILLS
~ Computer literacy
~ Dental equipment and software
~ Dental impressions
~ X-ray processing
~ Infection control procedures
~ Fluoride and topical anesthetic application
• SOFT SKILLS
~ Professionalism
~ Attention to detail
~ Dexterity
~ Interpersonal skills
~ Listening skills
~ Organizational skills
• DENTAL ASSISTANT (DA): An entry-level dental assistant who works under the supervision of a dentist or dental hygienist.
• CERTIFIED DENTAL ASSISTANT (CDA):
Although on-the-job training with a licensed dentist or comparable experience can help you meet the requirements, many aspiring CDA's complete a formal training program. Certificate programs, which CODA-accredited institutions often offer, take between nine months and a year to complete. Associate degree programs community colleges offer may take two years to complete and include general prerequisite courses, in addition to the specific dental assistant courses. Both programs cover the basic responsibilities of dental assistants and provide opportunities to practice relevant skills. Depending on the state and specific institution, enabling you to perform more complex tasks than an unlicensed DA.
• REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT (RDA): An RDA's path to starting their career often takes even longer, especially if their state requires previous certification. The basic requirements in many states include at least a year of educational courses with a hands-on curriculum or around three years of previous experience in a role supervised by a registered dental assisting professional. While it may take longer for RDA's to finish their requirements and receive their credential, they can also continue working during this time as a CDA or unlicensed dental assistant. As of November 01, 2024, the average annual pay of RDA in CA is $52,500.
DENTAL ASSISTANT ESSENTIAL SKILLS
A highly skilled dental assistant is an essential member of any dental healthcare team. Dental assisting is a profession that needs integrity, personal responsibility, dedication and a commitment to continuous learning. A dental assistant studies dentistry techniques and performs general office duties, including a range of patient care and laboratory duties. Many of the technical skills can be learned through the classroom and developed through hands-on training.
• TECHNICAL SKILLS
~ Computer literacy
~ Dental equipment and software
~ Dental impressions
~ X-ray processing
~ Infection control procedures
~ Fluoride and topical anesthetic application
• SOFT SKILLS
~ Professionalism
~ Attention to detail
~ Dexterity
~ Interpersonal skills
~ Listening skills
~ Organizational skills