3 answers
LaRissa
Student
Hopewell, Virginia
13
Questions
Asked
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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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3 answers
Azin Javadi
dentist, researcher
1
Answer
Beverly Hills, California
Updated
Azin’s Answer
To apply for a dental assistant job, you’ll need an x-ray certificate (you can get it through a dental assistant school), a CPR certificate, and an infection control certificate. These are the main requirements to get started.
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1616
Answers
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
jack karous
dentist
5
Answers
Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Updated
jack’s Answer
Key Skills
Technical Skills
Chairside Assisting: Experience in assisting dentists during procedures such as restorations, extractions, and cleanings.
Radiology: Taking and processing dental X-rays (e.g., panoramic, periapical, or CBCT).
Sterilization: Knowledge of infection control protocols and sterilizing instruments.
Impression Taking: Taking alginate impressions and pouring dental models.
Digital Scanning: Using intraoral scanners for digital impressions.
Basic Lab Work: Pouring and trimming models, creating temporary crowns, or working with dental materials.
Administrative Skills
Scheduling appointments and managing patient records.
Verifying insurance and processing billing.
Educating patients about treatment plans and oral hygiene.
Soft Skills
Strong communication skills for interacting with patients and team members.
Empathy and patience, especially for anxious patients or children.
Attention to detail for accurate records and assisting in precise procedures.
Technical Skills
Chairside Assisting: Experience in assisting dentists during procedures such as restorations, extractions, and cleanings.
Radiology: Taking and processing dental X-rays (e.g., panoramic, periapical, or CBCT).
Sterilization: Knowledge of infection control protocols and sterilizing instruments.
Impression Taking: Taking alginate impressions and pouring dental models.
Digital Scanning: Using intraoral scanners for digital impressions.
Basic Lab Work: Pouring and trimming models, creating temporary crowns, or working with dental materials.
Administrative Skills
Scheduling appointments and managing patient records.
Verifying insurance and processing billing.
Educating patients about treatment plans and oral hygiene.
Soft Skills
Strong communication skills for interacting with patients and team members.
Empathy and patience, especially for anxious patients or children.
Attention to detail for accurate records and assisting in precise procedures.