How Do I Get Certified to be a Dental Assistant?

How to Get Certified

Most states do not require dental assistants to be licensed for entry-level or part-time positions, but if you want to advance your career or perform expanded duties, you’ll need to get certified by the Dental Assisting National Board. Certification also makes it easier to get a job once you’ve completed a training program.

To become certified, you must have completed an accredited dental assistant program or have enough years of experience in a dental office. You will also need to be certified in CPR. If you do not already have a CPR certification, you can obtain one relatively easily through the American Red Cross. If you qualify for certification, you’ll need to take and pass an exam. Once you pass and meet any other state or local requirements, you’ll be a certified dental assistant and eligible for employment opportunities. In some places, you may be referred to as a registered (rather than certified) dental assistant or RDA.

You may decide that you want to perform more advanced procedures like crowns or sealants. If that’s the case, you can train to become an Expanded Function Dental Assistant, or EFDA. An EFDA has more responsibilities and skills than an entry-level dental assistant.

The Job Description

The primary role of a dental assistant is to assist in providing patient care. You will spend most of your time chairside, working closely with both patients and dentists to ensure that dental care is delivered in a safe and efficient environment. You can expect to perform at least some of the following tasks on a routine basis:

• Ensure patient comfort during exams
• Prepare patients for dental procedures
• Inform patients about procedures and answer any questions they may have
• Sterilize instruments
• Hand needed instruments to dentists during exams and procedures
• Use equipment to dry and suction patients’ mouths
• Educate patients on proper oral hygiene measures
• Assist in the completion of routine lab tasks and processing of x-ray films
• Maintain records of dental treatments
• Schedule patient appointments
• Assist with patient billing and payments

The Skills You’ll Need

Good dental assistants will need a series of skills to do the job effectively:

• Attention to detail: dental assistants must follow careful procedures to prevent infection or patient injury.
• Dexterity: you’ll be working frequently in patients’ mouths using precise instruments.
• Communication skills: because you will be working so closely with patients and dentists, it’s important that you be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with a wide array of personality types.
• Listening: dental work is precise and requires that you listen carefully to the dentist, your patient, and your colleagues.
• Organization: you’ll be charged with keeping track of things like instruments and patient records, so it’s important to stay organized.

How To Get A Dental Assistant Job

Once you’ve graduated from a dental assistant program and passed your exam, you’ll want to start looking for employment opportunities. Most dental assistant jobs are in a dentist’s office, though a small percentage of dental assistants work in government facilities or physician offices. The majority of dental assistants work full time.

There are countless job search websites available that will allow you to set up a job alert for position openings in your area. The American Dental Association also hosts job boards and career resources for those interested in dentistry, including dental assistant jobs.

As you first start out looking for jobs, you should focus on entry-level positions. Many dental clinics look for candidates with at least one or two years of experience. So when first starting out, seek part-time dental assistant work or one requiring less experience to assist with basic procedures in the office.

A career as a dental assistant offers countless opportunities. Dental assistants are a vital part of any dental practice and help ensure patient care and education. Many dental assistants chose to take their careers even further by training as dental hygienists. And with the need for certified dental assistants expected to grow at a rapid pace over the next ten years, there’s no better time to get started.