dental assistant school

The uncertainty of the past year may have made you question attending dental assistant school in order to train towards a career in dental assistance. However, 2021 is finally here! Whether you are concerned about finding the right dental assistant training school or are worried about how dental assistant school length may strain your schedule, you may be wondering if your career goals are still ‘worth it’ going forward into the new year. However, 2021 offers new possibilities for those who are looking to begin their career.

There are many benefits to a career as a Dental Assistant that should encourage you to begin your dental assistant school journey with confidence. As the medical field continues to expand, opportunities for stable employment in this rewarding industry are within reach!

By pursuing dental assistant school in 2021, you could be well on your way to working with trained medical professionals while helping patients with their dental health in the new year. Your future still looks bright if you are considering enrolling in a dental assistant training school in 2021!

 

Start Your Journey Today at National Career College!

 

Typical Duties of a Full Time Dental Assistant

If you are wondering if dental assistant school is worth it, it is important to consider what a typical day on the job could look like. Dental assistants work under the direction of dentists and dental hygienists. To keep up with the pace of a professional setting, it might be best to enroll in a dental assistant training school to learn the necessary skills.

For example, dental assistants might take a patient’s medical history, blood pressure, and pulse before a procedure; explain what will be done, and talk to patients about oral care. They help dentists during a procedure by passing instruments and holding equipment such as suction hoses, matrix bands, and dental curing lights1.

After successfully completing training, you may be responsible for the following tasks:

  • Ensure that patients are comfortable in the dental chair
  • Prepare patients and the work area for treatments and procedures
  • Sterilize dental instruments
  • Hand instruments to dentists during procedures
  • Dry patients’ mouths using suction hoses and other equipment
  • Instruct patients in proper oral hygiene
  • Process x rays and complete lab tasks, under the direction of a dentist
  • Keep records of dental treatments
  • Schedule patient appointments
  • Work with patients on billing and payment1

Some dental assistants are specially trained to take x-rays of teeth and the surrounding areas. This process includes placing a protective apron over patients’ chest and lap, position the x-ray machine, place the x-ray sensor or film in patients’ mouths, and take the x-rays. Afterward, dental assistants ensure that the images are clear1. One of the best ways to learn how to perform these tasks is by attending a Dental Assistant training school.

Top Dental Assistant schools and professional dental practices are now using extra safety precautions that have become standard in the wake of the pandemic. A survey of dental assistants showed new safety measures have been implemented into their daily routine. This could include temperature checks for staff and patients, more disinfecting and cleaning of dental areas and office space, and wearing additional personal protective equipment including head coverings, face shields, and disposable jackets2.

Dental Assistant training could offer a great opportunity to build confidence in the foundations of dental assisting, as well as learn new precautions that have been put in place within the past year.

Job Outlook After Completing Dental Assistant School

The importance of and need for dental care is strong and will continue to grow over the next year, which could potentially lead to more opportunities than ever before to enter the field of dental assistance. The employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations3.

This growth is great news for those considering dental assistant training school in 2021. Ongoing research linking oral health and general health will continue to increase the demand for preventive dental services. Dentists will continue to hire dental assistants to complete routine tasks, allowing dentists to work more efficiently. As dental practices grow, more dental assistants will be needed3.
2021 remains a great time to complete the designated dental assistant school length of training toward getting a dental assistant job. The first step to entering this growing field could be as simple as enrolling in dental assistant school!

Benefits of Completing Dental Assistant School

Depending on the state in which you reside, there may be more than one path to becoming a registered dental assistant. Some states require assistants to graduate from an accredited program and pass an exam.4 It’s important to research your state’s educational requirements, as well as assess what learning environment, vocational school, or degree program works best for you when deciding which path to take.

Some benefits of enrolling in an accredited dental assistant training school include formal educational classroom and laboratory work. Students learn about teeth, gums, jaws, and other areas that dentists work on and the instruments that dentists use. These programs also include supervised practical experience4.

Now that 2021 is here, you don’t want to waste a minute! If you are considering becoming a dental assistant, you may be wondering how long is dental assistant school? When working dental assistant training into a busy schedule, it is important to look into what the typical dental assistant school length is.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many dental assisting programs take about 1 year to complete and lead to a certificate or diploma4.

Begin Training at National Career College

If you are searching for “dental assistant school near me” or “top dental assistant schools”, National Career College can be the first step toward your career goals. At National Career College, we offer an immersive learning environment experience and present students with opportunities to learn in the classroom and our laboratory - equipped with the latest dental technology including a “real world” operational dental office.

Our Dental Assistant program is offered at our conveniently located campus in Panorama City, CA. In addition to providing career training, we offer our graduates employment assistance and financial aid is available to those who qualify.

At National Career College, you are not just a student; you are part of a community that includes faculty with industry-specific experience and administrators who are committed to your education, career, and success in your career objectives. Your future as a dental assistant looks bright with an education from National Career College’s dental assistant training school.

 

Find out today how you can become a Dental Assistant in less than 10 months at National Career College!

 


Sources:

  1. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm#tab-2
  2. https://www.dentalassistantlife.org/what-its-like-to-work-as-a-dental-assistant-during-covid-19/
  3. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm#tab-6
  4. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm#tab-4