The position of Dental Assistant is highly respected and you can make a lot of money by becoming a part of the dental field.
To qualify for this position, you need to have a degree in Dental Assisting, a high school diploma, and a driving license.
All these qualifications will determine your ability to work as a dental assistant.
Hiring dental assisting jobs
You can have a variety of jobs in this field, either as a dental assistant or dental hygienist.
Dental assisting jobs are available in health clinics, dental practices, dental schools, and dentures.
A majority of dental offices use dental hygienists for quality service and often prefer dental assistants for multiple reasons.
The basic requirements of a dental assistant job
To get a job as a dental assistant you must have the following qualifications:
- You need to be 21 to take the written exam
- You need to pass the oral interview before you can take the exam
- After passing the exam, you must take a required three-month job-training period
Career profile of a dental assistant
The career of a dental assistant is a successful and enjoyable one.
Dental offices need highly qualified and experienced dental assistants, who can handle many different tasks at once.
Dental assistants can perform basic hygiene work such as cleaning instruments and helping dental hygienists to remove and dispose of dental fillings.
They can also administer medications, handle paperwork and patient files, treat patients, and fill cavities.
In the past, the job of dental assistants was considered to be menial work. But, with many new trends and technologies changing the industry, it is becoming a highly respected profession.
Many dental offices are now allowing women to work as dental assistants.
Dental assistants can now earn up to $12 per hour depending on the position. This means that after a job-training period, they can earn up to $18 per hour.
This is a lot of money and a perfect opportunity for women who want to learn how to work in the dental field.
Hiring tips for dental assistant
Before you apply for a job as a dental assistant, consider these tips:
Once you have applied, you will need to meet with the dentist to discuss your job scope, salary, and benefits.
They must make sure that you have the necessary skills and qualifications. They will also discuss your previous work experience and ask you to fill out an application.
Once the application process is complete, you will need to wait for the dental office to call you for an interview.
After the interview, you will need to pass a background check before the dental office can make their final decision.
Most dental offices will ask you to pass a drug test, a dental competency exam, a patient competency exam, an oral interview, and an oral interview.
You should also consider what your career goals are before applying for a job as a dental assistant.
Some dental offices will want dental assistants who can take on a wider variety of tasks, while others will only want you for simple dental work.
Be passionate about the profession
This is a career that can take you anywhere.
You can become a salesperson, executive, social worker, or in some cases even a dentist!
Become passionate about the career you have chosen, and you will naturally put in more effort.
Be knowledgeable
If you want to be great at your job, you must be an expert in the subject of your work.
Always study and ask as many questions as you can when there is a topic you don’t know.
Know everything about your product, you don’t want to work with someone who knows nothing about it.
Be knowledgeable on the types of things you are dealing with
You must know how to tell if a tooth has a cavity. You must know the average, current cost of a crown, and the cost of different treatments.
Understand what treatment you need to provide based on what the patient needs.
Also, understand what you should charge for certain services, especially if you are working in a group.
Know everything about dental insurance
If you work in a dental office you must know all about dental insurance. People often have dental insurance, and that means they pay lower rates for treatment.
The ideal thing to do is ask the office manager if you can know about the ins and outs of the insurance company in advance so that you can get an idea of how much your patients will be paying before the treatment takes place.
Be educated
Always be prepared for your next client. You should have pamphlets, brochures, and much more in your bag to hand out to the client.
If they ask for any details regarding the treatment, be sure to have the answer ready, and then refer them to a technician in the office who can assist.
Take care of yourself
When you are with the client, do not let them think that you are less than them.
Always be respectful of them, and give them the respect that they deserve.
Caring for yourself is very important if you want to reach your goals.
It is important to take care of your teeth, and that means brushing, flossing, and anything else to keep your mouth healthy.
