How to become a Dental Assistant?

How long will it take me to become a hirable dental assistant?

• I am 19 years old and just completed a short 8 week dental assisting program and am now doing my internship. Ive only been there for one week and I am already taking X-Rays (regular and panoramic), Processing, Mounting, and labeling them independently with no supervision, i can clean up for any procedure and set up for cleanings, composite (white) fillings, extractions, and root canals. I can also call in and dismiss patients independently, chart, sterilize and use an autoclave and polish teeth all independently. What are the rest of the procedures I would have to know how to set up? Am I doing well for being there for only 2 weeks and about how much more do I need to know to become hirable? I must complete 320 hours.

• Answer:

  Hi Katerina~ Wow, it sounds like you're doing great! That's a lot you've picked up in just a few weeks! Well, here are some of the other set-ups you should know: Perio surgery Crown & bridge (prep, temp, impressions, try-ins, cementations) Amalgam fillings Full & partial dentures - custom trays, impressions, wax ups, try-ins, delivery Apicos (you may have this covered with RCT) (You may want to consider being an ortho assistant down the road) The MAIN thing you need to learn is how to anticipate what the doctor needs. For example, if he's going to do an MOD amalgam, you know you'll need the tofflemire/matrix bands, and wooden wedges, and have them already set up for the correct quadrant. If you can become a star 4-handed assistant, you will be worth your weight in gold. The doctor should not have to turn his head from the field at all when with a patient. Again, using an amalgam as an example: you have all his favorite high speed speed burs ready, the contra-angle with his #4 round bur, or whatever he likes in it, the articulating paper set up, you know when to hand him the matrix band, and when to give him the college pliers for the wedge....everything. You have the cotton pellets all ready, the Dycal out on the pad ready to be mixed - whatever he needs, you are there, handing it to him. You should always be ready with the suction, and remember to keep his mirror clear. Retract well, without sucking up the tongue or cheek. The only things the dentist should be doing in the operatory are the things that you, by law, are not allowed to do. If you can remember this, and have a good personality and can work well as part of a team, not only will you be hirable, but highly sought after and very well paid. I wish you much success in your new career!