The Rise in Dental Assistants in 2022
Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in healthcare jobs, particularly those that involve assistants and aides. One such job is as a dental assistant. The demand for qualified and trained candidates for this position is strong, with growth projections expected to increase steadily in the coming years.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about dental assistants, their roles and responsibilities, and their job outlook.
What is a Dental Assistant?
A dental assistant is a part of the dental team and is considered to be second in charge to the dentist or dental surgeon. As the job title suggests, a dental assistant assists and supports the dentist in providing appropriate dental treatment to patients. A dental assistant is responsible for making the dentist’s work easier while improving the quality of the dental care the patient receives.
Dental assistants can be found in every medical institution with a dentistry department, including hospitals, dental clinics, doctor’s offices, and wellness centers. Their roles and responsibilities vary depending on the dentist they assist and the institution where they work.
What Does a Dental Assistant Do?
Dental assistants help dentists perform procedures properly and efficiently. In many cases, they also provide oral care to patients during the procedure. Their role starts with preparing the dental room for the patient, ensuring all the required equipment is in place, and that everything is sterile and ready for use.
Dental assistants are formally trained to assist dentists during tooth extractions, root canals, crowns, fillings, and other dental procedures. They are solely responsible for taking dental impressions and preparing molds. Dental assistants are often tasked with explaining the procedure and its outcomes to patients and preparing them for surgery.
Most dental assistants handle routine or minor dental procedures like polishing and scaling on their own, but the dentist almost always supervises them. In some institutions, dental assistants are also required to collect patient information and perform other administrative tasks.
Different Kinds of Dental Assistants
Several kinds of dental assistants are found in dental clinics, hospitals, and other medical facilities. These include the following roles:
Entry-Level Dental Assistant
An entry-level dental assistant is someone who has not yet completed formal training; therefore, the tasks they are permitted to perform are restricted and many of these tasks can only be performed under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. Specific tasks performed by an entry-level dental assistant vary from state to state but typically include conducting patient checkups, taking dental x-rays, and providing chair-side support to the dentist during dental procedures.
Dental Radiologic Technologist
A dental radiologic technologist has received formal training on dental x-rays and has the sole responsibility of taking x-rays of patients on the instruction of the dentist. A dental radiologic technologist may also require a dental x-ray license to work.
Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
A certified dental assistant has received both formal training and certification to work side-by-side with the dentist to provide oral care, assist during surgeries, take dental x-rays, apply temporary fillings, and diagnose basic oral conditions. By getting a CDA certification, the dental assistant boosts their income potential and hiring prospects compared to an entry-level dental assistant.
Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
A registered dental assistant is the most qualified and fully trained dental assistant working in the dental field. This individual typically has finished a dental assistant training program approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and passed the requisite state licensing examination. RDAs have more responsibilities than other dental assistants, including:
- Performing basic procedures
- Diagnosing oral conditions
- Adjusting temporary fillings
- Preparing or removing amalgam
- Adjusting orthodontic appliances
- Polishing restorations
Dental Assistant vs. Dental Hygienist: What is the Difference?
When you visit a dentist’s clinic for a routine checkup, you typically spend more time interacting with the dental assistant and the dental hygienist than the actual dentist. Both of these professions perform important but different roles in the dental field.
Dental assistants are responsible for providing oral care, taking x-rays, assisting the dentist, and performing administrative duties. Their job includes setting up the procedure area, selecting and preparing the right equipment, and cleaning up after the procedure. They may also be entrusted with counseling the patient regarding proper oral care practices and assisting in the billing and payment processes. Some states also allow dental assistants to carry out simple dental procedures under the supervision of the dentist.
Dental hygienists are responsible for cleaning patients’ teeth, screening for oral diseases, and counseling patients regarding preventative oral practices. They also perform oral assessments and share their findings with the dentist. Dental hygienists use several specialized dental instruments to perform their job. In most clinics, dental hygienists also take dental x-rays.
In terms of qualification, some states require dental assistants to undergo training in dental assisting programs, but most states permit on-the-job training. In contrast, dental hygienists require an associate degree, which takes three years to complete. While only a few states require licensing for dental assistants, all states require licensing for dental hygienists. The dental assistant salary is considerably lower than that of a dental hygienist, but growth opportunities in both professions are quite promising.
Job Outlook for Dental Assistants
As you can see, there are several ways to become a dental assistant. You do not need a 4-year degree or even formal training before you can start working, making it easier to enter the profession. If you are concerned about the number of jobs available, you have nothing to worry about because employment of dental assistants will grow, with a projected growth rate of 11% between 2020 and 2030, which is much faster than the median growth for all occupations.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were more than 300,000 dental assistants in 2020, with 36,900 new jobs projected for the industry in the next few years. The average annual wage for dentists was $38,660 in 2021, so you can expect it to rise steadily as well.
If you are interested in obtaining certification as a dental assistant, sign up for our Clinical Dental Assistant course to get the skills and knowledge needed to take your career to the next level. The course provides you with comprehensive learning of dental procedures and practices and even offers you an externship opportunity on completion. By enrolling in this course, you will be one step closer to launching a rewarding career as a dental assistant.
