Major: Dental Assisting
When you call for a dental appointment, are you greeted by a friendly voice or a grumpy one? That first call is the most important -- and it’s handled by the dental assistant.
As a dental assisting student, you’ll learn how to schedule appointments and greet patients in a warm and welcoming way. You’ll also learn how to show patients the proper way to brush and floss, and how to perform x-rays and other basic clinical tasks, such as taking whole-mouth impressions. Sterilizing instruments, setting up patient trays, and medical record keeping are also part of the program.
Dental assisting students learn how to help dentists with basic administrative and clinical tasks.
Did You Know?
- A lot of dental assistants learn on the job, but community college and trade school programs are gaining in popularity.
Are You Ready To...?
- Learn proper brushing and flossing techniques
- Set up dental trays
- Learn how to sterilize instruments and equipment
- Work alongside dentists as part of your training
- Study for the certification exam
It Helps to Be...
A people person who is good with your hands: you'll need to use small tools safely and precisely.
College Checklist
- Is the program accredited by the American Dental Association?
- Will the program prepare you to take the national or state-specific certification exam?
- Does the course work balance training in front-office skills (such as appointment setting and patient records) with clinical skills?
- What kind of real world experience will you get? Will you have the chance to complete a clinical internship?
- Does the college have a job placement program?
Did You Know?
- Cleaning the mouth with a special twig, called a siwak, has been an important part of Islamic culture for over a millennium.
Course Spotlight
One of the first classes you can expect to take is dental assisting techniques, where you’ll lay the foundation for the rest of your studies. This is where you’ll learn how to identify, sterilize, and use dental instruments; set up patient trays; keep dental charts; and dispose of hazardous waste. You’ll also learn all the chairside assisting techniques you’ll need for the clinical practice portion of the program -- and, ultimately, your career.
