Dental Assistants: Schools and Careers

Dental Assistants

Dental assistants are part of a dental care team and work under the direction of dentists. A dental assistant's job is characterized by a significant variety of tasks. According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, "The duties of a dental assistant are among the most comprehensive and varied in the dental office" (Source: "A look at allied dental education in the United States"). The specific tasks that a dental assistant may be able to perform are dictated by state regulations, but may include:

• Assisting dentists with various treatment procedures such as:
• Handing the dentists tools and supplies
• Preparing materials
• Using suction devices to keep patient's mouths clear and dry
• Removing sutures
• Applying topical anesthetics
• Applying bleaching agents or pit and fissure sealants
• Making and putting in place temporary crowns
• Taking and developing dental x-rays (also referred to as radiographs)
• Obtaining and disseminating information such as:
• Obtaining information from patients such as medical history or taking blood pressure and pulse
• Providing instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental treatment procedures
• Teaching patients oral hygiene
• Set up and carry out procedures to sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment
• Taking impressions of patient's teeth (models of teeth)
• Performing various office management tasks such as:
• Answering the phone
• Scheduling appointments
• Billing
• Ordering supplies and interacting with suppliers
• Helping to maintain patient records

Dental Assistant Job Characteristics

Dental assistants work in clean and comfortable office settings, often "chairside" working with a dentist. Dental assistants must wear protective clothing and devices (gloves, masks, eyewear) when working with patients during dental procedures to protect both themselves and their patients from infections.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (USDL BLS), approximately half of dental assistants work part time. The other half work an average of 35 to 40 hours a week. The dental assistant job may include work on nights and Saturdays. Many dental assistants work part time in several dental offices or clinics.

As of 2006, there were nearly 280,000 dental assistant jobs in the U.S. The USDL BLS ranks the profession as "among the fastest growing occupations over the 2006-16 projection period" (Source: "Dental Assistants", Occupational Outlook Handbook). In fact, according to the BLS, dental assisting is one of the 30 fastest growing occupations in the United States (Source: "The 30 fastest-growing occupations, 2006-2016", Bureau of Labor Statistics). Forbes ranks the career as one of the 10 fastest growing in the U.S. (Source: Hannah Clark. "Fastest-Growing Jobs"). It is also one of the 10 fastest growing jobs for individuals with a high school diploma or equivalent (Source: "Top 10 Fastest Growing Jobs With a High School Diploma or GED", About.com: Career Planning).

Opinions of dentists also support the assumption of strong demand for dental assistants. In an American Dental Association (ADA) survey nearly 46% of dentists found the supply of dental assistants to be inadequate. More than half felt that this shortage was impacting quality of care to patients (Source: 2005 Survey of Dental Practice-Employment of Dental Practice Personnel, ADA).

Dental Assistant Schools, Training, and Licensing

Nearly half (46%) of dental assistants receive most or all of their training on-the-job (Source: "A Current Overview of Dental Assisting in the United States", Contemporary Dental Assisting, March/April, 2007). The remainder receive formal post-secondary education from either accredited dental assisting programs or accredited vocational/technical educational institutions. Most of these programs are one year or less in duration and lead to a certificate or diploma. The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredits more than 260 dental assistant training programs.

Most states have some level of regulation over the duties that dental assistants are allowed to perform. Others require licensure or registration. Licensure or registration may require passing a written and/or practical examination. Over 30 states recognize or require certification from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Where not required, Dental assistants may pursue voluntary certification with the DANB. The DANB offers three certifications:

1. Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), which requires passing the three components of the CDA examination (General Chairside (GC), Infection Control (ICE), and Radiation Health and Safety (RHS))
2. Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA), which requires passing the two components of the COA examination (Orthodontic Assisting (OA), and Infection Control (ICE))
3. Certified Dental Practice Management Administrator (CDPMA), which requires passing either the CDPMA-1 exam, or he CDPMA-2 exam

Resources for Dental Assistants

• American Association of Dental Examiners (AADE)
• American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA)
• American Dental Education Association (ADEA)
• Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
• Canadian Dental Assistants Association
• Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), of the American Dental Association
• Contemporary Dental Assisting
• Dental Assisting, Hygiene and Lab Technology Programs - U.S.
• Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
• DENTAL ASSISTANTS, California Occupational Guide Number 27
• Dental Assistants, U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Dental Assistants, Virginia Career VIEW
• Dental Team Careers: Dental Assistant, American Dental Association (ADA)
• State-Specific Dental Assisting Information, Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)

Major Employers of Dental Assistants

The vast majority of dental assistants work in dentist's offices (solo and group practices). Other "traditional" practice areas may include clinics, hospital dental clinics, as well as dental school clinics. According to the ADA, other career opportunities include:

• Insurance companies to process dental claims
• Teaching in schools which may require an associate or baccalaureate college degree
• Sales of dental products

Dental Assistant Terminology

ADA - American Dental Association

CODA - Commission on Dental Accreditation

CDA - Certified Dental Assistant

CDPMA - Certified Dental Practice Management Administrator

COA - Certified Orthodontic Assistant

Dental Radiographs - x-rays

DANB - Dental Assisting National Board

Schools for Dental Assistants are listed in the column to the left.

The Top Cities tab shows employment statistics for Dental Assistants by major metro area.

The Find Schools tab lets you search for schools by field of study, degree level, and location.