Qualifications Needed for Dental Assistant Jobs
Aptitude
The dental assistant is required not only to possess knowledge, but also a complete understanding of her role and function within the dental team. She must be very flexible and adapt to a variety of working conditions and techniques. The ability to anticipate the needs of the dentist and the patient is crucial.
The dental assistant should be familiar with basic anatomy of the head, jaws, oral cavity, teeth and gums (gingiva), with an emphasis on dental anatomy. Knowledge of disease transmission, infection control, radiation safety, and other safety concerns will protect the assistant from injury and health hazards.
And of course, she must be well versed in dental procedures and the instruments and materials required to accomplish them.
Interest
There is nothing worse than working with someone who is totally bored with their work. Dental assistants must take an interest not only in their work, but also in the people they work with, specifically, the patients. Many patients are terrified to go to the dentist in the first place, so assistants, as well as the entire dental team, can do a lot toward making patients at ease simply by being pleasant, dignified, courteous, and considerate.
Important to note here is that assistants who do take an interest in their work may have a desire to ask the dentist questions while they work. While there is nothing wrong with being inquisitive, questions should be asked after the patient has left. Otherwise, asking the dentist questions in the patent's presence may cause the patient to have some uncertainty about the dentist or the assistant or both. Asking questions is an excellent way to learn, but consideration for the patient comes first.
Bearing
While the assistant should be personable and sociable, she must always conduct herself professionally in the office. There will always be situations that occasionally occur that will challenge our professionalism. Dealing with difficult people is one of those challenges. Countless courses and seminars are available to help us learn the appropriate people skills to apply in these situations. All of them will discuss professionalism to one degree or another.
Attitude
The assistant must approach her work with an attitude of cooperation and service. Her demeanor should be that which demonstrates concern and consideration for patients and office staff alike. Her greatest reward is that of patients gratitude, accomplishment, and self-satisfaction.
Conclusion
Many of the attributes required of dental assistants are inherited; others can be learned or cultivated; all are interdependent. The knowledge and skills required can be gain by attending vocational schools, community colleges, or adult education classes. Some dentists, where allowed, will train their assistants on the job. This type of training is not usually recommended as the dentist does not usually have the time to impart a thorough understanding of the assistants role.
In any case, the qualifications for becoming a dental assistant are not difficult to acquire. Depending on the state, assistant may be required to have up to two years of training, or little or no training. Most dentist will require some knowledge, so attending a vocational school would be considered a minimum requirement to start at entry level.
