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Dental Assisting Job Requirements

April 29, 2015

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What Do Dental Assistants Do?

Here are answers for your top questions

Are you considering a future career in the dental assisting field? If so, but you still aren’t sure, take some time to ask yourself the following questions. Considering dental assisting job requirements may help guide you. Train to become a Dental Assistant through First Institute at one of our locations in Libertyville and Crystal Lake, Illinois.

dental assisting students are training with dental equipment

 

What job requirements will I have?

This is an important question to ask yourself, no matter what career path you plan to pursue. If you decide on dental assisting, you’ll spend your days assisting dentists with both patient care and with clerical and lab work. You’ll help take X-rays, sterilize dental tools and equipment, as well as process payments and complete paperwork. While many days will be routine, your specific schedule and tasks will vary depending on the type of patients you see on a particular day.

What type of schedule do I need?

Most Dental Assistants work in a dentist’s office, while some may work elsewhere, such as in an oral surgery facility. If you’re looking for the typical “regular work schedule,” which is approximately 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., dental assisting may suit you well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than half of the dental assistants in the U.S. work full-time hours. Depending on the dentist for which you’re working, some extended or weekend hours may be required, as well.

Do I have the right personality for dental assisting?

Not enough people consider this question before taking on a career. When you become a dental assistant, you’ll spend your days around a number of others – both coworkers and patients – and you’ll need to be comfortable having people around you all day. You should be able to act pleasantly toward the dentists, hygienists, other assistants and patients will require a high level of compassion – especially the patients who are in pain or afraid of the dentist.

What type of work environment am I seeking?

Dental assistants are constantly up and moving around, taking care of patients, checking patients in and out, collecting dental instruments and more. If this sounds better than sitting stationary at a desk, a dental assistant career will suit you fine! This job also is not for the faint of heart. As a Dental Assistant, you will assist in gum surgeries, dental implant procedures and more. It is important to have a strong stomach!

 

Does training to become a Dental Assistant still sound right for you? Dental Assistant demands can be challenging but also very rewarding! Request information and a First Institute representative will reach out to you to further discuss your interest or give us a call at 815-459-3500 for more information.

 

Learn more about First Institute’s Dental Assistant program and Dental Assisting Careers:

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