Is Dental Assistant School Tough?
According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 17 percent of children ages 5-19 have untreated dental conditions. That number soars to 27.4 percent for adults who are between 20 and 44. Nearly 40 percent of all Americans don't see a dentist during any given year.
Yes, things are tough for teeth in America these days. Luckily, a dedicated group of professionals out there are willing to do something about it.
They are dental assistants.
Dental assistants are on the front lines in the fight against everything from gum disease to cavities to cosmetic dentistry. They are the lifeblood of most dentist offices and the people on whom patients rely for everything, from emotional support to superior service.
Dental assistants prepare patients for exams, manage patient medical records, take vital signs, and assist with laboratory procedures. In some cases, they also clean kids' teeth, work with insurance companies, and keep track of billing.
Dental Assistant Education
If you're one of the caring, compassionate people who is working toward a career as a dental assistant (or considering it), you are probably wondering what you can expect in dental assistant school.
What will you learn? How long will it take? Is it hard?
Here is a look at what, exactly, you can expect from dental assistant school:
What Will You Learn?
One of the great things about dental assistant school is that it combines classroom work with clinical work. You'll spend part of your time in the classroom, studying everything from anatomy to the fundamentals of radiology. You'll also spend part of your time in the clinic, practicing chairside assisting, clinical rotations, and computer applications.
In addition, you'll likely learn a lot about clinical science, community health, dental practice management, and more.
Is it hard? It can be. But not if you enroll in a program that combines classroom work with clinical experience--and offers exceptional instructors who are there to support you every step of the way.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Dental Assistant?
On-the-job training is one way to start your career--but you might not learn everything you need to know to succeed. And it can take a long, long time before the dentist with whom you are working actually allows you to perform the duties of a dental assistant.
In many states, you need to earn a degree in dental assisting before you can get started. Dental assistant school can take two years or more. There are other programs which focus on both practical and classroom work, which can take as few as 1.5 years to complete.
So, how difficult is the time investment? In general, many people find that shorter programs are more demanding in the short-term, but more rewarding in the long-term.
How Hard Is Dental Assisting School . . . Really?
When it comes to dental assistant school, five key factors will determine whether you find it difficult:
- Are you detail oriented? Dental assistants need to be able to follow specific protocols. If you are detail oriented, you are much more likely to succeed as a dental assistant.
- Do you have dexterity? Dental assistants need to be good at working with their hands.
- Are you good with people? Dental assistants work closely with patients, doctors and other healthcare employees. If you are good with interpersonal skills, you will likely do well as a dental assistant.
- Do you listen well? Listening to patients and dentists is incredibly important to being a good dental assistant.
- Are you organized? Dental assistants need to be able to use the right tool at the right time. This means they need to be organized.
If you possess these attributes, you might find that starting a future as a dental assistant isn't hard at all (it might be challenging and rewarding, but not hard).
Ready to Take on Dental Assistant School?
To learn more about dental assistant school, connect with ECPI University today to discover how you could earn an Associate of Applied Science in Health Science with a concentration in Dental Assisting in as little as 15 months. The school has a program that could put you on the front lines in the fight against dental problems. Call today—it could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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