Dental Assisting
Dental Assistant Overview
If you are interested in a career that can help bring a smile to someone's face, then check out our Dental Assistant field. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment is expected to grow 36 percent from 2008 to 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. In fact, dental assistants are expected to be among the fastest growing occupations over the 2008 to 2018 projection period.
The Dental Assistant performs duties in both office and patient contact capacities under the direction of a dentist or group of dentists.
Office duties may include:
- Reception
- Insurance
- Clerical Billing
- Record keeping
- General Office Procedures
- Patient-related responsibilities typically include:
- Preparing patients for examinations
- Conducting patient interviews
- Charting histories
- Taking vital signs
- Assisting during minor surgeries and laboratory procedures
What You Can Learn in Dental Assistant
A Dental Assistant student is educated in:
- Clinical procedures
- Radiographic procedures
- Administrative procedures
Part of this instruction includes an externship so that the dental assistant student can experience a real world environment firsthand.
Where You Can Go in Dental Assistant
Graduating with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Science with a concentration in Dental Assisting, the student is likely to launch his or her career in an entry-level Dental Assistant position at a:
- Dental Office
- Dental Supply Manufacturer
- Hospital Dental Department
- Insurance Company
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010, 2011 Edition