6 Skills You Need to Be Successful in Dental Assisting

From administrative and reception duties to patient care, dental assistants have a range of responsibilities at the clinic. Aside from oral treatments and procedures such as dental bonding, bridges, implants, and more, there are specific sets of skills you need to learn in order to become an effective and efficient dental assistant and thrive in the health industry.

Educational Requirements

Formal education is not needed for working as a dental assistant. There are dental assistants in the field with a high school diploma and on-the-job training. However, there are degree programs and certificates available in this field that provide a more elaborate and comprehensive career education. These programs typically last one to two years, focusing on technical education through classroom and clinical instructions. There are vocational schools and community colleges that have a two-year associate’s degree dental assisting programs that combine general education and technical training on procedures such as tooth extraction, root canal, dental bonding, and more. Additionally, some states require the necessary certification or license before working as a dental assistant.

Licensure and Certification

In some states, dental assistants must acquire registration or licensure to practice the trade. The state implements the licensure regulations for this profession; these regulations vary by state. In general, licensure requires passing an accredited postsecondary program and a written and practical exam. To maintain the licensure, dental assistants must obtain continuing education at intervals specified by the state. As for certification, the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA®) certification offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is recognized and required by 38 states. The qualifications for the CDA®  are as follows:

  • A graduate from an accredited dental assisting/hygiene program
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Have held DANB (CDA®) certification or have graduated from a DDS or DMD program from an accredited educational institution

Outlook and Salary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected an 18% increase of employment for dental assistants until 2024. They added that an annual median salary for the dental assistant position in 2018 is $36,458. If you’re deciding a profession as a dental assistant, consider the required training, job duties, and job growth. First and foremost, make sure to check your state’s license and certification regulations.

Before you take on a dental assisting education program, take a look at these seven skills you need to develop.

How to communicate

All dental professionals must know how to be effective communicators. Since dental assistants spend a lot of time interacting with fellow staff members, patients, visitors, and vendors, communication lines must always be open and transparent.

How to clean and sterilize

All oral health procedures including dental surgery, dental bonding, filling, tooth extraction, and more, require meticulous cleaning and sterilization of all equipment, tools, and work area. Dental assistants must learn how to assist in carrying out a procedure or treatment properly.

How to do administration and marketing duties

Another responsibility of dental assistants is to ensure the organization and cleanliness of the office. From scheduling appointments to answering phone calls, social media engagement to other administration and marketing duties, dental assisting is a well-rounded position.

How to apply first aid

Anyone working in the health industry should know how to apply first aid correctly – and dental assistants are no exception. An excellent dental assistant must possess necessary life support skills and how efficiently perform them.

Important Link

As a dental assistant, you are the critical bridge and important link between the dentist and his or her client. Therefore, a dental assistant must be professional at all times. The patients’ comfort is one of the main considerations when dental assisting. Moreover, accurately checking medical history and using non-verbal communication with the dentist during a procedure, so the patient is calm and comfortable are signs of a useful dental assistant. You will learn all these skills and more during your training and hands-on learning.