female dentists treating patient girl teeth
You can work as a dental assistant without certification but are limited in the job duties you can perform. A dental assistant without a certification can assist with basic dental procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist but cannot perform more specific job responsibilities.
To work as a certified dental assistant, you can perform more expansive job duties and are not as limited by the functions of your job. An uncertified dental assistant can perform basic dental procedures.
To work as a dental assistant, you should receive the education you need from an accredited institution, such as a dental assistant school. When obtaining your dental assistant education, you will get the hands-on experience you need before entering the field.
In addition, you will work in a dental setting to get the skills you need when you become a dental assistant. You can complete your dental assisting certification program in as little as 9 to 24 months.
You can be a dental assistant without having your RDA license. However, it limits your ability to do specific duties within your job field.
Suppose you need to get your dental assistant license. In that case, you can only set up and sterilize the patient’s room, schedule appointments, maintain dental records, suction, perform oral irrigation and drying, apply fluoride varnish, retract the cheek, or perform other primary duties under the supervision of a dentist.
Getting your dental assistant license allows you to have the ability to perform more job duties in addition to the basics. These job duties include taking X-rays, helping with dental procedures (crowns, fillings, root canals), and coronal polishing.
To be able to work as a dental assistant, you must complete specific certifications to perform the X-rays, temporary fillings, temporary crowns, placement of pit & fissure sealants, or coronal polishing.
It is easy to become a dental assistant. The curriculum to become certified as a dental assistant is 620 hours, plus a 200-hour onsite externship and 820 hours complete program. While that may take a long time, you can complete your certification program and requirements between 9 and 18 months.
You will take courses on dental procedures, anatomy, and how to provide patient care. You will also learn the leadership and management skills necessary to work in a dental office.
During your externship, you will work hands-on with dentists, allowing you to interact with patients, guide patients in oral hygiene, take X-rays, and practice infection control.
Do you need a certificate to be a dental assistant? To become certified and work as a dental assistant, you must graduate from a board-approved dental assistant program or complete a minimum of 15 months of dental assisting under a dentist’s supervision in the United States.
Another route to obtain your certification is completing a four-month program approved by the Department of Education in CA and 11 months of hands-on work experience under a dentist’s supervision in the United States. You must complete the required courses on radiation safety and coronal polishing.
You can work as an entry-level dental assistant in most states without training or education. However, you will need more advanced duties to perform. Without certification, you cannot take dental X-rays, perform coronal polishing, and assist with more advanced dental procedures, such as crowns, fillings, or root canals.
You can be a dental assistant without a bachelor’s or master’s degree. You can also become a dental assistant without a certification, but you should receive your RDA certification to perform more expansive job duties throughout your career.
As a certified dental assistant, you must complete certain courses and requirements, such as radiography training, coronal polishing, CPR (approved by the AHA or ARC), CA Dental Practice Act, 8 Hour Infection Control, plus complete time working under a dentist’s supervision, in order to learn how to interact with patients and educate them on their oral health.
Can you work as a dental assistant without being certified? Yes, but it is helpful to have a certification to be able to do more expansive work throughout your career.
If you want to understand more about how to work as a dental assistant, Howard Healthcare Academy can help. We invite students throughout Southern California to attend our dental assistant school and earn a dental assistant certification or take standalone courses.
Being a dental assistant is a rewarding career, and obtaining your dental assistant certification is simple. Contact us today at Howard Healthcare Academy to learn more!
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