Careers in dental assistance something to smile about

Careers in dental assistance something to smile about Careers in dental assistance something to smile aboutPosted October 13, 2011, by Mike KermodeIf youre like most people and hate going to the dentist, youre probably going to appreciate anyone who makes the process as smooth and fast as possible. In fact, dentistry and teeth for that matter just wouldnt be what it is today if it werent for the magical touch of one person the dental assistant.Becoming a dental assistant is a career you may bedrngnis have considered, but its a great option for a whole host of reasons especially for those who have recently finished school and are seeking a stable career with a good income and good working conditions, and who enjoy working with people.Here are some reasons why a career in the dental industry could bring a smile to your face, as well as the faces of others.What dental assistants doDental assistants perform a whole range of tasks, balancing clinical and administrative roles to ensure dental procedures are conducted in a smooth and efficient manner. This allows the dentist to focus all their attention on the matter at kralle you and your teeth.On the administrative side of things, a dental assistant books and follows up appointments, controls the invoicing, receipting and stocktaking of dental supplies, creates and maintains patient dental records, processes payments and attends to patient enquiries.In addition to the administrative stuff, theyre also responsible for welcoming patients, getting them settled, and putting them at ease if theyre a bit reluctant, a tad nervous, or completely terrified of whats about to happen in their own mouth. In this way, dental assistants are adept at making sure you dont freak out, so your teeth can get the treatment they need with as little fuss as possible.On top of this, theyre also in charge of various clinical procedures, such as sterilising instruments, preparing syringes for local anaesthesia, passing instruments during a procedure, holding a suction device, creating dental radiographs (X-rays) and handling radiography equipment, constructing provisional or temporary crowns, performing first aid and safely disposing of surgery waste.These health professionals are also involved in educating patients on various aspects of oral care, and sometimes crafting oral health programs for clients.What attributes do you need to become a dental assistant?First and foremost, you need to be a good communicator with a positive attitude. You need to be able to empathise with people, and to communicate with people of all ages and backgrounds. For this you need a caring approach. You also need to be able to multitask, capable of handling both clinical and administrative sides of the business simultaneously. Being computer literate is also a big help.What qualifications do you need to get in?For starters, youll at least need a Year 10 school certificate. People sometimes become dental assistants without formal qual ifications, but professional training definitely helps. While formal training has not been considered a necessity in the past, mora and more dental practices now require their dental assistants to be accredited, calling for a Certificate III in Dental Assisting as a minimum. That said, you can also do it the other way around finding a position as a dental assistant first, and then complementing your practical experience with theoretical studies. In this way, you learn the theory while getting the experience you need. The course will take up to 12 months to complete, at the end of which youll have a thorough understanding of everything involved in dental assistance, a professional qualification and a higher rate of pay. This scenario is ideal for recent school leavers, who can continue studying but can work and get paid at the same time. On top of the Certificate III, you have the option to extend your studies by completing a Certificate IV in Dental Assisting. In doing this, you can elect to become more specialised in one of two areas radiographic imaging or oral health promotion. Whichever way you go, this higher qualification will make you more attractive to employers, and will see that youre paid a bit more for your work.Five good reasons to become a dental assistant1. There are hundreds of jobs on offer right now. At the time of writing, there are over 200 dental assisting jobs on SEEK.com.au alone. 2. As weve explored above, its not hard to become a dental assistant and the time investment is minimal. 3. Dental assisting is a growing industry that offers good stable work. Most dental assisting positions offer decent pay with good working conditions, and most dental assistants report high job satisfaction. Its also pretty much recession-proof regardless of how the economy is going, people still need dental procedures. 4. You will learn skills you can take anywhere. Given the rising demand for dental services the world over, becoming a dental as sistant will ensure that your skills will be valued wherever you go. 5. You can take it further. Dental assistance can be a stepping stone to practice management, or further study in dental hygiene or dental therapy.Health ResourcesOccupational therapist sample resumeOccupational therapist sample cover letterCareer Insider StoriesSarah Key - Physiotherapist to the QueenInterested in becoming a?Business ManagerOffice AdministratorHuman Resources ManagerPractice ManagerOccupational Health and Safety (OHS) OfficerPopular Career Searchescertificate iii in health services assistance in gippslandcertificate iii in health services assistance operating theatre techniciancertificate iii iv in allied health assistancecareer opportunities after a masters in public healthbachelor of physiotherapy onlineHealth CoursesCertificate III in Health AdministrationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate IV in Allied Health Assista nce (Nutrition and Di...Enquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Health Science (Nutrition and Exercise)Enquire Online Enquire OnlineMike KermodeRelated ArticlesBrowse moreEmployment trendsEmployment winners and losersThe health and aged care and mining sectors are the two big industry winners when it comes to employment gains during the last year, as reported in the Sydney Morning Herald.Allied HealthHealthAllied health careers Not just doctors and nursesIf you love the idea of helping people with their health issues but dont think becoming a nurse or doctor is for you, then consider a career in allied health.Aged CareHealthFive life-giving careers in health careMany of us would agree with Gandhis assertion that health, not money, is the real wealth. But have you ever thought about putting yourself in the healers seat?