Would you like to know how to become a dental assistant?
There’s a lot of opportunity for dental assistants in Canada, with the profession expected to grow over the next several years and earn between $38,000 – $48,000 a year.
There’s a lot that you should know about becoming a dental assistant, such as certification, and finding a job, Southern Ontario Dental College enables you to get both. Being a dental assistant also offers a new opportunity to becoming a dental hygienist or dental researcher, etc.
Would you like the details to know what you need to do to start a new career as a dental assistant?
Keep reading to learn what it takes to start your new career.
What Does a Dental Assistant Do?
A dental assistant is a jack-of-all-trades position that could have many requirements. You could work closely with dental patients under the dentist’s supervision, do administrative tasks, work with vendors and suppliers, do research, and get into dental hygiene.
Your specific duties are dependent upon the dental clinic where you work and provincial laws that govern that area.
That’s one of the best things about being a dental assistant. Every day will be different from the day before.
Regardless of your day-to-day duties, you’ll need to have excellent communication skills, computer skills, organizational skills, and be a great listener and empathetic towards patients. These are things you will learn from in our Dental Assisting program.
You also have to be trustworthy and discreet as you’re working closely with patients and the dentist relies on you to handle a lot of different situations.
How to Become a Dental Assistant
There are two types of dental assistants, based on the level of training received.
Level I assistants are considered chair-side assistants. They can take x-rays, sterilize instruments, provide hygiene instructions to patients and more.
Level II assistants perform more duties like apply topical anesthetics, take impressions and other intra-oral duties.
The Level II assistant’s duties will vary by province.
Training & Certification
To be a dental assistant in Canada, you need training and education, along with registration and licensing in your province.
In every province except for Quebec, beginner dental assistants need to be certified through the National Dental Assisting Examining Board.
Even those with training and experience outside of Canada still have to take the National Dental Assisting Examining Board exam.
In order to sit for the exam, you will have had to complete formal training in a number of skills, ranging from chair side assisting to suture removal.
That’s why it’s important to choose the right school for your dental assistant education.
These programs are pretty short, and you can get your education in only 10 months.
You want to be sure that you get the skills that you need to be able to pass the exam and get a job shortly after graduating.
Start Your Dental Assistant Career Today
When you learn how to become a dental assistant, you begin to realize that the path to a new career isn’t daunting.
In fact, it’s a straightforward path to a better life.
If you’re ready to start your journey to become a dental assistant, contact us today for free information regarding our Dental Assistant Levels I and II programs.