Dental Assistant Career Q&A
November 29, 2005
A Q&A session with Mairead Doherty, a dental assistant, who works for a private dentist office in San Diego, CA. Mairead has been in the field for 8 years.
Q: Describe your average daily routine. What types of tasks are you expected to complete as part of your job?
A: I greet patients when they arrive, bring them to the treatment room and review procedures with them. I set up rooms with the proper instruments and materials. I assist the doctor during the procedure at all times until the treatment is complete. I sterilize all instruments, order supplies, update charts at each visit, take x-rays, make temps and take impressions.
Q: What do you like the most about being a dental assistant?
A: Because I work for a general dentist, I get to see the same people on a regular basis. It's fun getting to know them and to see how happy they are when they complete their treatment, whether it be cosmetic work or whitening. Also, working 4 days a week is a bonus, as most dentists tend to only work Monday through Thursday.
Q: What do you dislike, if anything, about dental assisting?
A: Nothing.
Q: What is your work environment like?
A: It all depends on the office. My environment is upbeat, busy, fun and very relaxed.
Q: What is your work schedule like?
A: I work 36 hours per week Monday through Thursday with 2 weeks vacation per year.
Q: Where did you get the training necessary for your job?
A: I was actually trained on the job. Then, after you have been in the field for 3 years you can take the exam to get certified which I did. Just look up the Committee on Dental Auxiliaries near you and they will have all the information on what you need to do get certified.
Q: Would you recommend your job as a dental assistant to another person?
A: I would recommend this job because it pays well, the hours are great and you would never be without a job - people always need a dentist no matter were you live.
Q: What is the next step in your career?
A: I'm planning on staying in my current job indefinitely.
Dental Assistant Schools
A
Academy of Professional Careers
Request More Information Locations:
San Diego, CA
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Administrative Medical/Dental Assistant (Diploma)
The Administrative Medical/Dental Assistant program is designed to prepare students to enter the health profession as an administrative medical/dental assistant. Graduates will be able to function at the entry-level in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, medical offices, dental offices, hospitals and medical clinics. Graduates are also trained in medical/dental insurance coding and billing procedures.
C
Clarita Career College
Request More Information Locations:
Santa Clarita, CA
/ Lancaster, CA
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Dental Assisting (Diploma)
The content of the program provides the student with didactic, laboratory and clinical instruction in chairside assisting procedures, infection control, and treatment procedures commonly performed in a dental office setting. Emphasis is placed on the guidelines required by the California Dental Board of Examiners for a Registered Dental Assistant Program.
Concorde Career College
Request More Information Locations:
North Hollywood, CA
/ San Bernadino, CA
/ Garden Grove, CA
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Dental Assistant (Diploma)
At Concorde you will receive "multi-tasked" training, which means you will be trained in both clinical and administrative capabilities.
E
Everest College
Request More Information Locations:
Anaheim, CA
/ Alhambra, CA
/ City of Industry, CA
/ Gardena, CA
/ Los Angeles, CA
/ Ontario, CA
/ Reseda, CA
/ San Bernardino, CA
/ San Francisco, CA
/ San Jose, CA
/ West Los Angeles, CA
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Dental Assisting (Diploma)
You will gain knowledge of the basic dental sciences, proficiency in laboratory and clinical skills, and practical experience involving specialized skills.
F
H
Heald College
Request More Information Locations:
Concord, CA
/ Hayward, CA
/ Stockton, CA
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Dental Assisting (Associate's Degree)
You'll learn how to assist the dentist with examinations and fillings, prepare tray setups with the required instruments, hand materials and instruments to the dentist, and use suction devices to keep the patients' mouths dry. In addition, you'll sterilize instruments and equipment, take, develop and mount x-rays, and apply topical anesthetics as directed by the dentist. Students also make casts of teeth, trim and finish dental impressions, and instruct patients on dental health care.
High-Tech Institute
Request More Information Locations:
Sacramento, CA
-
Dental Assistant (Diploma)
Dental Assistants perform various patient care, office and laboratory duties in both small and large dental practices. They're responsible for making patients as comfortable as possible, preparing them for treatment, and obtaining dental records. During a patient exam, Dental Assistants hand instruments and materials to dentists, and keep patients' mouths clear by using suction or other devices.
K
Kaplan College
Request More Information Locations:
Riverside, CA
/ San Diego, CA
/ Palm Springs, CA
/ Modesto, CA
/ Sacramento, CA
/ Stockton, CA
/ Bakersfield, CA
/ Clovis (Fresno), CA
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Dental Assistant (Certificate)
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Dental Assisting (Diploma)
Dental Assistants will be able to perform chairside assistance and office administration. The student will learn to prepare patients. The student will complete tray set ups for office examinations and treatment procedures. In addition, the student will take and develop radiographs (Dental X-Rays), mix amalgams, perform lab work, learn to counsel patients and maintain patient records.
M
Milan Institute
Request More Information Locations:
Indio, CA
/ Fresno, CA
/ Visalia, CA
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Administrative Medical Assistant (Diploma)
The Administrative Medical/Dental Assistant program is designed to prepare students to enter the health profession field as an administrative medical/dental assistant. Graduates will be able to function at an entry-level position in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, medical offices, dental offices, hospitals and medical clinics. Graduates are also trained in medical/dental insurance coding and billing procedures.
N
National School of Dental Assisting
S
San Joaquin Valley College
Request More Information Locations:
Bakersfield, CA
/ Fresno, CA
/ Visalia, CA
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Dental Assisting (Associate's Degree)
SJVC's Dental Assisting program trains you in all aspects of working with a dentist, including patient care, office and laboratory duties. Our balance of hands-on experience with classroom instruction covers all aspects of dental assisting skills and related theory. Whether you use your dental assisting training for a career chairside or in an administrative capacity, you are well prepared at the program's completion.
Summit Career College
Request More Information Locations:
Colton, CA
-
Dental Assistant (Diploma)
The Dental Assistant Program is designed to give students the knowledge and skills necessary to work as a Dental Assistant in a dental office; emphasis is placed on both dental office management as well as back office clinical skills.
T
Trinity College
Locations:
Vallejo, CA
/ Fairfield, CA
U
UEI
Request More Information Locations:
Ontario, CA
/ Chula Vista, CA
/ Van Nuys, CA
/ Huntington Park, CA
/ San Diego, CA
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Dental Assistant (Diploma)
Dental Assistants are always in demand and can work in both clinical or office situations. UEI will provide you with the skills you need to succeed in just eight months.
V
W
West Coast College
Locations:
Victorville, CA
/ Ontario, CA
Western Career College
Request More Information Locations:
Pleasant Hill, CA
/ Sacramento, CA
/ San Leandro, CA
/ Citrus Heights, CA
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Dental Assisting (Associate's Degree)
Students are trained to function as a vital partner to the dentist while following guidelines of the Dental Board of California. Emphasis is placed on actual demonstration and practice of instrumentation and operation of the dental operatory. Students become skillful at taking x-rays and impressions as well as performing coronal polish, restorative, oral surgery, and orthodontic procedures.
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Dental Assisting (Certificate)
Students become skillful at taking x-rays and impressions as well as performing coronal polish, restorative, oral surgery, and orthodontic procedures. The program includes emphasis on patient preparation, law, ethics, administrative duties, telephone techniques, and computer skills.
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