If you are detail oriented, enjoy hands-on work, and have a desire to help people, dental assisting is a great career. Dental assistants are an important part of any successful dental practice. They perform many important tasks that relate to patient care, office management, lab duties, record keeping, and handling and prepping equipment that will be used for procedures. In addition, they sterilize equipment, set up equipment and prepare patients for treatment. To obtain certification in Clearwater, it is vital to select a reputable dental assistant school in Clearwater, FL, that can help you to achieve your goals.
Career Opportunities
After you spend the time and money that it takes to get trained to be a dental assistant, what can you do with the certification that you have earned? What kind of job opportunities are there? The following are the types of practices where dental assistants are needed and hired:
- General Dentistry
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Oral Surgery Facilities
- Periodontal Practices
- Orthodontics Practices
Different Titles for the Same Job
There are many titles for the same occupation. You may be a certified dental assistant at one office and your title may be something different at another office. The following are titles that you may be given if you are hired on as a dental assistant:
- Oral Surgery Assistant
- Expanded Function Dental Assistant
- Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA)
- Dental Assistant (DA)
- Certified Registered Dental Assistant
- Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
In addition to certification training programs that are available, the State of Florida also has programs where dental assistants can be trained for their careers with on the job training from dentists that are appropriately licensed. In taking on workers in training, dentists must adhere to the rules that are in place ensuring that the workers have the skills that are needed to perform basic assisting procedures that a dental assistant performs. However, a good training program is the way to go if you want advanced training that you may not receive in all types of dentistry practices. Be prepared to do your research! Your training is extremely important if you want to be well-prepared to be a dental assistant. Take your time and choose a school and program wisely. Tour the school you are considering, and ask plenty of questions to ensure that their program will help you to meet your goals.
The Hopkins Institute of Dental Assisting is a reputable dental assistant school in Clearwater, FL. Contact them today for questions or enrollment information. Their admissions department will be pleased to answer your questions.