Throughout the field of dentistry, you’ll find specialized clinics that do specific procedures and services. While general dentists often perform general procedures, dentists that specialize in oral surgery will spend their time in surgery centers. Each specialized field has specialized dental assistants too that are trained to work in that specific field. As you become a dental assistant, you’ll have the choice of which dental field to work in. Here’s a quick summary of these fields.
Read MoreWorking as a pediatric dental assistant is a lot like being a general dental assistant, but all of your patients are 18 years and younger. Most of your patients will be on the younger side, so they might need some extra help to get through their appointments. It’s important for pediatric dental assistants to stay calm if their young patients throw tantrums, are terrified, or are having a hard time staying focused. Working with children and building their confidence can be very rewarding.
Read MoreIf you’re ready to make a great career jump for yourself and your family, 90 Day Dental Assisting can prepare you with knowledge, skill, and a network of instructors and dentists that will help you find a dental clinic to begin your career at.
Read MoreTo become an orthodontic dental assistant, you need to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Most training is on-the-job, but some states will require you to have a certification. To have a leg up on the entry-level competition, it isn’t a bad idea to obtain a degree or certification from training.
Read MoreDentistry isn’t everyone’s favorite cup of tea. Procedures can be invasive, uncomfortable, and even give some people the chills just by talking about dental drills and explorers. Improving our communication with patients can help ease their fears, help them feel comfortable and welcome, and provide a support group that’s ready to face their dental procedures with them.
Read MoreThe American Dental Association (ADA) only recognizes one dental assistant certification in the United States: The Dental Assistant National Board (DANB) certification. While not every state requires dental assistants to be DANB certified, it’s still a great idea to pass their exams to be certified.
Read MoreBefore heading into a meeting to negotiate your salary, prepare your thoughts by writing down why you think you deserve a raise. It can be intimidating to ask for a raise, but don’t let that affect your emotions. Stay positive, confident, and polite throughout the process.
Read MoreDental assistant’s responsibilities and duties vary from clinic to clinic depending on the type of dentistry performed at the clinic and the staff make-up.
Read MoreTo get the most out of your externship, make sure you take notes, are on time, and show the staff gratitude. We've collected the best tips to help make your externship meaningful and real resume material.
Read MoreYour resume is a dental clinic’s first impression of you. Not only do you want to demonstrate your skills in the dental assisting field, but you’ll also want to show off your personality, organizational skills, communication skills, and more. While writing your resume, here are a few elements you’ll want to include.
Read MoreSince dental assistants are always on their feet and engaged in their work, sometimes it’s easy to become tired. Here are a few tips that will help you stay on top of your game around the office.
Read MoreWhile in most states you don’t need to meet any educational requirements to be a dental assistant, many states require dental assistants to pass the Radiation and Health Safety exam before taking patient’s radiographs.
Read MoreDental assisting externships develop incredible job opportunities. Landing a job interview is only half of the process, here are a few tips for interviewing.
Read MoreAs qualifications to become a dental assistant vary from state to state, in Washington, there are no qualifications to become and start working as a dental assistant. So technically, you can begin to work as soon as you accept a job offer as a dental assistant.
Read MoreYou’ve definitely heard the term “internship” thrown around, so what is an externship? A dental assisting externship is focused more on the experience and is typically shorter. As a future dental assistant, you’ll shadow different dental assistants throughout your externship, try some hands-on techniques, and learn more about the flow of dental offices in Washington.
Read MoreAs of October 2020, the median salary for a dental assistant in Washington is $41,062 per year. Most dental assistants work hourly shifts, are on-call for emergencies from time-to-time, and depending on the clinic’s policies, will have paid holidays. Most dental clinics in Washington will also offer benefits including a health care plan and a 401(k).
Read MoreBecoming a dental assistant is often a stepping stone to other jobs. Many become basic duty dental assistants because they want to learn more about the dental field. After they are dental assistants, many go on to become expanded duty dental assistants or continue with schooling to become dental hygienists or dentists.
Read MoreA great dental team has a skilled and knowledgeable dentist and reliable and wise dental assistants. Dental assistants not only help around the office, clean teeth, take radiographs, but they also directly help in dental operations such as filling cavities, placing crowns, and more. This post will go more in-depth to dental assisting duties. Keep in mind, duties for dental assistants do vary from office to office in Washington.
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