NOTICE: Due to Covid-19 concerns, all 2022 start dates from Auburn University have been delayed indefinitely by Career Choice leadership. Please reach out directly to your Career Choice contact for more information.
The Dental Assistant Profession
Dental assistants work in dental offices, under the supervision of dentists. The dental assistant’s primary responsibility is to maintain the dental office and assist the professionals serving patients. Clinical responsibilities may include maintaining equipment, turning over exam rooms, assisting with x-ray imaging (provided the necessary state certification) and assisting hygienists and dentists with various procedures. But various administrative functions will be a responsibility as well to contribute to the efficient functioning of the dental office. They may perform tasks such as scheduling patients, sterilizing the treatment rooms, and keeping dental records. With the national increase in healthcare-related services, and the national shortage of healthcare professionals, the need for dental assistants is growing substantially.
The Dental Assistant Program
The purpose of this program is to familiarize students with all areas of administrative and clinical dental assisting focusing on the responsibilities required to function as an assistant in a dental practice.
This course covers the following key areas and topics:
- Introduction to the dental office and history of dentistry and dental assisting
- Legal aspects of dentistry including policies and guidelines
- Introductory oral anatomy, dental operatory, and dental equipment
- Introductory tooth structure including primary and permanent teeth
- The oral cavity and related structures
- Dental hand-pieces, sterilization, and other areas
National/Industry Certification Opportunities
After completing this program, learners will have the opportunity challenge the leading national/industry-recognized certification exams essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field.
- National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Dental Assistant Clinical Certification (DACC)
Career Outlook
- Starting Wage: $19.80 / hour
- Job Growth Expectations: 7%
- Full-Time Opportunities Available
Target Job: Dental Assistant
Dental assistants perform a variety of patient care, office, and lab duties, often working chair-side assisting dentists as they examine and treat patients. The dental assistant is charged with making patients as comfortable as possible in the dental chair, preparing them for treatment, and obtaining their dental records. Assistants hand instruments and materials to dentists and keep patients' mouths dry and clear by using suction or other devices, and also sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare trays of instruments for dental procedures, and instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care.
Dental assistants may also prepare materials for impressions and restorations, take dental x rays, and process x-ray film as directed by a dentist, and also assist in administrative procedures for the proper functioning of the dental office.
Is this the Right Job for You?
Positive Aspects
- Many well-paying entry-level jobs for candidates with entry-level skills
- Opportunity for upward mobility with additional on-the-job training, certification and education
- Contribute to overall patient health, providing clinical care and pain relief
- Opportunity to interact with patients
- Opportunity to work as a team
- Jobs are becoming more and more available as healthcare expands and needs grow
Negative Aspects
- Regulated position that may require state licensure and application
- Requires working in a sterile environment and constant universal precaution procedures
- Requires individuals comfortable with blood and other bodily fluids as necessary for exam and treatment
- Working closely with patients and a great “customer/patient-care” attitude is essential
- May require continuing education
Download Program Information
