Each day, dentists see many patients and perform oral exams and dental health care procedures. Right alongside them, ensuring everything runs smoothly, are dental assistants.
Dental assistants support dentists during procedures and also play an important role in the administrative aspect of running a dental practice.
Why choose dental assisting?
If you are interested in health, dental assisting may be for you. You'll be able to support the dental practitioner, as well as make patients feel welcome and at ease.
You'll also be able to combine administrative skills with clinical skills, meaning this career is full of variety.
What attributes do dental assistants need?
To become a dental assistant, you'll need to be good with your hands (some of those instruments are tiny!). You will need to be able to concentrate well and follow instructions effectively.
You'll also need good interpersonal skills. This includes empathy, the ability to make people feel comfortable, patience and understanding.
You should also have good organisational and time management skills.
What do dental assistants do?
Dental assistants conduct a range of administrative, clinical, and patient care tasks.
Admin tasks can include:
- greeting patients
- making appointments
- sending out reminders
- looking after accounts
- maintaining and restocking dental supplies.
Clinical tasks can include:
- processing, mounting and filing dental X-rays
- recording findings from dental examinations
- cleaning and sterilising instruments
- implementing standard decontamination procedures to ensure infection control
- preparing the surgery and setting up instruments and materials.
Dental treatment assistance tasks can include:
- handing instruments and materials to the dental practitioner
- operating the handheld suction or water-spraying equipment
- providing patients with instructions before and after their treatments.
And much more!
What are the challenges?
Chisholm dental teacher Courtney Tredrea says being a dental assistant can be rewarding yet challenging. While helping patients and working in a dynamic environment is fulfilling, it can be a demanding and high-pressure career. You will also need to keep up with strict policies like infection control and safety procedures.
Despite these challenges, Courtney believes a career as a dental assistant is excellent. The ability to impact patients' lives, the opportunity to work collaboratively, and the continuous learning make it a fulfilling profession.
Dental assisting courses and career pathways
Certificate III in Dental Assisting (HLT35021)
A Certificate III in Dental Assisting qualifies you to work as a health care assistant to dentists, dental hygienists, or dental therapists. It can also be a stepping stone towards further study and gaining higher qualifications.
The course includes work placement, which is an opportunity for you to gain on-the-job experience. You can also complete the course on the job as a workplace trainee in a dental practice.
Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (HLT45021) Dental Radiography
With a Certificate III in Dental Assisting, you can pathway into a Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Dental Radiography).
This qualification gives you the skills to capture and process both intra- and extra-oral dental X-rays and learn to take dental impressions. You'll also have the chance to delve into clinical photography for dental purposes.
By completing a Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Dental Radiography), you will be able to provide advanced chair-side support to dental professionals in many private and public dental health practices.
What are the job opportunities like?
When Courtney first entered the dental profession, she was eager to understand the immediate responsibilities of a dental assistant. She also wanted to know the potential career growth and variety this field offers. With strong growth predicted for the role, she says embarking on a journey as a dental assistant opens the door to a world of job opportunities.
These days, you will have the opportunity to work in both public and private clinics. You can choose to work in a preferred specialised field, such as orthodontics. You could also work in roles such as administrative/reception, practice management, treatment coordination, dental sales representative, or education.
Dental assisting can also prepare you for further studies. You may choose to explore areas such as dental hygiene, a Bachelor of Oral Health, dental lab work, or dentistry.
Learn more about Chisholm dental assisting courses here.
