In some states, dental assistants can work in the field without earning an associate degree, while in others, dental assistants must be licensed or registered.
Dental assistants are required to meet minimum certifications to work in the field. There are many things that dental assistants have to consider while working in this field and arguably the most important is infection control.
Dental assisting programs are accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation, of which there are more than 200 in the United States. To become a dental assistant, dental assistants must take the DANB exam after they have completed an accredited dental assisting program, or have at least two years of on-the-job training as an assistant dentist. Some dentists are willing to pay a dental assistant in training who has good behavior and a work ethic.[8]
The extended jobs of dental assistants, as they are known in some states, are where the assistant makes restorations after the dentist has removed the decay. Ideally, the dental assistant should have a high level of administrative and clinical skills. Duties may also include patient preparation, charting, and mixing of dental materials, and providing patient education and postoperative instructions. They also keep track with inventory and supplies control.
In the United Kingdom, a registered dental nurse is prohibited from performing any form of direct dental treatment on a patient, including teeth whitening procedures, under the GDC’s scope of practice.
Dental nurses who are found to be performing dental procedures are subject to removal from the GDC’s statutory record.
In the Republic of Ireland, other parts of the United Kingdom, and North America, it is often dental nurses who perform teeth whitening procedures rather than dentists. This practice mainly occurs in clinics that focus solely on laser teeth whitening. In Ireland, registration as a dental nurse with the Irish Council is voluntary; However, registered nurses who whiten teeth may face disciplinary action if caught.
In Australia, no formal qualification is required to work as a dental assistant. However, this is usually preferred by most dentists to ensure that their staff has enough background knowledge about dentistry. Australian Dental Assistants are not required to register with the Australian Dental Association.
There is no formal training required for entry level dental assistants in order to start or undertake work in private practice in Australia. However, there are vocational qualifications that are highly recommended to increase your employment prospects, reward and your professional development. This qualification (Certificate in Dental Assistants) is available through registered training organizations such as the Association of Professional Dental Assistants. The Dental Assistance Trainee Certificate can also be offered in most states in Australia.
Dental assistants are not currently required to be registered under the Dental Council of Australia or with any state and territory boards. Dental assistants who have a certification in Dental Assisting – X-rays and are required to operate a dental radiography equipment as part of their job role must have a current license with the relevant state or territory radiation authority.
It is highly encouraged to get current vaccinations for hepatitis B, tetanus along with regular childhood vaccination recommendations (measles, mumps, varicella, polio). Many state and territory public health care facilities, training providers, students, and workers will need to provide evidence of hepatitis B immunity and results of a criminal history screening before beginning a clinical placement. Most private dental practices also require employees to have current vaccination records, and may also require workers to have annual influenza vaccinations.[9]
