Dental Assistant
Dental assistants are part of the team that assists dentists during dental appointments and treatments. They are also one of the fastest growing professions in California and in the nation.Job opportunities are excellent and continue to increase as people keep their natural teeth longer and the aging population demands more dental care.
The number of jobs available is expected to increase by 57% from 2002 to 2012!
Here's what you need to know:
1) Licensing Requirements in California
2) Duties and Responsibilities
3) Show me the money!
4) Dental Assistant Schools
1) Licensing Requirements in California
You do not need to be licensed to practice as a dental assistant in California. However, to be more marketable and attractive to potential employers, you should consider becoming a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA). RDAs may perform more complex dental tasks with the direct supervision of a dentist. The California Committee of Dental Auxiliaries (COMDA) examines and licenses RDAs.
To obtain a RDA license, one must:
- graduate from a Board-approved RDA
educational program of a minimum of 720 hours (approximately 8 months);
or
complete at least 12 months of satisfactory paid work experience with a dentist licensed in one of the states in the US;
or
complete a California Department of Education approved 4-month educational program, and 8 months of work experience with a licensed dentist in one of the US states.
- successfully complete Board-approved courses in coronal polishing and radiation safety .
- successfully pass a State written examination and a hands-on practical examination .
- submit and receive fingerprint clearance from
Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Identification.
2) Duties and Responsibilities
Tasks may include:
- Preparing patient for treatment.
- Selecting and handing instruments to the dentist during dental procedures.
- Sterilizing and disinfecting instruments.
- Setting up instrument trays.
- Suctioning the patient's mouth.
- Applying fluoride coating to teeth.
- Examining orthodontic appliances.
- Exposing dental diagnostic X rays.
- Scheduling appointments, preparing bills, and receiving payment for dental services.
As mentioned earlier, an RDA may perform more complex tasks with the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. The tasks may include:
- Applying bleaching agents.
- Making and cementing temporary crowns.
- Charting dental information about lesions and missing teeth.
- Placing post-extraction and periodontal dressings.
- Recording medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.
3) Show me the money!
The average annual salary of a dental assistant in California is $31,500. Hourly wages range from $12 to $21 per hour.
RDAs can expect to earn more.
4) Dental Assistant Schools
If you are interested in pursuing this career, here are 2 schools in Fresno that offers dental assisting programs:
You can also request information from schools online, which is much easier.
Request info from Dental Assistant Schools
| School | Phone # |
| Galen College of Medical and Dental Assistants | 559.264.9726 |
| Mced Career College | 559.456.0623 |