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Dental Assistants aid dentists at the chair side during the examination and treatment of patients. They also perform laboratory procedures, such as helping in construction of dentures and models of the teeth and mouth.

JOB DUTIES    

Dental Assistants may:

Sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment

Prepare patients for treatment and apply topical anesthetic solutions

Arrange dental instruments, materials, and medications on chair side tray

Hand instruments to the dentist

Keep a patient's mouth dry by use of a suction system

Mix and prepare materials, such as fillings and cements

Assist during oral surgery

Make preliminary impressions of the patients' teeth to make study casts

Perform laboratory procedures, such as pouring, trimming, and polishing study casts

Clean and polish removable appliances

Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by the dentist

Provide oral hygiene instructions, such as conducting a plaque control program

Maintain patient treatment records, manually or using a computer

Answer the telephone, make appointments, collect fees for services, order supplies, fill out insurance forms, and perform other clerical tasks

If state dental laws allow, Assistants may take, develop, and mount X-rays, as well as perform some duties traditional to the dentist's role.

Click here to see Dental Assistants at work!

Tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

Materials used by Dental Assistants may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Dental Assistant is the only specialty in this Career Exploration Script.

079.361-018 DENTAL ASSISTANTS aid dentists by preparing patients for examination and treatment. They hand the dentist instruments and materials to use as needed. Assistants clean the instruments and the work area when the exam or treatment has been completed. They may also perform laboratory procedures including assisting in the construction of dentures and models of teeth and mouth.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:

Dental Assistants work under the supervision of a dentist. They may work with a dental hygienist or a dental laboratory technician. Employment may include working in private dental offic es, public health clinics, dental schools, the armed forces, hospitals, or nursing homes.

Dental Assistants work in clean, modern offices. Most Assistants work 32 to 40 hours per week with time off during the week if they work on Saturday. Overtime may be required when there is an emergency or the dentist is behind schedule. They might be exposed to respiratory infections from patients.

Dental Assistants may be required to furnish their own uniforms or may be given a uniform allowance.

Dental Assistants may join professional associations, such as The American Dental Assistants Association and the Michigan Dental Assistants Association . Members must pay periodic dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities which help people

• Activities involving processes, machines, and techniques

• Activities involving business contact with people

You Should Be Able To:

• Work agreeably with others

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Put patients at ease

• Use logical, step-by-step procedures in your work

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

The chemical symbol for gypsum is ___________.

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Periodontitis is an inflammatory and destructive disease involving the soft tissue and bony support of the teeth and is the sequela of untreated or improperly treated gingivitis.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare a record of a patient's vital signs so that the dentist can determine whether or not a patient is ready for operation.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Must be able to work well under pressure and think quickly in meeting the needs of the patient and dentist.

Dental Assistants are not required to be licensed in Michigan. However, those who wish to perform certain intra-oral procedures and to use the title "Registered Dental Assistant" must be licensed by the Board of Dentistry of the Michigan Department of Community Health.  Click here  for "Michigan Licensed Occupations," see Dental Assistant, Registered for specific licensing information.

Dental Assistants may also obtain certification from the Dental Assisting National Board . Dental Assistants who take dental x-rays must complete an approved radiography course.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES   

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***   

0600 BUSINESS , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1800 HEALTH & HEALTH CAREERS , 2200 MATH , 2900 SCIENCE , 3100 STUDY & WORK OPTIONS , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***   

014   DENTAL OCCUPATIONS CLUSTER

Approved vocational education programs in Dental Occupations Cluster prepare students to help a dentist at chair side in the dentist's office. Students learn to perform reception room duties, clerical functions, and some selected dental procedures. Some students may learn to make and repair false teeth, bridges, and other objects used to restore the oral health of patients as prescribed by a dentist.

The following courses may be required for completion of this program:

DENTAL ASSISTING

DENTAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY

HEALTH OCCUPATIONS EDUCATION   

Approved vocational education programs in Health Occupations Education prepare students for miscellaneous occupations in the health field. Instruction includes assisting medical personnel by providing institutional support functions in areas such as pharmaceuticals, central supply, medical records, and the admission and discharge of patients.

The following courses may be required for completion of this program:

HEALTH CLUSTER

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

041   DENTAL ASSISTANT TRAINING

Dental Assistant Training Programs provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for   employment assisting dentists by helping with patient examinations and treatments.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***   

Although this occupation has apprenticeship programs available in Michigan, they are limited in number. See the Sources Of More Information below for name, address and phone number of the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.

Click here for a more complete list of Apprenticeship opportunities.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***   

Please check the Military web site at http://www.todaysmilitary.com .

DENTAL SPECIALISTS   

Dental care is one of the health services provided to all military personnel. It is available in military dental clinics all over the world. Dental specialists assist military dentists in examining and treating patients. They also help manage dental offices.

What They Do   

Dental specialists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Help dentists perform oral surgery

• Prepare for patient examinations by selection and arranging instruments and medications

• Help dentists during examination by preparing dental compounds and operating dental equipment

• Clean patients' teeth using scaling and polishing instruments and equipment

• Operate dental X-ray equipment and process X-rays of patients' teeth, gums, and jaws

• Provide guidance to patients on daily care of their teeth

• Perform administrative duties, such as scheduling office visits, keeping patient records, and ordering dental supplies

Civilian Counterparts  

Civilian dental specialists work in dental offices or clinics. Their work is similar to work in the military. They typically specialize in assisting dentists to treat patients, provide clerical support (dental assistants), or clean teeth (dental hygienists).

Physical Demands   

Dental specialists must sometimes stand for long periods.

Special Requirements   

A minimum age of 18 is required for this occupation

Helpful Attributes   

Helpful school subjects include biology and chemistry. Helpful attributes include:

• Good eye-hand coordination

• Ability to follow spoken instructions and detailed procedures

• Interest in working with people

Training Provided   

Job training consists of 9 to 14 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in dental care tasks. Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. Course content typically includes:

• Preventive dentistry

• Radiology (X-ray) techniques

• Dental office procedures

• Dental hygiene procedures

Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. The Navyoffers a certified apprenticeship program for one specialty in this occupation.

Work Environment   

Dental specialists in the military usually work indoors in dental offices or clinics. Some specialists may be assigned to duty aboard ships.

Opportunities  

The military need new specialists due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, new specialists are assigned to dental offices or clinics, where they work under the supervision of dentists. With experience, dental specialists perform more difficult tasks involving patient care. In time, they may become responsible for assisting dental officers in the management of dental programs. 

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY   

Summer and part-time work in private and public dental offices or clinics might be helpful. Secondary vocational education programs in dental occupations cluster or health occupations cluster as well as postsecondary programs in dental assistant training may offer co-op or work experience opportunities.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Dental Assistant employer

internships

volunteer work with a Dental Assistant employer

community service work with an agency

Although this occupation has apprenticeship programs available in Michigan, they are limited in number. Contact the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training Representative in your area if you would like more information.

Dental Assistants may find employment through private dental offices; federal agencies; branches of military service; public dental clinics; state, county, and/or city health departments; dental schools; school placement offices; professional organizations; and local offices of Michigan Works! . In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT   

Dental Assistants' earnings depend on their training and practical experience, duties of the job, the employer, and the job location.

Nationally, the median annual salary in 2008 was about $27,612 for Dental Assistants. The median yearly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $37,544 in 2008. 

In the Federal government, Dental Assistants started at $24,815 or $29,791 in 2009, depending on their education and experience. The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas.

Dental Assistants employed by governmental agencies in Michigan earned (early 2009):

The 2007 graduates of high school vocational education programs in Michigan working in jobs related to this occupation earned an average of $19,594 per year in 2008.

Depending on the employer, Dental Assistants may receive free dental care; paid vacations and holidays; paid sick leave; health, life, accident, and disability insurance; and retirement plans. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer. Some employers also provide an allowance for the purchase of uniforms and time off for professional meetings.

Dental Assistants may begin as trainees and receive on-the-job training in their duties for a period ranging from 4 to 12 months. However, most employers prefer applicants who have completed a formal dental assistant training program. Dental Assistants may advance to become Registered Dental Assistants and chief or head Dental Assistants.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK   

Nationally, there were about 279,800 Dental Assistants employed in 2006. Many of them were employed part time. Employment of Dental Assistants is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2016. The demand for dental care will increase as a result of a growing and aging population. Dentists are also increasing their productivity by using Dental Assistants for routine tasks. In fact, many areas of the country are experiencing a shortage of trained Dental Assistants, especially chair-side Assistants. The industry distribution for Dental Assistants looked like this:

To find employers, click Employer/Business Locator.

There are about 10,000 Dental Assistants employed in Michigan. Most worked in urban areas. Most were employed in private dentists' offices. The rest worked in hospitals, physicians' offices, and other health-related work settings. A few dental assistants were employed by federal and state government agencies.

Employment of Dental Assistants in Michigan is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014. An average of 530 openings for Dental Assistants is expected annually, with 250 due to growth and 280 due to replacement of those who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers transfer to other jobs or occupations.

Because of increased participation in dental insurance plans and other public programs, such as Medicaid, the cost of dental care has been brought within reach of many who could not afford to pay the full cost. This has contributed to a growing need for Dental Assistants. Opportunities should be best for graduates of academic programs in dental assisting. The outlook for part-time work is good also.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2014   

                                   SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION   

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