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Dental Assistants fulfill a wide range of services and contribute to both patient care and administrative operations to help their offices run smoothly and efficiently. The is expected to grow nationally 8% between 2023 and 2033, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.

If you’re interested in a career in the dental field, you might wonder what Dental Assistants do on a daily basis and what it takes to become one. Here is a look at what you can expect from a career in Dental Assisting. 

What Is the Role of a Dental Assistant?

As a dental assistant, you to manage numerous administrative and clinical responsibilities at any given time. 

Dental assistants commonly help with preparing exam rooms, pulling patient records, and helping  facilities be ready to receive guests. They may also sanitize tools and restock supplies.

As patients arrive, dental assistants are often one of the first faces they see. As such, they greet patients, sign them in, and can even process paperwork, insurance, and payments. When rooms become available, dental assistants lead patients to the appropriate exam room, get them settled, go over their medical history, and update their records as needed. 

Some dental assistants help dentists and dental hygienists during examinations and procedures. These responsibilities may include handing off tools or using the suction device to keep a patient’s mouth dry during cleanings, exams, and procedures. 

Why Is Dental Assisting Important in Dental Offices?

The Dental Assistant is a necessary role in busy dentistry practices because they help create a seamless workflow for dentists, orthodontists, and dental hygienists throughout the day. They can also help…

Manage a Dentist’s Schedule

In many offices, dental assistants oversee and coordinate appointment scheduling to create an optimal workflow and help avoid overbooking. They can also act as a communication bridge between the dentist and their patients by:

• Taking detailed notes on the dentist’s observations
• Relaying pertinent information to patients
• Explaining aftercare instructions and more

Keep Daily Operations Going Smoothly

While patients rarely see how much work occurs behind the scenes, Dental Assistants tend to stay very busy during the workday. They can support the entire team by maintaining equipment, managing and restocking supplies, and setting up exam rooms. Additionally, they help the office run efficiently, which can have a direct impact on patient satisfaction. 

Provide Additional Patient Support

In many cases, dental assistants offer a personal touch to help patients feel comfortable, as  is very common. Dental assistants can help ease this anxiety in many different ways such as:

• Explaining procedures
• Answering questions
• Addressing patient concerns
• Offering emotional support and more

While these duties may not be listed in the average job posting for a Dental Assistant position, it’s an aspect of the career that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Create a Safe Environment for Patients and Staff Alike

In addition to helping patients feel more comfortable in a clinical setting, dental assistants help with making the office safe for staff. After all, maintaining a sterile, hygienic environment is essential for infection control and the overall health and wellness of anyone who comes through the doors. 

Dental assistants are also often responsible for cleaning exam rooms, sterilizing tools and equipment, disposing of materials appropriately, and adhering to safety regulations. 

How Do You Become a Dental Assistant in Pennsylvania?

There are multiple routes you can take to become a dental assistant since each state has different requirements. To become one in Pennsylvania (PA), at the bare minimum, you must complete a postsecondary training program. If you want to take x-rays or perform expanded functions, you’ll need to earn the proper certification from the (DANB).

Generally speaking though, , you can complete a postsecondary dental assisting program at a local community college or vocational school. When considering program options, look for ones that offer hands-on training as they can better prepare you for life after graduation.

For example, °µÍø³Ô¹Ï® ’s Dental Assisting program leverages hands-on learning in simulation labs to help reinforce your new skills with each course. °µÍø³Ô¹Ï also teaches you how to prevent the spread of disease, set up standard dental trays, prepare exam rooms for patients, and use effective dental charting techniques. Toward the end of the program, you have the opportunity to participate in dental practicums where you can gain hands-on experience at a local dental facility. 

After completing the program, you may choose to take your career to the next level by earning a certification as an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA). As an EFDA, you could have a more hands-on role in the clinical setting and may perform duties like polishing teeth, applying sealants, and preparing and finishing composite restorative materials.

If you plan on becoming an EFDA in Pennsylvania, you must earn certification through the DANB. To this, you must first meet :

• Graduate from a Board-approved Expanded Function Dental Assisting program at an accredited institution that offers an associate degree 
• Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene school which requires the successful completion of at least 75 hours of clinical and didactic instruction in restorative functions
• Complete a Board-approved EFDA program consisting of at least 200 hours of clinical and didactic instruction from an accredited dental assisting program

Once one of those requirements have been met, you then must complete all of the following:

• Apply for state certification in expanded functions at the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry
• Pass a State Board-acceptable written exam
• Complete 3 hours of child abuse recognition training and reporting requirements as approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services

Do You Have to Be Certified as a Dental Assistant in PA?

Whether or not you need to be certified in PA depends on the kind of functions you want to perform. Those planning on taking x-rays or performing extended functions as part of their daily duties will need to earn certification through DANB. However, it is possible to pursue entry-level Dental Assistant positions without certification.

Generally speaking, having certifications may help improve your employment prospects.

Start Training To Be a Dental Assistant at °µÍø³Ô¹Ï

If you have a passion for helping others and an interest in oral health, you might find that a career as a Dental Assistant or EFDA is a good fit. You could play a pivotal role in the clinical setting and help with optimal workflow to keep patients happy. 

At °µÍø³Ô¹Ï’s Wyomissing campus, we offer a Dental Assisting program that helps prepare students for entry-level careers. Students who have already completed the associate’s program may be eligible to enroll in our  Expanded Function Dental Assistant Preparation program.

Explore °µÍø³Ô¹Ï’s Dental Assisting programs to learn about the comprehensive training opportunities and ongoing career support. You can also request more information to begin your journey to a fulfilling career in the dental field! 

Disclaimer: Information within this blog is for general information purposes only. °µÍø³Ô¹Ï does not assume or guarantee certification/licensures, specific job/career positions, income earning potential, or salary expectations based on the programs offered at °µÍø³Ô¹Ï. Career and program information statements in this blog do not guarantee that programs or other information mentioned are offered at °µÍø³Ô¹Ï.