DENTAL ASSISTANTS California Occupational Guide Number 27 Interest Area 13 1997
THE JOB
DENTAL ASSISTANTS are part of a tooth care team that includes dentists, dental hygienists and other assistants. Dental Assistants get patients ready for examination or treatment and make sure that patients are relaxed and comfortable. They check to see that all supplies, instruments, and equipment are ready. They help the dentist at the chairside by mixing compounds for fillings, handling a suction tool to keep the patient's mouth clear, and handing instruments to the dentist. Technical duties include instrument and room sterilization and inventory and care of equipment. Assistants may do lab work and teach patients about dental hygiene. Assistants who are certified in radiation safety can take dental X-rays.
Dental Assistants take impressions of teeth for diagnosis, remove stitches and dressings, and give fluoride treatments when working with the dentist.
Assistants may also do clerical duties such as making appointments, keeping case records, handling billing and payment, and handling patient dental insurance.
REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANTS (RDAs) do more complex work. They may obtain tooth pulp cultures, test tooth pulp health and apply dressings after a tooth is pulled with the dentist in the room. They can also do mouth inspections, charting, and placing or removing dressings even when the dentist is not around.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Dental Assistants work in medical offices. The examination room is quiet, fairly comfortable if the assistant is sitting, and brightly lit. Assistants may have to stand while helping the dentist at the chair, but modern methods now make it possible to do many chairside duties while seated.
A Dental Assistant's job is often stressful due to the nature of the work. Sometimes a patient's treatment can be painful, so Assistants must be able to comfort and calm down worried and frightened patients.
Assistants have to be careful to protect patients and themselves from infection. Assistants must wear safety eye glasses, rubber gloves, and masks over their mouths while working chairside.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
Dental Assistants is one of California's top fifty fastest growth occupations.
The California Projections of Employment, published by the Labor Market Information Division of the Employment Development Department, estimates that the number of Dental Assistants in California will reach 39,050 by 2005, an increase in new jobs of 12,190 over the number there was in 1993.
There will also be an estimated 11,350 job openings due to people retiring or leaving the occupation. Added to the 12,190 new jobs expected, this makes for an estimated total of 23,540 job opportunities through 2005.
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Employers prefer applicants who have completed a Dental Assistant training program. Training can be gotten through community colleges and public and private adult vocational schools. Many high schools give this training through their Regional Occupational Program (ROP). The California Dental Assistants Association recommends a one or two year program approved by the Council on Dental Education of the American Dental Association.
The California Board of Dental Examiners tests and certifies Registered Dental Assistants. RDA applicants must have graduated from an approved educational training program or done satisfactory work as a dental assistant for eighteen months and pass the RDA written and performance test. RDAs must meet continuing educational requirements for renewal of their certification every two years.
Dental Assistant schools are responsible for radiation safety training; they also do the certifications needed for assistants to legally take dental X- rays.
Results from surveyed dentists show that certain skills are necessary for Dental Assistants. These skills include knowledge of dental materials and procedures, recordkeeping, spoken and written communications skills, friendliness, and willingness to work closely with other dental team members. Dentists prefer to hire applicants who are eager to learn and show willingness to adapt to busy and fast work.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
There is a very wide range in Dental Assistant wages, depending on education, experience, job duties and responsibilities, and location. Wages for beginners are between minimum wage and $13.00 per hour. Assistants with some experience get $6.00 to $21.00 hourly. Assistants with three years or more with the same firm can earn from $7.00 to $23.00 per hour. RDAs usually get the highest wages.
Most Dental Assistants work day time hours and at least 36 hours a week. An estimated one in five hold part time jobs.
Almost all dentists offer paid health insurance, and many also pay for dental insurance. Paid vacation and sick leave are benefits that almost all assistants can expect. Retirement plans and life insurance are provided by some employers.
ADVANCEMENT
There aren't many promotional opportunities for Dental Assistants. Those who become RDAs or learn something about dental technician work make more money. In big offices where a lot of dentists work together, an assistant may get to office supervisor or manager. Dental assistants are often selected over other candidates if they apply for Dental Hygienist training.
FINDING THE JOB
Dental Assistant jobs are found through dental assistant school placement services, personal references, applying to dental offices, and ads in newspapers. Applicants should also register with the California Employment Development Department.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
California Board of Dental Examiners 1432 Howe Avenue, Suite 85 Sacramento, CA 95825 (916) 263-2300
California Dental Assistants Association 5100 North 6th #115-A Fresno, CA 93710 (209) 227-4220
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Dental Hygienists No. 155 Dispensing Opticians No. 167 Medical Secretaries No. 177 Dental Laboratory Technicians No. 243 Dentists No. 377 Animal Health Technicians No. 402 Surgical Technicians No. 462
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Dental Assistant 079.361-018
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Dental Assistants 660020
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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