Are you a recent graduate of a dental assistance program? If so, you may be wondering what kind of internships or externships are available to you. Most internships don't provide a full immersion into the field, but they can still be a great way to gain experience and get a taste of what it's like to work in the dental industry. At Carrington College, internships typically last for six weeks and provide students with an introduction to their future professional career. All dental assistance students must complete 300 hours of internship in their last spring semester before graduating from the program.
This is done through DENT 70: The Clinical Rotation, which begins in early January. During an internship, dental assistants help dentists with basic tasks such as taking impressions and manipulating equipment during procedures. Internships must be completed in a dental office, and they can help students become aware of other possible career opportunities in the field of dentistry. In addition, many schools offer a list of job opportunities that is regularly updated for dental professionals across the country.
An internship can also help prepare students for the diverse nature of the job, as well as meet the requirements of the New Jersey DEP to become licensed in dental radiology. Dental assistant positions are in high demand according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, so competition for these jobs can be strong. In many other dental assistance programs in the Portland and Vancouver area, it is up to the student to research, contact, interview and secure their own position as an intern. The Kuwait Exchange Program is another great option for those looking to gain experience in the field.
This program allows students to study Kuwait's dental care and educational systems, follow and help their peers at the Kuwait University School of Dentistry clinic, and experience Kuwaiti culture and hospitality. Mentors are available to students to help make the transition from college student to dental student and then to dentist not only manageable, but also enjoyable. Once you've completed your dental assistance program, you'll be ready to pursue a career as a dental assistant in Washington State. Classroom learning is important, but gaining practical experience and refining the real skills you'll use in a career as a dental assistant is crucial to preparing students for finding a job after graduation.
Dental assistants have a fast-paced daily schedule and are expected to perform a variety of different roles in a dental office.
