For those considering a career as a dental assistant, it is important to understand the level of difficulty of the program, the classes required, and any potential academic obstacles. While training for dental care is rigorous, most students don't find it overly difficult. For those with the right qualities, dental assistant school can be quite manageable. What will you learn? How long will it take? Is it difficult? These are all valid questions to ask when considering a career in dental care.
It can be challenging, but not if you enroll in a program that combines classroom work with clinical experience and has exceptional instructors to guide you. The best candidates for dental assistant positions are those who are detail-oriented, have excellent communication skills, are organized, and have good hand-eye coordination. One of the great things about dental assistant school is that it combines classroom instruction with hands-on training. This is essential for preparing students for entry-level positions in the field.
In addition to learning the appropriate knowledge related to the profession, which can be obtained online, most skills are learned in clinical settings. Therefore, it is important to have skills related to office assistance, computer programs, and assistance techniques. Dental assistants must be able to follow precise protocols, must be good with their hands, must be able to listen to patients and dentists, and must be organized. It can take some time before a dentist allows you to perform the functions of a dental assistant.
However, if you don't possess these qualities, it doesn't mean that dental care isn't right for you. At UEI School of Dental Assistants, students can earn an associate of applied science degree in health sciences with a specialization in dental care in as little as 15 months. To stand out from other candidates, it is important to study more than just the basic training required as a dental assistant. Additionally, many people find this career rewarding because they can help patients by alleviating their fears of the dentist, easing their pain, and improving their smiles. When looking for a program to enroll in, make sure that it has a certified dental assistant (CDA) accreditation from the National Board of Dental Assistants (DANB).
If you possess the right qualities and enroll in an accredited program that combines classroom instruction with hands-on training, you may find that starting a future as a dental assistant isn't difficult at all.
