Every state has different requirements for dental assistants, and Florida is no exception. To become a certified dental assistant in the Sunshine State, you must meet certain criteria and obtain the necessary certifications. This article will provide an overview of the certifications available and the steps you need to take to become a certified dental assistant in Florida. The first step is to graduate from a school or dental assistance program (FLDATS) approved by the Florida Board of Dentistry.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many dental assistant positions don't require a degree. However, if you want to become a certified dental assistant, you must obtain a certificate from an accredited institution and pass a certification exam. The National Board of Dental Assistance offers a certified dental assistant exam for graduates of approved programs. Once you have obtained your certification, you are eligible to work as a dental assistant with expanded roles and radiography skills.
It's important to note that if you completed a board-approved program as part of your training in expanded functions, you don't need to get certified as a dental radiographer. The mission of Florida's dental assistant training schools is to provide training for dental assistants that allows them to complete their training and seek employment in the shortest possible time. This includes teaching others how to care for their teeth and gums and committing to helping in the dental care of all people. Dental assistants can initiate important processes, assist dentists during procedures, and complete several minor procedures on their own, freeing up the dentist's time for more serious or complex cases.
In order to perform extended tasks as a dental assistant in Florida, you must have the training required by the rule. To legally operate dental x-ray equipment and perform dental radiographic procedures in Florida, a dental assistant must meet certain requirements. Assistants trained on the job in Florida must receive training in the dental office under the supervision of a licensed dentist who assumes full responsibility for ensuring that the assistant so trained is competent to perform the tasks. You can also obtain dental radiographer certification through the Department of Health by filling out an application, completing three months of practical training, helping to place and expose the dental radiographic film under direct supervision of a Florida-licensed dentist, and documenting that you have successfully completed a Board-approved course that meets the requirements of Rule 64B5-9.011 of the Florida Administrative Code. The University of North Florida (UNF) offers an excellent program for aspiring dental assistants.
The purpose of this program is to prepare students for initial employment as dental assistants and help them develop their skills further. Attending this program offers one of the best opportunities for future dental assistants to begin networking with other professionals. In conclusion, becoming a certified dental assistant in Florida requires meeting certain criteria and obtaining certifications from accredited institutions. The National Board of Dental Assistance offers a certified dental assistant exam for graduates of approved programs, while UNF's program provides an excellent opportunity for future dental assistants to begin networking with other professionals.
