Certified dental assistants are required to sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment used during patient care procedures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. They prepare patients for procedures, which might include applying topical anesthetics to patients' gums and placing dental rubber dams in patients' mouths to isolate the teeth to be worked on. Certified dental assistants also prepare instruments and materials that a dentist needs to treat patients.
Certified dental assistants additionally transfer needed instruments to dentists and perform suctioning to keep patients' mouths clear during treatment. These professionals also are required to take dental radiographs, which dentists use to detect cavities and other oral health problems. Certified dental assistants can remove sutures, take impressions of patients' teeth and create study models from these impressions. These individuals make temporary crowns and might have to perform administrative duties such as ordering dental supplies and scheduling patients as well.
Certified dental assistants must have strong written communication skills for writing in patients' medical charts. They also should have solid verbal and interpersonal communication skills for working with patients and other dental team members. Certified dental assistants are required to have current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification. These health care professionals also must have good manual dexterity, must be reliable and should be willing to take direction from a dentist. They additionally must be willing to wear protective clothing along with gloves, masks and eyewear when working with patients.
Certified dental assistants can complete one-year certificate/diploma programs or two-year associate degree programs in this field. The Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association accredits many of these programs. Dental assisting programs cover topics such as dental radiography, anatomy/physiology and dental materials and typically require students to complete externship experiences. Aspiring certified dental assistants also can complete on-the-job training to enter this field. In addition, dental assistants can complete additional training to become expanded functions dental assistants, who legally can complete more clinical duties.
To become certified, individuals must pass the Certified Dental Assistant examination given by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). The exam covers general chairside assisting, infection control and radiation safety. Only graduates of an accredited dental assisting program or individuals who have completed at least 3,500 hours of work experience in two to four years can take the exam. In addition, certified dental assistants must complete continuing education requirements to maintain this credential. Although certification is voluntary, it makes dental assistants more employable. Also, some states require dental assistants to have X-ray certification and recognize the radiation portion of the DANB certification exam.