How Can You Prepare Yourself To Become A Dental Assistant?

A career as a dental assistant can provide you with various opportunities and variations in duties, responsibilities, and duties. The role of an assistant is decisive to the success of a dental team as they are responsible for anticipating the practitioner’s needs and performing duties to the highest standards. However, you need to enrol in a dental assistant course to pursue a career. You can now access various online programs offering flexible learning opportunities and in-depth training. Below are some additional details about various aspects of the dental assistant job. 

Completion of year 10 of high school

You can complete advanced Certificate III or IV at any independent training provider or TAFE after completing year 10 of high school. In many cases, dental assistants also study through to year 12 to complete graduation with senior school certificates. Hence, finishing high school has long-term benefits for your career. If you have biology in high school, you have some advantages as you have learned basic anatomy, including mouth and oral health. With this knowledge, vocational training could be much easier for dental assistants. 

Certification in dental assisting

Completing Certificate III or IV in Dental Assisting with an independent training provider or any accredited TAFE college could prepare you for the career. With the help of a dental assistant course, you will get to learn about working with dental practitioners. While Certificate III is a general course, Certificate IV allows you to choose an area of specialisation like oral health promotion or radiography. 

Certificate III in Dental Assisting is offered by some high schools and a part of a traineeship for 10-, 11- and 12-year students. You can use this traineeship to complete year 12 to earn a senior school certificate and qualify as a dentistry assistant. 

Immunisation requirements

Dental assistants must get vaccinations as mandated by the dental authorities to be a part of a dental practice team. As mentioned in the Australian Immunisation Handbook, the members must record current vaccination for tetanus, mumps, measles, hepatitis B, rubella, polio, influenza, pertussis, and varicella. These vaccinations will prevent the risks of transmission of infectious diseases while treating a patient. 

Skills required

Dental assistants perform a range of duties depending on the practice’s needs. The skills include building relationships with other staff and patients, empathy, organisation, adaptability, flexibility, and time management. These skills help work effectively alongside a dental therapist or dentist and ensure that the patients receive the best possible outcome. 

Application for job roles

After receiving certifications and vaccinations, you are ready to apply for a dental assistant position. Make sure you have tailored resumes and cover letters explaining why you are best suited. You can also apply for the role of an assistant at the dental practice where you have completed your placement. It could be advantageous to you as you have prior knowledge about the practice and the patients. 

In addition, you can access various educational opportunities by joining Dental Assistants Professional Association and be a part of professional development programs, events and conferences, and advanced training. You may also continue with further studies to become a dental therapist and hygienist. 

Dental assistants are integral to any dental practice. With the proper educational qualification and skills, you too can pursue your career as a dental assistant.