What to Know Before Becoming a Dental Assistant

People should strive to maintain good health and sound well-being—including having adequately looked after oral hygiene and dental health. It is for this reason that taking up a role in the oral healthcare workforce is lucrative; it’s always going to be in-demand in this ever-changing world.

If you care about people’s oral health, you can think about aiming for the path of a dental assistant. By starting in a dental assistant school in Calgary, you can already expect to play a significant part in the future and change the lives of thousands of people. Pursuing dentistry can provide you with a degree that helps you find a job meant to manage people’s optimal oral health.

Keep reading below to find out the most common questions regarding getting a dental assistant diploma.

What Does a Dental Assistant Do?

As the name implies, a dental assistant serves as a dentist’s second-in-command. They work to prime the equipment and keep track of patients’ dental records. It’s also their job to answer queries and keep patients calm and composed to undergo dental treatments without feeling afraid.

Not only do dental assistants supervise teeth cleaning, but they are also in charge of general dental care. They assist patients in making responsible decisions concerning their oral health and teach them how to maintain good oral hygiene.

What Does a Dental Assistant Diploma Consist of?

To become a dental assistant, you must undergo a year of studying classes that involve the anatomy of a human body, dental hygiene skills, dental equipment, and oral health. You will also tackle pharmacology, preventative dentistry, and radiology.

After you complete your courses and receive a Dental Assistant Diploma in Calgary, you can start working in dental offices and execute management duties. If you work in small offices, a dentist may sometimes require you to assist them in operating x-rays and teeth cleaning.

What are the Responsibilities of a Dental Assistant?

A dental assistant plays a crucial role in the dentist’s success and the clinic they’re part of. Since they are in charge of patients’ dental records, they must ensure that all scheduled appointments and procedures are on the right track, and they can lend a hand whenever the dentist requires help. They must also have the right communication skills to ensure patients don’t leave the clinic with unanswered questions regarding their next visit or upcoming procedure.

Dental assistants are also tasked with looking after dental equipment to ensure everyone’s health is prioritized and no one falls ill from a mistake in procedures.

What are the Benefits of having a Dental Assistant Diploma?

Dental assistants who want to further their dental careers can think of getting an associate’s degree so they can land a job as a licensed dental hygienist or dentist. Meanwhile, if you don’t see yourself as a dentist, some students prefer other dental-related careers that are still as important.

A diploma will significantly improve your resume when you’re applying for a dental job. It can help widen your goals and help you choose career paths in the future. Most workplaces will require you to show proof that you are certified and licensed to work as a dental assistant, and the diploma you bear can assure you just that.

Conclusion

Whether you’re aiming to become a dental hygienist one day or are striving to be a dental assistant, either job plays huge roles that shouldn’t be overlooked. With a dental assistant diploma, you can also become a research associate, dental sales representative, educator, and dentist, to name a few roles.

Are you interested in taking up a dental assisting program in Calgary? Columbia College is dedicated to helping each student achieve their goals and reach their dreams, no matter what path you decide to choose. Get in touch with us today to apply!