Career Tips & Advice

Advantages of Being a Dental Assistant

Concorde Staff

Concorde Staff

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Updated January 23, 2017. The information contained in this blog is current and accurate as of this date.
dental assistant

Becoming a dental professional provides countless opportunities in the world of dentistry. And if you enjoy working with your hands while working to help people with their smile, then a career as a Dental Assistant might be for you.

 

Expanded Dental Assistant job functions

 

"Dental assisting plays a vital role to the dentist and the dental team," said Alphia Parker, Director of Concorde's Dental Assistant Program in Miramar, FL. As Parker goes on to point out, a DA has the potential for expanded job functions, but first must obtain an Expanded Functions Certificate. They also can obtain a radiology certificate.

"An Expanded Functions Assistant may perform procedures by themselves or with direct supervision," Parker said. Examples of procedures might include placement of dental sealants, placement of fluoride, removing sutures, placement of temporary fillings, fabrication of temporary crowns, just to name a few. Expanded functions and procedures vary from state to state.

 

Dental Assistant as an educator

 

Another role for a Dental Assistant, Parker said, could be as an educator of oral health. He or she might present visual aids such as dental X-rays to further educate patients. Educating adults, seniors, and children on oral hygiene is a vital step in the care of one's overall health.

"An assistant may specialize in periodontics, general cosmetics, oral surgery, pedodontics, prosthodontics, craniofacial and orthodontics," Parker said. "If one desires an administrative role, there are positions such as supply coordinator, OSHA safety officer customer service for the dental supplier, sales representative, insurance administrator, and dental management."

 

Other Dental Assistant career opportunities

 

Debbie Fritcher, Director of Concorde's Dental Assistant Program in Aurora, CO, also points to the insurance industry as a possible DA career path. Attending an accredited Dental Assistant school can open a world of employment opportunities.

"Many Dental Assistants choose to further their education by attending Dental Hygiene and even dental school," Fritcher said. "The possibilities are endless!"

Including, Parker said, opportunities to travel.

"A Dental Assistant also has the advantage of traveling to any part of the United States to work in a dental office," she said. "There will always be a need for experienced, compassionate and enthusiastic dental professionals across the United States of America."

Next Steps?

Interested in learning more about our Dental Assistant program? We have a Concorde representative ready to talk about what matters most to you. Get answers about start dates, curriculum, financial aid, scholarships and more!

  1. Program length may be subject to change dependent on transfer credits and course load. Please refer to current course catalog for more information. Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.

  2. Professional certification is not a requirement for graduation, may not be a requirement for employment nor does it guarantee employment.

  3. Financial aid is available to those who qualify but may not be available for all programs. Concorde does not guarantee financial aid or scholarship awards or amounts.

  4. Clinical hour requirements and delivery may vary by campus location and may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee clinical site assignments based upon student preference or geographic convenience; nor do clinical experiences guarantee graduation, post-clinical employment or salary outcomes.

  5. Registration and certification requirements for taking and passing these examinations are not controlled by Concorde, but by outside agencies, and are subject to change by the agency without notice. Therefore, Concorde cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take these exams, at all or at any specific time, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.