Additional Information
Dental assistants complete their training through one of two routes. Some
are trained on the job. Others attend training programs.
Dental-assisting programs are available through community and junior colleges,
trade schools, technical institutes or through the Armed Forces.
Licensed certified dental assistants must meet a continuing education requirement
to maintain their licenses.
"It's also important to have CPR skills," says Lois Parento. She's the
president of the California Dental Association. Parento advises those interested
in a dental assistant career to study science, office practice and computerized
bookkeeping.
Dental assistants must be caring and compassionate. They must have good
communication skills and a good work ethic. They must be good with their hands.
Computer skills are important. "We work with digital things like digital
radiography and digital impressions," said Parento. "Computer skills are a
necessity for today's student."
In some locations, speaking a second language is helpful. Parento says
Spanish-speaking dental assistants are needed in California.
Marlene Robinson is the executive director of a dental association.
She would like to see all dental assistants become credentialed. "It's a public
safety issue," she points out. Certified dental assistants practice infection
control. They perform tasks that could put both themselves and the public
at risk if not done correctly.
Many dental assistant associations are actively lobbying government to
make credentialing a requirement.