What are the different types of dental assistants?

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Possible career paths available to Dental Assistants include the following:
  • Dental Assistant.
  • Certified Dental Assistant.
  • Expanded Function Dental Assistant.
  • Dental Assistant Instructor.
  • Dental Office Business Team Administrator.
  • Dental Sales Representative.
  • Dental Hygienist.
  • Dental Consultant.



Thereof, what is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 dental assistant?

Level II dental assistants obtain additional training in intra-oral duties, which means they are able to do everything a Level I dental assistant can do along with; dental radiography, mechanical polishing of the coronal portion of the teeth, placement and removal of rubber dams, taking of preliminary impressions of

One may also ask, what else can I do as a dental assistant? There are several creative possibilities for jobs beyond the dental office that dental assistants can consider including working as a dental office manager, teaching dental assisting, selling dental products, dental assisting in the military, and a dental insurance claims processor.

In this regard, what would a dental assistant degree be called?

Dental hygienists usually need an associate's degree (two years) to practice. (Years required to complete degree are based on full-time study.) Licensing / certification. Most dental assistants who choose to become nationally certified take the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam.

What to know for Dental Assisting?

Everything You Need to Know About a Dental Assisting Career

  • Welcoming patients and ensuring they are comfortable.
  • Gathering patient information and medical history.
  • Assisting the dentist with various procedures.
  • Keeping equipment sterile and preventing infection.
  • Providing the patient with proper care instruction.

31 Related Question Answers Found

What is the highest level of dentistry?

The DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) are the same degrees. They are awarded upon graduation from dental school to become a General Dentist. The majority of dental schools award the DDS degree; however, some award a DMD degree.

How do you become a Level 2 dental assistant?

Level II Assistants: What does it take?
  1. Have successfully completed formal education in key dental areas.
  2. Have taken the NDAEB Exam;
  3. (if the candidates are graduates from non-CDAC accredited programs) Successfully passed the Clinical Practice Exam.

Is Dental Assisting a career?

Dental assistants are qualified individuals who contribute significantly to the dental team. Dental assistants perform a variety of tasks, from patient care to office and laboratory duties. If you are interested in a career as a dental assistant, you should have: An interest in science.

What is a dental assistant 1?


A Dental Assistant I (DA I) in North Carolina is an individual who may perform basic supportive dental procedures under the direct control and supervision of a licensed dentist. To qualify to monitor patients under nitrous oxide, a DA I must: 1.

What is the difference between dental assistant and registered dental assistant?

Is a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) the Same as a CDA? CDAs and RDAs are two different titles for dental assistants. CDAs hold a national certification obtained through the DANB, whereas registered dental assistants (RDAs) must pass state-specific requirements, which vary state to state.

How much do non certified dental assistants make?

The average Non Certified Dental Assistant salary in the United States is $28,568 as of February 26, 2020, but the salary range typically falls between $25,356 and $31,588.

What skills should a dental assistant put on their resume?

For skills it lists compassion, efficiency, organization, teamwork, dental procedure prep, Digital X-Ray skills, and experience with Invisalign. So, you list those on your resume. But you add other skills like CEREC experience, patient communication, and flexible scheduling.

Is it better to be a dental assistant or hygienist?

Perhaps the biggest difference between these dental support positions is that a dental assistant provides direct aid to dentists, conducting office tasks, and small, supervised jobs on patients' teeth, while a hygienist often works one-on-one with a patient, and doesn't have as much constant supervision.

How hard is it to be a dental assistant?


1. Myth: Becoming a Dental Assistant Isn't Hard. Fact: While it's possible for dental assistants to enter the profession without first attending a formal dental assisting education program, those who choose this path embark on the challenging experience of learning the ins and outs of dental assisting on the job.

Is it worth being a dental assistant?

Is Becoming a Dental Assistant Worth It? Dental assisting can be exciting work in a growing allied health field. It's a career that can offer advancement to those with the right qualifications and interest. If all of this sounds good to you, then a 9-month dental assistant program could be worth it.

Who gets paid more dental hygienist or dental assistant?

Dental hygienists also earn considerably higher wages, with an average annual salary of $69,760 in 2011, compared to a salary of $34,740 a year for dental assistants, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What does a dental assistant do on a daily basis?

On a daily basis, Dental Assistants Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures. They Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.

What is it like being a dental assistant?

Compassion and empathy run deep in dental assistants. Those traits make them adept at comforting anxious patients. When dental assistants ease their fears, they create pleasant dental experiences for patients. Patients are then more likely to return to maintain their oral health.

What are three key traits a dental assistant needs to have?


The top dental assistant qualities:
  • Good listener. Dental assistants are on the front lines with patients every day.
  • Compassion. Patients are often nervous or scared.
  • Being a people person. If you love meeting new people, dental assisting is for you!
  • Perseverance.
  • Strong Work Ethic.
  • Dedication.
  • Reliability.
  • Organization.

How much do dental assistants make?

How Much Does a Dental Assistant Make? Dental Assistants made a median salary of $38,660 in 2018. The best-paid 25 percent made $47,070 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $32,200.

Can you be a dental assistant without certification?

Most states allow for entry level dental assistants, and don't require formal training to get started. You can get on-the-job experience to see if you like the field of dental assisting before investing in education (assuming you can find a dentist willing to train you).