Training Topics & Outcomes

The purpose of this training is to familiarize participants with all areas of pre-clinical dental assisting and the professional skills required to function as an assistant in a dental practice.

Training Topics

• The dental assisting profession & history of dentistry
• Dental anatomy and physiology
• Tooth charting, tooth surfaces, and classification of restorations on a tooth
• Parts of the jaw and areas of the mouth
• Oral health and prevention of dental disease
• Infection control in dentistry and occupational health and safety
• Patient information and assessment
• Foundation of clinical dentistry
• Dental radiology
• Single crown restoration, bridge, implant, partial denture, and full denture
• Dental equipment, accessories & treatment room
• Dental hand pieces and accessories
• Dental cements and impression materials
• Coding of radiology services & using ICD-10-CM codes
• Assisting in comprehensive dental care
• Dental administration and communication skills
• Legal aspects of dentistry including policies and guidelines

Students who complete this comprehensive training and 3,500 hours of work experience are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam to become a Certified Dental Assistant.

How much does it cost?

Currently the program fee is $2,300 and includes your textbook, lab supplies, and Michigan Dental Association radiography certifications.

Federal Financial Aid is not available for this training. However, funding is available for qualified individuals through MI Works! or MI Rehab Services to offset some or all training costs. Contact your area agency to find out if you qualify.

Career Outlook

Earnings

• Median Pay: $18.59/hour or $38,660/year

Employment Outlook 2021-2031

• 8% or Much faster than average

Information from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Note: Local or area average pay may differ from state or national statistics.

Assistant vs Hygienist

Dental Assistant & Hygienist Careers

The differences between dental assistant and dental hygienist positions center on the tasks they're expected to perform and their level of interaction with patients. 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 direct supervision. Dental hygienists must also hold at least an associate degree and a state license in the field, while dental assistants may or may not need formal education, depending on the state in which they work.

Dental Assistants: Overview

Dental assistants perform both preparatory and break-down duties in the office. Depending on the state of employment, dental assistants may be allowed to do some additional advanced duties, including applying topical anesthetic, sealant applications, coronal polishing, and fluoride applications. Some of their typical duties include the following:

• Disinfecting and laying out instruments
• Obtaining patients' dental records
• Handing instruments to dentists during procedures
• Instructing patients on oral care
• Preparing x-ray machines, impression materials, anesthetics, and cement
• Billing patients and handling payments
• Ordering dental supplies

Some states require that dental assistants be licensed, but these requirements vary. Some states have regulations that require aspiring dental assistants to complete one-year certificate or diploma programs.

Dental Hygienists: Overview

A dental hygienist performs more advanced tasks that involve direct patient care. State law determines what tasks hygienists may perform, but typical duties may include:

• Polishing patients' teeth
• Removing hard and soft deposits from teeth
• Using several tools to remove tartar, plaque, and stains
• Developing x-ray film

Education requirements for these professionals include earning an associate degree in dental hygiene, and most programs take about three years to complete. License requirements differ from one state to the next, but typically individuals must pass an accredited training program as well as clinical and written examinations.

Dental assistants tend to perform more administrative duties to assist dentists, while dental hygienists work directly with patients to help clean their teeth prior to dental exams. Both careers are expected to have positive job growth.

Sourced from study.com