So I definitely got knowledge about a wide range of skills and perspectives,” says Amy N., CDA, who attended a CODA-accredited dental assisting program. “At school, you’re getting information from all different areas of the dental field. For example, schools teach techniques in general dentistry as well as specialties like endodontics. If prospective assistants want to learn in a controlled setting, with the ability to review concepts and practice procedures and techniques, school may be a better choice.įormal dental assisting programs also expose students to various procedures and skills they may not learn about when training on the job. The fast-paced, high-stress environment of a dental practice means assistants must learn fast and think on their feet. They taught me how to be compassionate - to have empathy, to be respectful of the patients, your co-workers and yourself.” Back to school You need to have the right attitude first,” says Laura R., CDA, CPFDA, CRFDA, who received her dental assisting training on the job. “Technique was the last thing my doctors taught me because they said you can fix technique. That allows the assistants to hone their professionalism and patient skills. That said, those who attend CODA-accredited dental assisting programs, or any formal education programs that incorporate clinical externships into the curriculum, receive direct experience with patients in a dental practice. The opportunity to learn directly about professionalism, customer service, and how to interact with patients is an advantage of on-the-job training. In addition, Carlita says it's helpful if a dental assistant trained on the job is primarily a “hands-on learner.” A hands-on learning environment helps most individuals better understand and retain the information. She has also earned a state certificate in expanded functions. For example, Carlita regularly reads dental assisting textbooks and pursues continuing education. They educate themselves inside and outside the dental office. The best on-the-job-trained assistants are self-motivated. “But it’s also important that you are not afraid to ask questions and ask why.” Motivation matters They were so patient and would stop anything or make sure they followed up to answer any questions that I might have,” Carlita says. “The key is to find a dentist who’s passionate about dentistry because they love to talk about it,” says Carlita R., CDA, who was trained on the job. ![]() It’s important to have knowledge of why you’re doing something, not just how.” Finding the right dentistĭental assistants who are trained on the job should work with dentists who are committed to both education and training. ![]() The dentist may not explain to them why you do it this way or what happens if you don’t do it this way. “Some on-the-job-trained assistants may learn the hows, but not the whys. “School provided me with a good overall perspective of dental assisting,” says Susan M., CDA, who attended a dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). ![]() Some dentists may not cover those fundamental aspects of dental assisting when they train assistants on the job. They learn standardized ways of performing techniques and procedures and the theories behind them. Formal education provides assistants with knowledge of best practices. Many dental assistants who attended formal dental assisting programs say they received a well-rounded, comprehensive education. But one path may prove more suitable than the other depending on several factors. Both options allow dental assistants to enter the field quickly and start building careers for themselves. A prospective dental assistant can pave their way into the profession by either attending dental assisting school or being trained on the job. Flexibility is one reason dental assisting is an appealing career choice.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |