Allied Health
Dental Assistant
Questions and Answers
What do dental assistants do?
Their role is a varied one that touches every
aspect of dental care. Their primary responsibility is as a chairside
assistant to the dentist. Dental assistants also
coordinate the office, maintain patient records, prepare x-rays, and teach
patients proper oral health. Other duties include taking vital
signs, polishing teeth, placing temporary crowns, sterilization
procedures, ordering supplies, inventory management and lab work.
As a dental assistant, your role is a
combination of duties—part medical technician, part receptionist, part
office manager and part public relations. Dental assistants can also
work in a number of specialties such as orthodontics, oral surgery and
pediatric dentistry.
What is this field like?
Just as a dental assistant's tasks are
varied, the field itself offers great flexibility. You can take this
profession to any area of the country and find employment. If you
need to take time off from your career, you can easily re-enter when
you're ready to work again. Your work environment is clean and
comfortable. Holidays and weekends are your own; both part and
full-time jobs are available; and there are opportunities to further you
knowledge with seminars, courses, classes and continuing education.
Dentistry has been a leader in the health
field in making patients feel comfortable and promoting preventive care.
It is also constantly changing with such new technologies as laser
dentistry and videotaped exams.
What program does Spokane Community
College offer in this field?
SCC offers two options in dental assisting - a
one-year certificate and a two-year associate in applied science (A.A.S.)
degree. Both options include identical classes in dental assisting.
However, the two-year A.A.S. degree program includes such liberal arts
classes as biology, sociology, chemistry, psychology and communication.
Upon graduation, students are eligible to
take the Dental Assisting National Board Examination to become certified
dental assistants.
Why should I choose SCC?
Part of the success of SCC's dental assisting
program can be attributed to the fact that students receive extensive
hands-on experience and on-the-job training. Students consistently
practice the theories they are learning in the classroom.
In addition to being the most affordable
program of its kind in the area, the SCC dental assisting program has been
fully accredited for over 20 years. It is equipped with up-to-date
equipment, and the program has strong ties with the area's dental
community.
What classes will I take?
The dental assisting program starts fall
quarter. Classes start with the basics, progress to the advanced,
and must be taken in sequence. Students must pass all classes with a
2.0 grade point to continue in the program.
Students gain clinical experience during both
winter and spring quarters.
Where can I get a job?
The SCC dental assisting program has had a 100-percent placement rate for years.
Jobs are available in Spokane as
well as across our region and nation. Wherever there are dentists,
there is a need for dental assistants. Employment options include
dental offices, specialty offices (such as orthodontics, pediatric
dentistry and oral surgery), dental supply houses, insurance companies,
public health agencies and governmental agencies (including the armed
services). Dental schools also hire qualified, experienced dental
assistants to work with dental students.
How much will I earn
The salary for dental assistants varies
greatly depending upon the person's skills, his or her personality and
work ethic, and the employer. Entry-level pay in Spokane ranges from
$7 to $10 an hour. Those who show skill and enthusiasm for their
work quickly advance in both income and responsibilities. Benefit
packages often include uniform allowance, continuing education, retirement
plans, and medical and dental insurance.