Dental Assistant
What's it like to be a Dental Assistant?
Dental Assistants provide support to dental professionals. Their responsibilities range from preparing dental instruments to patient care and education services. They collaborate closely with dentists, hygienists and other dental professionals in providing high-quality oral healthcare services to patients. Dental Assistants work in many environments, including clinics, hospitals and specialist dental practices.
Tasks and duties
- Preparing dental instruments and materials for use in dental procedures.
- Assisting dentists during dental treatments and procedures.
- Sterilising and maintaining dental equipment and instruments.
- Providing patient care and comfort during dental visits.
- Recording patient information and maintaining dental records.
- Educating patients on proper oral hygiene and post-treatment care.
- Scheduling dental appointments and managing administrative tasks.
How to become a Dental Assistant
To become a Dental Assistant, you usually need a diploma or certificate in dental care and hands-on experience.
Gain your high school diploma. To become a Dental Assistant, the initial step must be completing secondary school education. A diploma serves as a requirement for further dental assistant training courses.
Enrol in a dental assistant training program. These typically two to three years to complete and will equip you with the essential theoretical and hands-on knowledge necessary for this role.
Engage in internships or entry-level positions. To gain more practical experience and enhance your abilities, consider looking for internships or entry-level roles within dental clinics or offices, such as Dental Assistant Trainee or Junior Dental Assistant roles.
Consider acquiring a certification. Though certification isn't always mandatory, they can boost your credentials. The Malaysian Dental Council offers a certification program specifically for Dental Assistants which will enhance the credibility of your qualifications.
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