Dental Assistant Skills Can Transferred to Become a Hygienist or Dentist

  • Dental Assistant
  • March 11, 2024
  • 1.2k views
  • 3 min read
Become a Hygienist or Dentist

As you think about what to do with your life, you realize that you have many choices. You can go into law if you like ligation and defense or you can go into the field of medicine. One of the first levels in dentistry you should consider is studying and training to become a Dental Assistant, which can involve training at an accredited institution for about eight to 10 months. This initial course of study will provide you with the primary skills needed to seek employment in a dental facility. This is a good opportunity to work on a daily basis with a dentist, patients and to see the ins and outs of a dental practice. This base of experience allows you to further explore possible education as a dental hygienist or dentist.

 

A dental assistant has many roles in a dental practice. One of the many critical functions to both dentists and patients is to sterilize tools in preparation of dental procedures. This includes procedures being performed by both dentists and dental hygienists.

 

Once this critical step is done, Dental Assistants can assist the doctor during procedures by providing him or her auxiliary assistance by handing them dental instruments,materials and tools so the doctor can focus on the patient. By working as a Dental Assistant, you get to have a front row spot to all dental procedures while observing the techniques used by the dentist. This alone is of great value as you get to witness this in real time and develop the aptitude for future use as either a practiced assistant or hygienist or dentist.

 

Finding qualified and knowledgeable Dental Assistants can be difficult. Some assistants have the experience but not the attitude and work ethic to be a match for a particular dental office. As such, many dentists provide educational incentives to keep qualified staff. Dentists can offer to assist with the cost of the dental education program and are often willing to work around the dental assistant’s work schedule. Once you complete your Dental Assisting program, you will have not only the degree but also the experience as a Dental Assistant so that you can market yourself successfully.

 

So come check out Northwest Career College where we have a 10 chair lab, traditional, digital and mobile x-ray units, and every type of equipment needed to become the most prepared Dental Assistant you can be. Call one of our enrollment specialists today at 702-254-7577. We are waiting to hear from you!

Jessica Vazquez
Author
Dental Assistant Program Chair

Originally from Southern California, Jessica moved to Las Vegas with her family before she found both a job as part of our Dental Assisting Team and her husband here. Jessica attended Sylmar HS in California and then Charter College for…Read Full Bio