Vista College - Dental Assistant Certification

Why take dental assistant classes at Vista College?

The dental assisting programs at Vista College in Clearfield and Salt Lake City, Utah provide adults with the continuing education and skills essential for a career as a dental assistant. Great jobs with great salaries are acquired through further schooling -- Vista College makes this a manageable goal. Vista College understands the challenges already-working adults and would like to help you start a new career in dental assisting.

     • The dental assistant education can be completed quickly, giving you more time
        to advance in your career.
     • You can choose to train for a dental assistant certificate in Clearfield or Salt
        Lake City, Utah.
     • Vista College Utah is an allied health school with education and career training
        programs that prepare students to take certification exams.

What does a dental assistant do during his or her career?

A dental assistant prepares the patients and the dentist for appointments. They disinfect the instruments and set them up for use. Dental assistants prepare the x-rays for the dentist to view and get casts ready for making impressions. After fillings or periodontal work is done, dental assistants may conduct post-operative procedures. They might also serve as an assistant to the dentist in emergencies. There is also an administrative aspect to dental assisting. These workers take and document information on patients' dental record and maintain database information as well.

Will I be able to get a job as a dental assistant?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics believes that jobs in dental assisting will grow 29% from 2006 to 2016, which is significantly faster than average. The United States population continues to grow and people are keeping their own teeth longer, so dental services will be needed more over the coming years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also contends that many dentists prefer to hire assistants who have had dental assisting training, so by going to school, the chances of quickly finding a job are increased.

What skills might a dental assistant use in his or her career?

     • Communicate well
     • Perform routine maintenance on equipment
     • Develop sensitivity to potential problems before they happen
     • Coordinate schedules and tasks
     • Enjoy helping people
     • Manage information: obtain, retrieve, and observe details
     • Interact with people
     • Know what equipment is used during procedures, which can be learned in
       classes
     • Show strong time management and prioritizing skills
     • Give emotional encouragement as well as medical assistance

What is the work environment like at a typical dental assisting career?

As a dental assistant, you will spend most of your time in contact with people. Whether it be on the phone or in person, understanding how to effectively communicate with a vast range of personalities is important.

It is imperative to keep the environment sterile for your health and for the patients' health. Gloves, masks and appropriate clothing keep this environment clean. Dental assisting is a job where you are shifting from administrative work to working with your hands in seconds, so being flexible can help you connect better with the patients and with your co-workers. Situations are always changing, so it is also important for you to be able to respond accurately and flexibly to them.

From dealing with numbers in accounts payable to preparing a molding, attention to detail is important. Dependability is also necessary. Your patients must feel that they trust you to complete their paperwork and the other procedures the dentist has you perform. You must be sensitive to the concerns and fears of the patients, because you can have a reassuring effect on them.