Washington DC Dental Assistant Schools & Training Programs

Is a Dental Assistant Career Right for You?

Few things can affect your appearance more than your smile. A healthy, white smile can help you to look younger and also cause you to show it off a lot more often. People with healthy teeth and gums are more likely to feel confident with their smile. Health risks are associated with unhealthy gums and teeth such as heart disease. A visit to the dentist can strike fear into the hearts of many patients, but the trained dental staff can go a long way toward easing fears and discomfort while at the dentist. A dental assistant plays a vital role dental care and ensuring that patients have a pleasant experience in the dental chair.

The dental assistant provides assistance to the dentist and hygienist so that they can concentrate on caring for the patient. Dental assistants may prepare materials for fillings and restorative procedures. Some dental assistants even develop x-rays for the patient’s records.

Washington DC Dental Assistant Salaries

A dental assistant can make as much as $64,000 in Washington DC with the right training and experience. Dental assistant training and certification greatly improves the chance of landing a high paying position in a prestigious dental practice.

Salaries increase with advanced education and certifications. Dental assistants can obtain certification in radiography for work in the dental office. A successful dental assistant should receive training in office procedures in the dentist’s office.

Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the job outlook for dental assistants will be very good in the coming years. There is always a need for good dental care and a well-staffed office must have trained dental assistants to handle the influx of patients.

New technologies such as cosmetic dentistry increase the demand for properly trained dental assistants.

Job Duties

The specific duties of the dental assistant will vary from office to office. The daily activities of the dental assistant are varied, which allows for a rich and diverse work day. Dental assistants prepare materials for dental procedures, develop x-rays and in some cases remove sutures from the patient.

The dental assistant works alongside the dentist and dental hygienist to hand instruments to the dentist, provide suction during the procedure and instruct the patient on postoperative dental care.
The assistant also works in the dental office updating patient files and records.