Dental Assistant Background

A dental assistant position can be considered to be the entry level job in the world of dentistry. A dental assistant will have various tasks assigned to them, all with the ultimate purpose of helping the professional dentist. This can entail various office and organization work, to actually assisting in dental procedures.

Dental Assistant Jobs

Dental assistant jobs can be said to exist on two general levels, that of a basic dental assistant and an expanded duty dental assistant, or EDDA. The basic dental assistant may do many of the same tasks as the EDDA, though a person with an EDDA position can actually take part in dental procedures with the supervision of professional dentist.

Dental Assistant Training

Generally speaking, to become a dental assistant one will need to undertake some coursework offered by an accredited institution such as a community college or vocational school. This usually lasts about nine months to a year, resulting in a diploma and proper licensing to become a dental assistant.

Dental Assistant Job Description

The responsibilities and tasks of a dental assistance will vary from practice to practice. A dental assistant may be required to sterilize instruments and equipment, and even assist in surgical procedures. It is not out of the ordinary that the position will require some office and organizational work as well.

Dental Assistant Salary

As will prove to be true with any career or job, a dental assistant's salary will vary based on education and experience. Obtaining the proper license may be necessary in certain states to obtain such a position. However, the average hourly wage is usually between $12.00 to $15.00 per hour, depending on which state and city a person is working in.