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Curriculum and Course Descriptions
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Career Description
Allied Health Programs: Dental Assisting
Employment needs for Dental assistants is expected to increase 37% nationwide between 2000 and 2010, according to the US Department of Labor. The employment market for Dental Assistants is very good and there is a demand for those with this career training throughout Florida and the nation.
Dental Assistants perform various patient care, office and laboratory duties in both small and large dental practices. A range of career opportunities for trained Dental Assistants includes everything from employment in various phases of dentistry from chair-side assisting to education; work in specialty dental offices such as orthodontics, dental supply sales, insurance, public health and other fields. Dental Assistants are responsible for duties such as making patients as comfortable as possible, preparing patients for treatment, and obtaining dental records. During a patient exam, Dental Assistants work chair-side with the Dentist as part of the Dental team. They hand instruments and materials to dentists, and keep patients' mouths clear by using suction or other devices. They also sterilize instruments and equipment, prepare tray setups for dental procedures, and instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care.
Additionally, Dental Assistants prepare materials for making impressions and restorations, expose radiographs, and process dental x-ray film. They also may remove sutures, apply anesthetics to gums or cavity-preventive agents to teeth, remove excess cement used in the filling process, and place rubber dams on the teeth to isolate them for individual treatment. Those with laboratory duties make casts of the teeth and mouth from impressions taken by dentists, clean and polish removable appliances, and make temporary crowns. Dental Assistants with front office duties schedule and confirm appointments, receive patients, keep treatment records, send bills, receive payments, and order dental supplies.
For all Dental Assisting questions, please e-mail Holly Solaas (850-729-6444) or Mary Thomas.