A career as a registered dental assistant opens a wider field in employment opportunities. There is a wide range of positions available, not just assisting the dentist, but in laboratories, clinics, universities, government, hospitals and many other places. Of course the more education one has, in the field, the more opportunities that are available. One of the better positions is that of a registered dental assistant.
How To Be A Registered Dental Assistant
Being a registered dental assistant opens the door to more lucrative jobs at a higher pay. To become registered dental assistant a person must complete an educational program that has American Dental Association accreditation. If this is one’s ultimate aim, then it is important to be sure that the training program selected is approved by this association.
Laws differ from state to state regarding licensure or registration. Some states will accept a Certified Dental Assistant exam given by a Dental Assisting National Board. Other states require their own exam in order to qualify as a registered dental assistant.
Registered Dental Assistant Programs
Before starting a program, with this end in sight, it is important to check out the school offering the program, and make sure that they meet all the state qualifications for this goal. These programs are offered at trade schools, technical institutes and community colleges. They will include such things as preclinical, classroom and laboratory instruction.
Registered Dental Assistant Exams
The type of examinations required for registration differ from state to state. In Arizona, for example, an Certified Dental Assistant (Registered Dental Assistant) special examination must be taken. It consists of three parts, which are Radiation Health and Safety, General Chair-side Assisting and Infection Control. There is a fee for this examination and it is given throughout the state continually during the year. Because of different requirements, the state in which one resides should be checked for their requirements.
Once the certification is received, it must be renewed annually, with a minimum of 12 credits of continuing education. If more than 12 credits are earned the extras can be applied to the next year’s requirements. One credit is equal to 45 minutes of education which makes it fairly easy to earn these needed credits. Some employers offer education tuition and other incentives to keep their employees current on their registration.
There are many advantages to being a registered dental assistant. In addition to a higher salary, it gives one the advantage of being first in line for any promotions offered. A registered dental assistant with this certification quickly move into office management or administration positions.
