How to Become a Dental Assistant in California
Date: July 22, 2022
Have you been looking to commence your journey toward becoming a Dental Assistant? However, are perplexed about how to start? If so, this guide provides steps to navigate through the confusion successfully.
Get a Dental Assistant Education
Presently, in California, becoming a Dental Assistant is more straightforward than one might think.
First, a license is not required to obtain work as a Dental Assistant in the state. However, procuring the requisite education from an accredited institution may be necessary for a future in the profession. Education is highly recommended. By and large, the benefits of obtaining a Dental Assistant education include:
- A) Skill training for work within various dental offices.
- B) Hands-on experience before entering the field.
Considering the above, when searching for a prospective school, remember several things. First, examine its curriculum, tuition costs, and other vital areas. Next, speak with faculty and staff regarding school standards. Correspondingly, consult public reviews that measure the temperature of the academic “climate.” Additionally, research post-educational opportunities.
The above said, evaluating a school generally helps one enumerate their desires and needs. In this way, one may choose a program that aligns more closely with their long-term goals. Some questions you should ask a future school include some of the following.
Ask These Questions
1. What Does the Curriculum Offer?
First, ask about the core curriculum. Note that this question includes the objectives and goals of the coursework. Of note, the Dental Assistant program at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts takes eight (8) months* to complete.
For ease, our classes begin every four (4) weeks. Further, our curriculum teaches the principles of front and back-office Dental Assisting. Additionally, our coursework introduces the fundamentals of anatomy and physiology related to the oral cavity. Moreover, we’ve designed our syllabus with every hope of giving students the knowledge needed to succeed in this area.
2. What is Lab Instruction Like?
Second, ask what lab instruction is like. Remember, there are two parts to our coursework. Ultimately, coursework includes lab instruction and externships. On the whole, students complete 196 hours of didactic and 388 hours of laboratory instruction. Additionally, attendees receive access to a library and a dental classroom. The dental classroom is equipped with hands-on audiovisual teaching aids, e-books, and simulators.
Ultimately, in the long run, we believe clinical experience is an integral part of healthcare education. For this reason, students are required to complete 180 clinical externship hours. Such externships are essential because they help one transition from being a student to becoming a professional. When placed at a facility, students can assist the staff with their daily duties. Of note, these are done while under supervision. Traditionally, these tasks and responsibilities vary.
3. How Will I Pay For My Education?
Third, ask how you will pay for your education. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts participates in federal and state student financial assistance programs.† Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Therefore, even if you’re short on funds, never give up on your dreams. Ultimately, we want to help you achieve your goal of becoming a Dental Assistant.
4. What are the Steps to RDA Licensure?
Fourth, ask the steps to RDA Licensure. After completing the required certification, the next step is to get experience. With sufficient working hours, one can apply for a California Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license through the Dental Board of California (DBC). To do so, one must take a written examination.1
In order to obtain licensure from the Dental Board of California, candidates must have:
- 15 months total experience = eight (8) months in a program and seven (7) months and 1,280 hrs of on-the-job training;1
- 8-Hour Infection Control Certificate;
- Coronal Polishing Certificate;
- Radiation Safety Certificate;
- Dental Practice Act Certification, and Pit and Fissure Certification.
Work in Dental Assisting
As you go, familiarize yourself with work in the profession. Within California, 91.2 percent of Dental Assistants work in a dental office.2 Yet, there are specialties. In short, every dental office has a dentist with a specialty. Overall, specifically, dentist types include:
- General
- Oral surgeons
- Prosthodontists
- Orthodontists
- Periodontists
- Pedodontists
- Endodontists.
Markedly, such variety means one has the option to work at a dental office with a specialty that interests them.
Traits That May Indicate You’re a Fit
Ultimately, you’ll want to ask yourself still other questions. Of note, these include some of the following:
- Do you enjoy working with adults and children of all ages? You may enjoy working in a general or pediatric dental office.
- Would you like to help treat people with diseases affecting the mouth, jaws, and neck? If so, you might elect an oral and maxillofacial surgeon’s office.
- Do you love working with the senior community? Perhaps a prosthodontics office is a fit.
- Are you interested in implant technology? Maybe a periodontal office is for you.
- Do you want to focus on complex tooth problems? A job at an endodontist’s office may be a match.
Still another option for a Dental Assistant is performing humanitarian work. Some dentists even go on mission trips with their office teams.
If you’re unsure which office you would like to work in, going to school can help you decide. While learning about different specialties can provide clarity.
In summary, if you love to travel and do humanitarian work, you might use your Dental Assisting skills to help people in need. Moreover, this may be close to home or further away in other countries.
Start Your Journey
In conclusion, if you are ready to enter the Dental Assisting world, it’s time to get an education. Get in touch with us today. We are here to help you achieve your dreams and answer any questions you might have. Set up a tour or learn more about our Dental Assisting program.~
* 32 Approved Instructional Weeks
† Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Written by Cindy R. Chamberlin.
Citations:
1 “Registered Dental Assistant Applicants.” CA Gov, Department of Consumer Affairs, Dental Board of California. 2021. (Accessed December 15, 2021.)
2 “Detailed Guide For Dental Assistants in California.” California Occupational Guides, EDD, State of California. (Accessed December 16, 2021.)