SmileSystems School

What does a dental assistant do?

Dental assistants are an important part of the dental team. Their responsibilities include helping the dentist during dental procedures, taking xrays, sterilizing instruments, taking dental impressions, explaining and communicating with patients and many other tasks.

Who do I assist?

Most of the time assistants work directly with the doctor whenever patients are being treated. In some dental offices, DA’s will also assist Dental Hygienists. Many dental assistants carry out administrative tasks under the supervision of an office manager or receptionist.

What other staff  members works  in the office?

Besides the dentist, dental hygienists are responsible for cleaning teeth and performing periodontal (gum) treatments. Receptionists and office managers work in the front or administrative part of dental offices. They coordinate staff schedules, book appointments, collect fees and generally handle all the non-clinical tasks in the dental workplace.

What salary range can I expect?

Starting salaries can range from $9 to $15 per hour, usually based on your skill level and experience. Some dental assistants who have received specialized training can make as much as $25 per hour.

Are there available jobs in the industry?

Even in these difficult economic times, dentists need dental assistants. With the aging population and the numbers of new dentists graduating from dental schools all over the country, the demand for well-trained dental assistants will continue to increase. The U.S. Department of Labor has estimated that jobs for dental assistants are expected to grow almost 30% through 2016 - that’s much faster than most occupations.

What skills will I learn in school?

The program includes a complete review of the dental profession, the basic sciences involved in dentistry and the methods and materials used by dental assistants in working dental offices. The laboratory portions of the course allow students to refine the skills and knowledge necessary to assist a dentist in treating patients in a typical dental practice, specialty office or clinic. This course provides for student certification in CPR and the DANB Radiological Health and Safety Exam Certification. Some of the areas of training will involve:

- Identifying dental instruments

- Using suction equipment to keep the patient’s mouth clear and dry

- Taking dental impressions and making dental models

- Sterilization of instruments and equipment

- Dental terminology and dental charting

- Transferring instruments during treatment

- Taking and processing dental xrays

- Making bleaching trays and using teeth bleaching systems

- Obtaining dental and medical histories

- CPR certification and much, much more...

Do I need to take any board certification tests?

Certification exams are not necessary in Pennsylvania, but are available for dental assistants who are interested and who have successfully completed their coursework at this school. New Jersey does require dental assistants to pass a certification test before they can be licensed.

Can I work part or full time?

There are many different kinds of dental assisting positions and jobs available. Some dentists only work part time and others have many assistants in one office, so there is a lot of flexibility.

Why is your school different?

The SmileSystems School of Dental Assisting focuses on ‘hands-on’ training, rather than spending the majority of the time in a lecture or classroom. The school is located in an actual practicing dentist’s office, where actual assisting experiences are emphasized. The class size is purposely kept small, so each student receives more attention than is possible in bigger schools. There is a dentist and other instructors on the floor at all times to teach and demonstrate the correct way to accomplish tasks. We have developed an accelerated training program to teach the fundamentals of dental assisting in JUST 13 WEEKS, not a year or more. One other important difference is that our school tuition is thousands of dollars less than competing programs.

How can I pay for school?

We have made the SmileSystems School of Dental Assisting much more affordable than other schools in the Philadelphia region. We have several payment plans available and offer a financing plan for students who need to pay over an extended time.

Do I need a high school diploma?

Yes, a high school diploma is a requirement for entrance.

What if I didn’t graduate from high school? Is a GED acceptable?

A GED is acceptable.