Are you considering a career as a dentist? Are you unsure of where to begin? 
To start a career in dentistry, you should consider becoming a dental assistant first. As a dental assistant, you will have the opportunity to gain experience working in a dental office.
This experience will help you when you’re ready to manage your own dental practice. In this article, we will discuss what a dental assistant does.
Dental Assistant Career
A dental assistant is a professional who works alongside a dentist and dental hygienist. The main responsibilities of a dental assistant include the following:
- Preparing patients for procedures, cleaning, and exams
- Cleaning exam rooms
- Cleaning equipment before and after each patient
- Assisting dentists during procedures, for instance, by handing them tools or monitoring the patients
- Performing administrative and office management duties, for example, scheduling appointments and updating the patient records
To become a dental assistant, you should complete a dental assistant program. At the Institute of Medical & Business Careers, we offer a program that will teach you the skills and techniques you need to fulfill this position.
Can a Dental Assistant Become a Dentist?
A dental assistant can move on to become a dental hygienist or potentially a dentist. After completing your program at IMBC, you will have the foundational knowledge you need to build upon.
Becoming a dentist requires substantial education and training to provide oral health to patients effectively. The first step in becoming a dentist is earning a bachelor’s degree. Your degree can be in any field, but pursuing a bachelor’s in biochemistry might help you prepare for the next step in your education.
You should be aware that dental school takes four years to complete and results in either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). To receive licensure, you’ll want to pass the National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE), a two-part test that covers dental science, ethics and clinical procedures.
You will also complete an exit examination through a program approved by your state licensing board. After you’ve become licensed to practice you can choose to specialize in specific areas such as periodontal disease or children.
IMBC’s Dental Assistant Program
Are you ready to get into the field of dentistry? Take the first step in your career by enrolling in IMBC’s dental assistant program. Our program takes about 6 weeks to complete and has an average class size of 12 students, ensuring you get your instructors’ attention and assistance.
By enrolling in IMBC, you’ll train in our large labs with actual dental equipment and tools and receive classroom instruction on-site from our experienced teachers.
Enroll in IMBC’s program today to kickstart your career!