Are you looking for a career for which there is high demand? Becoming a dental assistant may be the career for you. As well as playing a very large role in patient care, dental assistants are often involved in the daily running of any dental practice. A skilled person can help a dental practice become a successful one. There is a strong demand for new dental assistants in New Zealand as there is a high turnover.

While that could sound worrying, it’s because of the available further-advancement options, as well as a number of different employment scenarios. But first, what kind of person do you need to be to become a good dental assistant?

To start with, an NCEA Level 2, or higher, health education, biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics are useful. In addition, having experience in reception and hospital work will stand you in good stead.

To be a dental assistant you need to be:

• Organised and able to follow instructions
• Able to work well under pressure
• Good at listening
• Able to remain calm in emergencies
• Quick and efficient
• Able to communicate effectively
• And of course, you need to be friendly, polite and caring

Your duties may include:

• Perform reception and clerical duties
• Greet and prepare patients for treatment
• Clean and prepare instruments
• Pass instruments and materials to the dentist
• Develop x-rays
• Mix materials for fillings
• Make moulds of patients\’ teeth
• Complete infection prevention and control procedures
• Follow up with patients where required
• Order dental and office supplies.

The New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) has a one-year accreditation course. No more than two years before the end date of the course you must to complete a NZ Resuscitation Council Certificate in Resuscitation and Emergency Care CORE Immediate, or the equivalent.

To qualify for the NZDA accreditation course you:

• Must be permanent residents of New Zealand.
• Must have use of a computer with internet access.
• Be employed as a dental assistant by an NZDA member for a minimum of 20 hours per week when you enrol and for the length of the course.
• Must have a supervising dentist who are NZDA members who are willing and able to support their dental assistant during the course. They will be responsible for your progression during the course and will conduct your practical workplace observation assessments.

The course will teach you to:

• Assist with dental radiography
• Assist with administration in dental practice
• Assist with oral hygiene instruction
• Communicate and work effectively in health or community settings
• Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures
• Participate in workplace health and safety
• Prepare for and assist with oral health care procedures
• Process reusable medical devices and equipment
• Understand the importance of diversity in the workplace

After completing the course, you could take further training and become:

• A dental hygienist
• A dental technician
• An orthodontic auxiliary
• An oral health therapist
• Dental technician job information provider
• Oral health therapist job information provider

Being gainfully employed while studying to improve your career opportunities is a wise move.

Thinking of pursuing a career as a Dental Assistant? If you would like to talk to one of our dental Assistants. They’d be happy to chat. Contact us on 0508 TEAM DENTAL and make an appointment today.