There Are Many Dental Assistant Schools In Kern County
Dental assistants definitely have something to smile about as the Bureau of Labor Statistics show an expected growth in the profession. In fact, dental assisting is one of the fastest growing professions in the country nowadays with an expected increase of 36 percent in the next 7 years. If you want to bite into this big opportunity, then maybe it is high time for you to look for a dental assistant school.
What to look for in Bakersfield Dental Assistant Programs?
Choosing from the dental assistant programs in Bakersfield Ca is probably one of the biggest decision that you’ll have to make to advance your career. Remember, this school will be your springboard to getting the best dental assistant jobs that offer the best income potential for you. This is why, you must take care when choosing a California dental assisting school. Here are some thing that you should look for in your dental assistant school:
- Accreditation is probably one of the most important qualities or factors that you should look for in your potential school. By being accredited, it only means that the school that you’ll be attending has been reviewed by a third party and found to provide adequate training and guidance to its students. What’s more, most licensure exams or certification exams require that you have completed a certain number of units from an accredited dental assistant school as only accredited dental assistant schools are considered to pass academic requirements. Plus, if you are looking for funding and scholarships, only accredited dental schools are able to offer government student aid.
- Equipment is another important factor to consider when choosing a school. Of course, you want to be trained in the latest equipment used in the profession to prepare you for when you actually start doing your job. A good dental assistant school should have all the equipment used in the profession as well as equipment needed to aid you in your studies, such as simulation programs, management and administration tools, etc. Not only that, make sure that the school has enough of these equipment to allow every student the chance to use them and practice with them. After all, what’s the use of a school with great equipment if you don’t really get to use them?
- Experienced and knowledgeable faculty members is something that you should also focus on when looking for the best dental assistant school for you. If you want to maximize your skills in order to advance yourself in the profession, you need to have the best mentors and the only way to do that would be to find teachers who actually have experience and theoretical knowledge of the profession. Most dental assistant schools actually post descriptions, educational background, training and experience of their faculty to attract students so take advantage of these and make sure that you do a bit of research about your mentors first before you sign up for the school.
- Short courses are great since these allow you to freshen up your memory, if you are already a practicing dental assistant hoping to advance your career, or if you want to focus on a certain aspect of the profession. Technology figures in dental services, in fact in any medical and health services, and as such, great schools offer short courses to educated dental assistants on these new equipment and technology. When looking for a dental assistant school, try to find one that offers short courses since these allow for continuing education.
Of course, choosing a Bakersfield dental assistant school still depends on your personal circumstances the time that you can devote in the study, your budget as well as your location. Choose the dental assistant school that fits your time and budget, then based on your short list, check the school which has all these four qualities.
How Much Do Dental Assistant Programs In Bakersfield Ca Cost?
Of course, choosing the best dental school in Kern County is not just about the four important qualities but also about whether it fits your budget or not. Most dental assistants forego going into dental assistant schools because they fear the high costs. They shouldn’t be as there are dental assistant schools that can definitely fit their budget. Plus, dental assistants school usually offer payment options as well as loans and aids that can help you get through your studies. The big question is: how much do dental assistant schools cost?
The fee for studying in dental assistant schools could start from as low as $800 to as much as $8,000 depending of course on the school, length of time of your study as well as the included fees and services. Some schools have a package that allows you to take up the needed 42 units in 11 months or in 22 months, depending on whether you want to study full time or part time. Dental assistant schools with streamlined curriculum usually go for $800 to $3000 while two-year dental assistant associate degrees could cost you at least $5000.
In the end, it is always important to do your research and check your own lifestyle. If you will be working to support your studies, then attend a dental assistant school that offers a part-time program or distance learning. If you want to be a dental assistant quickly, then go to a school with intensive training to get you to become one fast.
UEI Dental Assistant Program
Dental Assistant Education Requirements In Bakersfield Ca
The essential qualification for a dental assistant varies from state to state. Some states do not have any formal criteria other than a High School technical diploma. The incumbent would also have to produce an experience certificate of working in a reputed dental hospital or clinic. It could vary from 6 to 12 months. Some states require the incumbent to get registered as a licensed dental assistant and also have to regularly attend refresher courses as directed by the registering authority. Dentistry involves the extensive use of X-rays. Hence the dental assistants may be required to have cleared a radiation health and safety exam. It is advisable for the persons who are desirous of choosing a career as a dental assistant to get in touch with the local authorities to gain information about laws and conditions being enforced in the particular state.
Dental Assistant Work Environment:
The dental assistant job description is running the office smoothly, managing the patient accounts and get on with the preparations of various dental procedures. In most situations, the working of the dental assistant varies but the most common job of the dental assistant involves administrative duties as well as assisting the Dentist in the usual dental procedures. They are also entrusted with the task of scheduling appointments, keeping track of patient records, taking payments from patients, and ordering stationary and other office supplies. Dental assistants are also responsible for preparations and procedures like taking x-rays and blood tests to ensure that the patient is not diabetic or has other illnesses. They also prepare the mixtures which are made to get impressions for artificial dentures, giving local anesthesia and arrange the dental instruments properly so that they are easily accessible by the dentist. Dental assistants are also entrusted the task of clearing the oral cavities of debris and water while the dentist performs the dental procedures.
Dental assistants can be considered as an extra pair of hands of the Dentist. A dental assistant fulfill a wide range of duties which are very challenging and provide them dynamic and invigorating working conditions. If you have a desire to work with patients in the dental field and more importantly, have job security, you should consider this career.
Dental assistants are vital for the smooth functioning of any dental clinic or center. A dental assistant is a very satisfying job and has excellent perks. The competence of any dental assistant depends upon the experience and state where the dental clinic is located.
Career Advancement To A Dental Hygienist
After finishing an accredited dental assistant program, most new grads then focus on getting experience in the dental field. For many, this means gainful employment at a local dental clinic. For other new grads, becoming a dental assistant is the first step towards career advancement. This often means working towards becoming a Registered Dental Hygienist. There are currently 27 dental hygiene schools in California, with 5 more programs currently seeking proper accreditation. These dental hygiene programs are incredibly competitive to get into, so it is advisable to get professional career guidance from a guidance counselor.
Dental Assistant Salary Information:
As for the compensation which a dental assistant receives depends upon the experience and qualifications. A dental assistant can get over $30,000 annually. They can climb up the career ladder and end up as the office manager of the dental clinic or hospital.