FINDING YOUR SPECIALTY · Oct 25, 07:54 PM
“Finding your Specialty” – what does that mean? Well in the dental field it can mean the difference between a long successful career and an “I do not want to get up in the morning and go to work” career. There are several different fields to choose from as a dental assistant. How do you choose the right one for you? First let’s talk a little about the different specialties out there.
General Dentistry: This is the most common, and this is what they call the “bread and butter” type practice. Your general dentist usually (I say usually because there are many general dentists that will practice some type of specialty also) takes continuing educational courses, but in general they practice restoring teeth, fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions, some cosmetic, annual exams and cleanings among other things. This type of dentistry gives the assistant a wide range and a variety of expanded duties to perform and for this reason many assistants prefer this field. Assistants are able to utilize all of their skills and may feel more challenged and less bored.
Endodontic Dentistry: This field is strictly focused on root canal therapy – the phrase that just about everyone seems to grimace at. You either love to assist on root canals or you dread it. If you are working in general dentistry and find that when you see it on your schedule you say “YUK” – then chances are you should stay clear of working for an Endodontist.
Prosthetic Dentistry: This specializes in dentures, partials, appliances, etc. There are a lot of impressions, measurements, and try-ins in this field. There is no general dentistry preformed in this field, so I would not recommend this to the type of young energetic assistant who wears roller blades.
Pediatric Dentistry: Aww, the children. This is a great field, because you are able to practice general dentistry on a smaller level, with smaller chairs. They are adorable. Your materials may vary slightly from general dentistry. There are no root canals on primary teeth, but more pulpotomys; you might even have some orthodontics involved. I can tell you from my own experience the stress level is much different. You have a lot of frightened children and sometimes very unmanageable. Depending on the dentist and his techniques in handling these situations, he might do oral sedations, nitrous, chair side control or even under general anesthetic in the hospital (this last one is done very rarely but is still practiced). The bottom line is you have to love to care for children and have the desire to be with them all day. I suggest you find a practice that will allow you to observe a few days and do several working interviews first. It is very rewarding for the right assistant.
Oral Surgery: If you have a love of surgery then this might be the field for you! Most surgeons have their agenda and expect you to be at the top of your game all the time. They have a large responsibility monitoring and administering I.V. sedations. The procedure at hand is done within a short period of time to keep the patient from being under sedation for too long a period of time. Sterilization techniques are handled differently and most of the instruments are quiet different from general dentistry. There are usually a variety of surgical procedures preformed in this field.
Orthodontic Dentistry: This deals with the alignment and movement of teeth and also corrects one’s bite. There are a lot of children that are patients in this field, but you will treat adults as well. Assistants typically work much more independently from the dentist, except when performing banding. In general orthodontic dentistry involves a lot more intricate work. Outside of impressions there is no general dentistry practiced, you might find an orthodontic dentist that also does some simple extractions, but usually they will refer it to a general or surgeon.
Cosmetic Dentist: I talk with dentists all day and I find there are a lot of wonderful general dentists that do cosmetic dentistry making beautiful smiles, but I also have clients that do nothing but cosmetic dentistry. This means no extractions, no root canals, no dentures; some will not even do fillings. They mainly do veneers, crowns, and bridges. As their assistant you will be required to do beautiful temporaries; usually these are large cases so you will do mock ups first. If you are a perfectionist, detailed and have a great smile you might just love this specialty. Most of the Dentists in this field are perfectionists and will expect the same from you. I do not recommend this to an entry level assistant.
So if you have a particular interest in one of the fields outlined above but you are not sure of exactly which, call a local practice. Explain to them your desire to possibly go into the field you are interested in and ask them if you could observe for a day. Make sure you let them know you are certified and know about cross contamination and that you are not soliciting them for a job. Most offices will invite you to observe.
If you are a student getting ready to do an externship, ask your instructor to please set you up with an office in the field you are interested in. I would recommend that students also spend some hours in general dentistry to gain a wide range of experiences to base decisions on. Remember – this is something you will be doing all day long – so you should enjoy it and have the desire to learn more in that field. It is a great feeling to love what you do!
Till next time
Judy
— Judy
THE "PERFECT" DENTAL TEAM · Aug 29, 04:13 PM
This month I would like to talk about the team, the anchor of a dental practice, and what makes a dental practice successful or what can break one. Have you ever heard the saying “You are as good as what you surround yourself with”? I believe that this is true to a great degree and have seen first hand how this is implemented in businesses. I also want to talk a little about team’s needs and what motivates them to help make your business a bigger success. I am not an expert on the subject nor do I pretend I have degrees that I do not hold. I am speaking from my own experiences on the job, from learning through a variety of team management courses and seminars, and feed back provided by many business owners.
I have mentioned this nugget of wisdom many times to my clients, our applicants and throughout our website: not only are skills essential but the personality of the individual is just as important to have a successful match.
Have you ever found the perfect job, the perfect facilities, and the perfect pay? Everything you thought you were looking for in a career. Your first day is really great, everyone is so friendly to you, you’re getting settled in, and everything seems perfect. The second day pretty much the same as the first, as the time passes by you notice there is this slight tension going on, you ask yourself “is it because of me or maybe they are just having a bad day?” As time progresses the situation now seems to have gotten worse. You finally decide to address things on an individual level and meet with resistance, so you take the next step – you go to your boss. Your boss dismisses your complaints and tells you to go back to work and “get along with your co-workers”. You feel defeated and alone, and in the end you either quit or get fired. This perfect job has slowly turned into your perfect nightmare.
What happened? You did your job well, you were always on time, dependable, your skills were above there requirements, so what went wrong? Typically in these types of situations it is not anything you did directly it just was not a good fit for that particular office. This is an example of where the skills did not matter, this person for some reason could not get on board with the other team members, their boss supported his or her other employees and so the conclusion ended up in a separation of employment.
It is so important to have that “just right person” join your dental practice team. But how can you be sure they will fit? Well no one has a glass ball to see into the future, but we can take every available opportunity to assure the best possible fit. Each employer or business has their own goals and hopefully strategies to achieve them. So you need people that will support and help obtain these goals with you. Did you notice I did not say for you, I said “with you”? I am a strong believer in” we” and not “I “statements. It takes all of us working together to obtain the win. A football team needs both their defensive and offensive team; they could not win with half the football line up, it takes everyone. I feel you must give ownership of one’s job to that individual that gives them a sense of pride with their position, motivating them to succeed.
Here are some suggestions to help find the right person to join your team. I highly suggest working interviews and not just one either; you cannot possibly determine someone’s personality from a single interview. At least several over a full week. Personality test are also useful too, a lot of dental practices are using this. Find out what the applicant’s short and long term goals are. Determine their strengths and weaknesses, hobbies, observe if they take care of themselves, and take note of pet peeves. They must have a strong set of references, not from a friend or family member, but a professional reference that has directly worked with them. Dental Link also does several background checks. Susie homemaker is not always what she appears to be. All these facts help answer the question, “Will they fit into my team?” I am not saying everyone must walk around like a Stepford employee, but you do need everyone on the same page in harmony so you all are able to strive toward the same goals that have been set for the practice. One trait I have a zero tolerance for are what I call “Pot Stirrers”; they can contaminate your entire staff causing dissention and a very unpleasant, stressful environment.
It is a fact that Recognition, amongst one’s peers, is the #1 motivator and money is second.
“Believe It or Not”
You must also recognize what motivates a person. Yes, of course money has always been a primary motivator and employers can offer staff different compensation based motivation including achievement / goal based bonuses. Gift certificates, an extra vacation day, a staff lunch out, and other forms of recognition are also needed. Everyone wants to be recognized for their hard work and achievements; just remember a little goes a long way. Your employee wants to please you and do a good job for you, but you as their employer need to reward them for all their efforts. A pay check is wonderful and most are very grateful for that alone, but wouldn’t it be nice to have something other then your pay stub to work toward? Even a pat on the back once in a while and a “good job” is so appreciated. You have to take good care of your personnel; the bottom line is you can not achieve your goals without them. I find ruling with an iron fist only gains results out of intimidation and you will suffer from repeated turnover.
So choose you team wisely and the same goes for prospective employees. Applicants should choose dental job opportunities with just as much care, interviewing the potential employer to make sure this will also work for you. A happy team is a successful team which will create a profitable outcome. Isn’t that ultimately what all of our goals are?
Till next time!
— Judy
DENTAL ASSISTANT / ASSISTING SCHOOLS · Jun 15, 12:18 AM
My last blog I spoke about Dental Assisting certification requirements, I hope this was of value to you. This month I would like to talk about the schools that are available to prospective dental assistants.
The need for Dental Assistants is growing rapidly. It is a wonderful choice that can be very satisfying and challenging. It is also a very secure field to be in. I have moved in the past to a few different states and I was able to work as a dental assistant and was compensated well for it – being a single mom that was a lot of peace of mind. I never had a problem securing a position and I believe much of this had to do with my training.
When I attended dental assisting school (we won’t mention when, let’s just say I have been in the dental field for many many years) the program was 10 months long including 350 hours of externship – no exception – and you were allowed to miss only 3 days before you got kicked out. I was required to attend 5 days a week, all day classes, none of this 2-4 hours a day that some schools offer. In addition I was also required to attend lab every day. And I walked uphill through snow, both ways ;) During my time in school we had to bring in actual patients; most of us used our family members to practice various procedures prophys, sealants, impressions, x-rays. Dental assistants were allowed to do all of these procedures in the state I was from at that time. We also had a Dexter, in which we could make all our mistakes on – but he never complained
We sat for our State test which included our State radiology and dental assistant exam. The OSHA was a separate test in itself; when you passed you were able to go out and begin your career as long as all your externship hours were met and within all the guidelines you were required to perform as a dental assistant.
The bottom line is, I truly believe it is the school that can make a great dental assistant – or not.
I am not saying that all the responsibility should be placed on the institutes; the student still needs to do his or her part with the drive, desire and dedication to do their personal best both academically and personally. I do however feel that it is the sole responsibility of the dental school to provide the best education and have all the tools and curriculum necessary. After all schools are the ones charging these tuition fees and advertising that they provide the education and opportunity to work in this field – so provide it!!!
So let’s talk about the schools that are available…
A good rule to go by when looking at a dental school program is that there is no quick fix or quick anything for a long term need. We are not working on a computer all day that if a mistake is made we correct it, these are real people, patients that trust us. I recommend that prospective dental students shy away from quick study courses; online courses that offer don’t offer any hands-on experience; those where all your support is via phone; any weekend courses offered that entice you with “at the end of 6 or 10 weeks you will be a dental assistant”. I would have to seriously look at the hours and requirements of any ten week course before I would consider such a fast paced program.
Those that have attended dental school or have a dental certificate are not automatically a good candidate for Dental Link. I set high standards for my business in providing the best applicant possible for our clients, even at the entry level. The right school is a very important aspect. Here are a few schools I have checked into that I feel offer a good program, local to the Dallas area:
Platt College of Dallas
2974 Lyndon B. Johnson Fwy,
Farmers Branch, TX
(972) 243-0900
Notes: The program is 7 ½ months, 200 hours of externship, all day classes split between class rooms and Lab; the course outline is very strong. Your tuition includes all your test fees. Contact Christine Jones, the assistant director.
Southeastern Career Institute of Dallas
12005 Ford Rd, Suite 100
Dallas TX
(972) 385-1446
Notes: They have a strong 9 month program including 300 hours externship with the opportunity for you to test on site. Contact the director, Rhonda Byrd.
I believe Dental assistants are like nurses to M.Ds – we are required to do more expanded duties and now be certified doing them. Get the training you need and not look for a quick program…trust me when I tell you it will backfire on you and you will find yourself having a hard time finding a job because you just do not have the knowledge and hands on training you need. We have been able to place new dental assistants right out of school because of their solid choices in good, reputable dental schools and the high level of confidence they have in their training when they got out. Some doctors are willing to take an entry level assistant because of the higher quality education that was earned.
Be diligent in your search. Ask questions like “how long is your program?”, “how many hours a day and how many days per week?”, “do you provide a testing site and are the fees included in your tuition”. Find out if there is an onsite lab and if it is equipped with the proper dental tools and equipment you will need. Look closely at the qualifications of the instructors, the amount of hands-on-time you will receive, and the details of the course curriculum. Be sure to examine the externship outline – this is perhaps one of the most crucial part of your studies because this is where you will have the most opportunity for hands on work with patients in an actual dental practice. Ask lots of questions because this is an important investment in your future. Make the right choice because you are worth it.
— Judy
DENTAL ASSISTANTS CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS · Apr 13, 12:01 AM
I can tell you there is mass confusion regarding the requirements and certifications after interviewing Dental Assistants on a daily basis. I would like to help bring some clarification on these issues.I had the pleasure of speaking with Linda at the Texas Dental Board and wanted to share the information I received as of April 12, 2007. Those of you who have a radiology certificate before 2004, you have until Sept 1, 2007 to obtain your RDA, (Registered Dental Assistant) if you do not, you will not be allowed to take x-rays even under the Dentist’s supervision.. You must get your RDA at that point.
If your radiology certificate is after Sept 1, 2004 or you are new to the Industry then you have one year to obtain your RDA. (Don’t forget Assistants, the test is now all three in one. You cannot just take the radiology test, you must take all three Dental tests, (1) Jurisprudent (2) OSHA (3) Radiology. You may work as an Assistant including taking x-rays under Dentist supervision for one year.
Ok, let’s talk about test sites. I am going to give you a link to help you find a provider. Go to www.tsbde.state.tx.us and look forDental Assistants, scroll down to course providers and click on it. Select the test site and course. The fee varies depending on the provider you choose. I will tell those of you with very little experience or those who have been out of the industry for a period of time, should look at the provider that offers the most information and longer course, the fee might be higher and the hours longer but better to pay now than later. Every time you take the test you are charged a fee.
Now you have taken the test and passed - YEAH!!!! You need to register with the Dental Board next and now the real fun starts.
You must send in your scores along with your CURRENT CPR card and a $50.00 fee, this includes your certificate for all three categories. After they (the board) processes this you will be receiving an additional form to "activate you", you must sign the form and send it back with a fee (between $12 - $35, they will tell you what the fee is when they send you the form). Ok, so by now you are probably asking "what is the difference in the fee?" Do not kill the messenger! I am about to explain it. The price varies because it is pulled by computers randomly and assigns an expiration date. Your first expiration date will be from 6-17 months from the initial activation date. After your first year you will renew once a year for a fee for $25.00
After all this is said and done, you are required to take 6 hours of the CEU (Continuing Education) course a year to keep your RDA current. Now this is the confusing part -- you do not need to start the CEU course till the end of your first year. The board will send you a form to sign stating you in fact took the credits needed, you do not need to send proof of this but I would keep a record of it in case you ever get audited. The following year you will have to send in proof of the CEU courses you took along with your $25.00 renewal fee. One last thing, this does not include your Nitrous certificate, yeah you guessed it, a totally different test different fee. You can get more information on this through the web page.
As a professional in the industry and having worked as a Dental Assistant and Front Office for many years, I do feel we need regulations and guidelines for patients and assistants safety. I will be talking about this in my next blog.
I hope this has given you some clarification on these confusing and ever changing dental assistant issues, if not please call your
Texas Dental board for further information at 512-475-0988.
Till next time!
— Judy
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