Dental Assistant provides assistance to both patients and dentists. They assess the patients concerns before transferring them to the Dentist. They also assist the Dentist in conducting minor or major operations.
Basic Tasks:
Assist patients with their concerns by interviewing them regarding their problem.
Prepare the materials needed for operations or examination procedures
Hand instrument or tools to the dentist during operation
Jotting down important information about the patients.
Consult dentists about the appointments and schedules.
Setting an appointment to patients.
Assist dentists during minor or major operations
Keeping important and confidential documents
Cleaning and preventing the cleanliness in the operation and office areas.
Advising clients on how to deal with their teeth or gum problems.
Issue receipts or billing statements to clients
Education and Training Requirements:
Must have a degree in Dentistry or Orthodontics
Must hold an authentic license issued by the Professional Regulation Commission
Must have at least 2-3 years experience
Salary Information:
Local Employment:
Dental Assistant receives PhP8-12,000 a month.
Overseas Employment:
US- USD24,118 or PhP1,165,502 per annum
Canada- CAD28,734 or PhP1,111,656 per annum
Singapore- SGD1,850 or PhP58,870 a month.
Saudi Arabia-SAR3,255 or PhP41,941 a month.
Qatar- QAR4,500 or PhP59,730 a month
Skills and Competency Requirements:
Must have wide knowledge in dentistry
Knowledge and ability on caring of patients
Ability to assist patients
Knowledge in analyzing cases of patients
Must know basic administrative work
Knowledge in using computer application
Knowledge in basic math
Know how to accommodate patients
Knowledge in giving good dental advices
Must have good communication skills.
Employment Opportunities:
The job outlook for Dental Assistant is very good. In US alone, it is foreseen as the third growing job for 2007. The needs for dental assistant are also high in Middle East, since they are expanding their health care units.
Work Environment:
Dental Assistant works in either private-owned clinics or hospitals. Their job is lighter compared to nurses, since their tasks is not as complicated. Their desk or cubicle is often located in front or beside the door to readily greet and assist the incoming patients.
Work Hours:
Dental Assistants often work for 8-10 hours a day.
Career Advancement:
Dental Assistant, who graduated and is a licensed dentist, can be promoted as intern dentist or orthodontist. If he/she possesses the skills and knowledge, promotion can be easily obtained.
