DENTAL ASSISTANT
What does a dental assistant do?
Dental assistants, or DAs, help the dentist during patient treatment. They’re an important part of the treatment process and the dental team. DAs sterilize and prepare equipment and prepare patients for procedures. They may also schedule appointments, maintain medical records, and handle other administrative duties, such as coding and billing.
Specifically, if you become a dental assistant, you’ll:
- get patients ready for treatment and provide them with oral health related information.
- document all details about the treatment in their patient records.
- assist the dentist during procedures, as well as medical or dental emergencies.
- assess and order dental supplies and equipment.
- expose x-rays.
Is this a good career for you?
A successful dental assistant is:
A Good Communicator
You need to be able to listen to and understand patients’ concerns. You also need to communicate clearly and concisely with other dental team members as well as patients.
Highly Organized
Obsessively Focused on the Details
When dealing with dental procedures, there’s no room for “close enough.” Precision is key. You’ll need to pay close attention to details when you’re prepping materials, taking x-rays, and assisting the dentist.
Good With Their Hands
A Healthy Mix of a People Person and a Techie
HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE?
HOW TO BECOME A DENTAL ASSISTANT IN NORTH CAROLINA
DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAMS IN NORTH CAROLINA
How much can I make?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean salary for dental assistants in North Carolina is $46,140.
How to become a dental assistant in North Carolina
Dental assistants in the Tar Heel State are not licensed, however, various certifications are needed to perform such duties as taking x-rays, polishing teeth, and monitoring the use of nitrous oxide. You can earn these certifications at established dental assisting programs at many community colleges.
Dental Assisting Programs in North Carolina
- Alamance Community College
- Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
- Brunswick Community College
- Catawba Valley Community College
- Cape Fear Community College
- Central Carolina Community College
- Central Piedmont Community College
- Coastal Carolina Community College
- Davidson Davie Community College
- Fayetteville Technical Community College
- Forsyth Technical Community College
- Guilford Technical Community College
- Isothermal Community College
- Montgomery Community College
- Pitt Community College
- Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
- Southwestern Community College
- Wake Technical Community College
- Wayne Community College
- Western Piedmont Community College
- Wilkes Community College