Dental Assistants (NOC 3411)

Description

Dental assistants assist dentists during the examination and treatment of patients and also perform clerical functions. Dental assistants work primarily in dental offices, or they may be employed by government and educational institutions.

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Example Titles

certified dental assistant
certified intra-oral dental assistant
dental assistant
registered dental assistant

>> View all titles

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Classified Elsewhere

Dental Technologists, Technicians and Laboratory Bench Workers (3223)
Dental Therapists and Dental Hygienists (3222)

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Duties

Dental assistants perform some or all of the following duties:

Prepare patients for dental examination and assist the dentist during the examination
Sterilize and maintain instruments and equipment
Prepare dental instruments and filling materials
Educate patients concerning oral hygiene
Schedule patient appointments and record dental procedures performed
Invoice patients for dental services
Order dental and office supplies
Take and develop X-rays
Polish teeth and clinical crowns and apply fluoride and sealant
Take preliminary impressions for diagnostic casts
Fabricate temporary crowns and restorations.

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Skills

Dental assistants need the following skills and characteristics:

Essential Skills:

be able to relate well to a wide range of people and gain their confidence,
ability to work as a member of a team and follow instructions,
good verbal and writtencommunication skills

Technical skills:

manual dexterity in operating and cleaning fine instruments,
good organizational and time management skills,
clerical skills,

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Employment Requirements

Completion of a three-month to one-year college or other program in dental assistance.
In Manitoba, to work as a Level II (Intra-Oral) dental assistant or use the title Dental Assistant you must obtain a license with the Manitoba Dental Association.

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Terms & Conditions

Dental assistants work indoors. Most work regular office hours, although some evening work may be required. Part time opportunities are available, although the majority work full time (77%). All dental assistants are salaried employees.

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Earnings

$31,200 per annum - starting

$39,800 per annum - average

$45,200 per annum - high

Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.

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Education / Training

The University College of the North offers a one-year certificate program in Dental Assisting. https://www.ucn.ca/ics
The University College of the North offers a 1-year General Studies: Preparation for Careers in Health Care program. http://www.ucn.ca/ics
Red River College offers a Dental Assisting - Level 2 (1-year) certificate program. The program is open to residents of Manitoba only due to a high demand. Red River College also offers a Dental Assisting - Advanced program through the Continuing Education Division. http://me.rrc.mb.ca/Catalogue/ProgramPrint.aspx?ProgCode=DENAF-CT&RegionCode=WPG
CDI College of Business, Technology and Healthcare (Winnipeg Campus) offers a 12-month Intra-Oral Dental Assistant diploma program. http://www.cdicollege.ca/manitoba/school/health_care/intra_oral_dental_assistant.htm
Some high schools in Manitoba offer a program in Dental Technology.
Tec Voc High School offers a 2-year course in Dental Assisting. Students gain the technical knowledge and clinical experience needed for employment in the dental field by taking eight credits at the grade 11 and 12 levels. http://198.163.179.48//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id+53&Itemid=98

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Career Paths

In Manitoba, there are two levels of dental assistants: Level I - chair-side assistant and Level II - intra-oral assistant. Progression from Level I to Level II is possible with appropriate training and licensing. Extended duties and advanced assisting positions are possible with additional training.

With experience and further education, dental assistants may become office managers, instructors, or dental product sales representatives.

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Outlook

Employment prospects for dental assistants are expected to be good in the period 2010 to 2014. Employment in Manitoba in 2010 is estimated at 970.

Generally, growth in this occupation is related to the demand for dental services. It is expected that an ageing population will increase the demand for dental services. The majority of dental assistants are under the age of 45, therefore employment opportunities are more likely to result from turnover and new job openings, rather than retirements.

There are good employment prospects for Level II dental assistants and less demand for Level I assistants. As more dental practices have located to retail malls, there has been an increase in part-time, evening and Saturday employment. The factors which positively influence the demand for dental assistants are expanding dental insurance coverage and an increasing emphasis on preventative dental maintenance.

Employment is fairly evenly distributed across the province compared to total employment population. Nearly all Dental Assistants are employed in the Health Care and Social Assistance sector (93%).

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