Become A Dental Assistant with a Hybrid Online Training Program

Become A Dental Assistant with a Hybrid Online Training Program

Dental assistants play an indispensable part in helping dentists provide excellent care to every patient and keeping modern dental practices running smoothly, taking on a wide range of clinical and administrative responsibilities.  Many people are attracted to a career in dental assisting because of the good job outlook: according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for dental assistants is projected to grow by 8% through 2033, faster than the average for most occupations. Another appealing thing about becoming a dental assistant is that you can train for this job in a hybrid program that mixes online and in-person classes, making it easier to fit preparing for a new career into your schedule. Today, we’ll explain more about the role of dental assistants and how you can become one through a hybrid program like the one offered by PCI Health Training Center.

Dental Assistant Job Duties

The role of dental assistants in modern dental offices has two primary dimensions. One of them is about clinical responsibilities in assisting other dental professionals like dentists and hygienists prepare for and perform procedures. The other is more administrative in nature.

On the clinical side, dental assistants perform tasks like taking and processing X-rays, handing off instruments to the dentist, utilizing suction, polishing teeth, applying sealants or fluoride treatments, and administering topical anesthetics.

On the administrative side, dental assistants handle many of the “front desk” duties at a dental practice, including scheduling appointments, handling billing and payments, and maintaining patient records.

Dental Assistant Training

Since working as a dental assistant means a mix of administrative and clinical responsibilities, training to be a dental assistant means receiving instruction in a mix of formats.

You can learn much of what you need to know about administrative tasks in a classroom setting. Lectures can also lay the required foundation of knowledge on subjects like anatomy and physiology, radiology, and the role you’ll play in common dental procedures.

To be properly prepared for your duties as a dental assistant, however, you’ll also need hands-on instruction. The “lab” portion of dental assistant training gives you a chance to learn by doing so that you have a complete understanding of tasks like administering topical anesthetics, taking and processing X-rays, and assisting the dentist chairside during procedures.

Hybrid Dental Assistant Training

If you’re considering changing careers to dental assisting, but your current job schedule or other responsibilities make going to school difficult, a hybrid online training program is a great option. Hybrid online dental assistant programs like the one offered by PCI Health Training Center offer greater flexibility for students with busy schedules by reducing the amount of time that they have to spend on campus.

In a hybrid training program, you can complete the assignments parts of the training online on your own time. You’ll only need to come to the campus for two days a week for hands-on lab training and in person lectures. The whole program can be completed in as little as 9 months. When you finish the program, you’ll be able to take the exam to become a Registered Dental Assistant in the state of Texas.

The hybrid online dental assisting program at PCI offers a comprehensive and convenient way to prepare for an in-demand career. Enroll today or contact us with questions.