How helpful dental assisting course ?

[krnkimsung]

For next semester I am thinking of taking a dental assisting course just to get more familiar with the field (not to add anything to my apps since I already applied for this cycle)

Here is the course description of the class that I found, do you think it is helpful at all?

" Achievement of a healthy and functional dentition
through the prevention of new and recurring
diseases by the means of dental plaque control
techniques. Procedures in which plaque and stains
on the surface of the teeth are removed from the
coronal surfaces. Specific intraoral tasks that
are completed as a procedure delegated to the
expanded function dental assistant. Field trips
may be required. Lecture/ Laboratory "

Thanks,

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[yappy]

From what I understand - not very useful. I snet in papers with money and got registered and started volunteering @ free clinic. Free clinic dentist who volunteers there trained me @ the clinic then offered me a job. Look into these types of opportunities.

 

[ajusf16]

I don't see how adding more education could ever not help you

 

[toothfairy3]

kimsung,

im actually thinking about doing the same thing. Is this a course to get x-ray certified? I actually work as an assistant at a dental office (sterilization and chairside when needed) and I also am already in this cycle . The dentists I work with all say that it is very helpful if you take the course and then actually work as an assistant because you get so much hands-on experience and practice working with patients and all the dental materials. I don't know how helpful the class is if you just took it to learn but honestly it WILL help you familiarize with instruments and materials.

 

[Seahawk]

I am thinking of doing the same thing.

 

[Rubber Dam Man]

I took a dental assisting course through a local community college and it was probably the best thing I ever did in my couple years out of undergrad. Yes, I could've gotten a job with a biotech company doing R&D type work... but I chose to spend that time gaining experience in a profession that I wanted to commit my life to... So, It was a 2 month summer course (4 days/week) and I was hired immediately after completing the course. I worked F/T for 2 years as an asst. to GP and an Endodontist. I still get called every once in a while to come help out on days that they need someone. Dental Assisting is by far the best thing I could have ever done prior to dental school because I have tons of hands-on experience with almost every procedure you can think of.... It allowed me to develop my clinical skills and taught me how to handle the inner workings of private practice. Even though I have never performed a procedure, I feel that I have the confidence to come out of school and associate as oppose to going via the GPR route. Although I'm sure there are tons of things that I will need more practice on, but in terms of confidence ... I'm thankful for having done what I've done.

So IMO, if you want to expose yourself to dentistry - dental assisting would be the best thing you could ever do for yourself...