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As the population of San Diego continues to grow, the need
for dental assistants also increases. If you are looking for a career in the
dental field, becoming a dental assistant is a great option. Here are seven
ways to gain a career as a dental assistant in San Diego
1. Get Certified
Getting certified is the best way to start your career as a
dental assistant. The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) offers the
Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification. This certification proves that
you have the knowledge and skills necessary to work as a dental assistant.
To become certified, you must complete an accredited dental
assisting program and pass the CDA exam. The exam consists of 200
multiple-choice questions on general dentistry, oral pathology, radiology, and
sterilization.
2. Acquire Experience
A career as a dental assistant in San Diego can be
competitive, but gaining relevant experience can give you a leg up on the
competition. Consider volunteering at a local dental clinic or shadowing a
current dental assistant to gain hands-on experience in the field.
In addition, taking courses in healthcare and customer
service can show potential employers that you are knowledgeable and dedicated
to the job. While gaining experience may take time and effort, it will pay off
when you have the skills and experience necessary to secure a position as a dental
assistant in San Diego.
3. Become Licensed
To become a certified dental assistant in San Diego, you
must obtain your license from the Dental Board of California. You can do this
by completing an accredited dental assisting program and passing both a written
and clinical exam. Another option is to have at least three years of on-the-job
training under the supervision of a licensed dentist, followed by successful
completion of the board's exams.
Whichever route you choose, gaining your license is an
essential step toward establishing yourself as a qualified dental assistant in
the San Diego area. Once your license is obtained, keep it current by
fulfilling any necessary continuing education requirements. You can build a
successful career as a licensed dental assistant in San Diego with dedication
and hard work.
4. Get Credentialed
If you're interested in pursuing a career as a dental
assistant in San Diego, one important step is to become credentialed. While
some states may allow individuals to work as dental assistants without
certification, getting credentialed can open up more job opportunities and
potential for advancement.
In California, the state requires that dental assistants
possess either a Radiologic Proficiency (RDA) license or a Registered Dental
Assistant (RDAEF) certificate. Both options involve completing an accredited
program and passing an exam.
5. Become Registered
Another credential that can prove your skills as a dental
assistant is registration with the American Association of Dental Assistants
(AADA). To become registered, you must complete an accredited program and pass
the AADA Registration Examination. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice
questions on topics such as chairside assisting, laboratory procedures,
radiography, and pharmacology for dentistry.
6. Get Educated
While there are dental assistant positions that only require
on-the-job training, going to dental assistant school can allow you to gain valuable skills and knowledge in a
structured setting. Look for dental schools in San Diego that offer
comprehensive programs, including classroom instruction and hands-on clinical
experience.
In addition, pursuing dental assistant education may improve
your chances of standing out among job applicants and advancing your career. As
you search for dental schools in San Diego, ask about their accreditation
status, graduation rates, and any industry partnerships or job placement
assistance they may offer.
7. Get Networking
The dental industry is a tight-knit community, and
networking can be a great way to gain insights and make connections that could
lead to job opportunities. Consider joining local professional organizations,
attending events and conferences, and reaching out to experienced dental
professionals for advice and mentorship.
Building relationships within the industry can open doors
for potential job openings or even clear career advancement paths. Additionally,
as word of mouth is often a major factor in landing a job, collecting positive
recommendations from colleagues can greatly increase your chances of standing
out among other job candidates.
Conclusion
Pursuing a career as a dental assistant in San Diego can be a great way to start or further your career in the medical field. With its growing population and need for dental services, the demand for qualified dental assistants will continue to rise in the coming years. The above steps can help you get started on the path to becoming a successful dental assistant in San Diego.
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