In Indiana, thousands of dental professionals care for patients every day. In fact, dental assistants are in demand in Indiana, and prospective dental assistants can train for these careers in less than a year. But what do dental assistants do, and why is it a good time to enroll in a dental assisting program in Indiana?
Dental offices rely on dental assistants to sterilize clinical tools, operate dental equipment, and assist dentists during procedures. But a dental assistant’s responsibilities go beyond clinical assisting. They also educate patients, perform administrative tasks, and document patients’ health histories.
To excel at their roles, dental assistants need technical knowledge, interpersonal skills, and specialized training. Dental assisting programs in Indiana prepare individuals to join effective dental care teams.
Why Choose a Dental Assisting Program in Indiana?
Training to be a dental assistant can pay off. Dental assistants are in demand across Indiana, and completing a dental assisting program typically takes less than one year. Attending a dental assisting program helps prospective dental assistants qualify for entry-level roles.
But before considering a dental assistant program, prospective dental assistants should understand the professional responsibilities and career outlook for Indiana dental assistants.
What Do Dental Assistants Do?
Dental assistants perform clinical, radiologic, and administrative tasks in dental offices. Their responsibilities include taking dental X-rays, assisting dentists when they treat patients, and educating patients about their oral health. Dental assistants also maintain safety by sterilizing instruments and equipment.
Because their responsibilities include patient care, laboratory, and administrative tasks, dental assistants need specialized knowledge and skills. Dental assisting programs in Indiana help students develop the oral healthcare, office, laboratory, and patient care skills they need to succeed in this field.
Dental Assistant Careers in Indiana
Around 90% of dental assistants work in dentist’s offices, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). They also work in hospitals, nursing homes, health facilities, and other healthcare settings.
Completing a dental assistant program meets the requirements to become a dental assistant in Indiana. While some states require licensure, Indiana dental assistants do not need a license, permit, or certification, according to the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. However, dental assistants may need an X-ray certification from the Indiana Board of Health.
Dental Assistant Program Requirements in Indiana
How do prospective dental assistants enter the field? In Indiana, dental assisting programs prepare students with the knowledge and hands-on skills they need to qualify for entry-level positions.
Because Indiana dental assistants do not need a state-issued license, attending a dental assistant program is the most important requirement to enter the profession. The admission requirements for dental assisting programs usually include a high school diploma or the equivalent. At Fortis College in Indianapolis, applicants must have a high school diploma and get a minimum Wonderlic SLE test score to qualify.
Dental Assistant Training
Indiana dental assistant programs cover many topics, from how to assist dentists to how to use specialty equipment. Here are some topics that dental assisting students study:
Preventive oral hygiene: Dental assisting students learn how to provide preventive and clinical therapeutic services to patients, including educating patients on oral hygiene.
Dental equipment: During a dental assisting program, students gain hands-on experience with dental equipment, including dental unit systems and oral evacuation equipment.
Radiography: Taking dental X-rays requires specialized training in radiography and safety procedures. Dental assisting students receive radiographic training during their program.
Dental administrative procedures: In many dental clinics, dental assistants also provide administrative support. Dental assisting programs cover administrative procedures, including training on billing and insurance.
Dental assisting: Students strengthen their chair-side dental assisting skills through hands-on experience assisting dentists as they examine and treat patients.
Graduates leave dental assisting programs with a diploma or certificate along with the dental training necessary for entry-level roles.
Dental Assistant Program Benefits and Career Outcomes
Dental assisting programs in Indiana prepare students for in-demand careers. With a diploma from a dental assistant program, graduates can pursue opportunities in this field.
Indiana dental assistants benefit from demand that is in line with the national average. Nationally, dental assistants are projected to see 6.9% job growth from 2022 to 2032, according to the BLS. In contrast, Indiana dental assistants will benefit from 6.7% projected job growth over the same time period, according to data from Projections Central.
What’s driving the demand for dental assistants? Recent research has shown that regular preventive dental care improves individuals’ oral and overall health. As a result, many dental practices are expanding. Dentists rely on dental assistants to perform support, administrative, and patient care tasks in these practices.
Become a Dental Assistant at Fortis College in Indianapolis
Want to become a dental assistant in Indiana? The dental assisting program at Fortis College in Indianapolis can help you reach your career goals. In the program, you’ll learn how to provide clinical therapeutic, educational, and preventive services as part of a dental care team. You’ll also strengthen your laboratory and office administration skills.
Fortis takes a hands-on approach to dental assistant training, incorporating clinical techniques and strategies into your education. In addition to learning about dental specialty practice areas, you’ll gain experience assisting dentists while they examine and treat patients.
Contact Fortis today to learn more about the dental assisting program in Indianapolis.
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