Oral health is inextricably linked with overall health. Good oral hygiene is associated with numerous positive health outcomes, while poor oral hygiene can lead to or exacerbate a host of conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, pneumonia, and even complications in pregnancy or childbirth.
Dental assistants are integral to the functioning of a dental practice, where they are responsible for a host of duties, from scheduling appointments and managing billing to cleaning teeth and taking X-rays. A skilled dental assistant can make a huge difference in a patient’s experience at the dentist’s office.
Pursuing certification is one of the most effective ways for a dental assistant to level up their skill set and advance their career. It also demonstrates to potential employers that they are committed to their profession, helping them stand out in a competitive job market.
For those considering enrolling in a dental assistant training program, it can be beneficial to learn about the advantages of earning dental assistant certification in Ohio and what it takes to obtain certification.
Why Should I Get Dental Assistant Certification?
Licensing and certification requirements for dental assistants vary by state. Some states require dental assistants to be certified to perform certain duties, many of which are considered standard responsibilities for dental assistants. In Ohio, dental assistants must be certified to polish, apply sealant to, or take X-rays of patients’ teeth, for example.
By earning dental assistant certification in Ohio, individuals can expand their skills and take on greater responsibilities, which can make them more attractive candidates on the job market.
More than 36,000 dental assistants nationwide hold certification, according to the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), one of the primary certifying agencies in the U.S. In a recent survey by DANB, many dental assistants reported that earning certification gave them greater confidence, opened up more opportunities for advancement, and led to greater job satisfaction.
One of the other advantages of certification is that it can enable dental assistants — who typically work under dentists’ supervision — to perform certain duties without a dentist being physically present, such as applying fluoride varnish to teeth and instructing patients on oral hygiene. This not only helps dental assistants broaden their scope of practice, it can also benefit patients.
In addition to professional certification, dental assistants in Ohio also need to have Basic Life Support certification, which includes CPR and automatic external defibrillator (AED) training.
How to Obtain Dental Assistant Certification in Ohio
The Ohio State Dental Board, which regulates dentistry practice in the state, recognizes three dental assisting certifications:
DANB certified dental assistant (CDA) certification
Certified Ohio dental assistant certification administered by the Ohio Commission on Dental Assistant Certification (OCDAC)
Registered dental assistant certification administered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT) agency
In most cases, to qualify for certification, dental assistants need to complete an approved dental assisting training program and pass an exam. To be certified to perform certain functions, such as coronal polishing, assistants may also need to complete specific training in that procedure.
Additionally, all dental health professionals in Ohio need to be immunized against hepatitis B.
Levels of Dental Assistants in Ohio
Dental assistants in Ohio can practice at any of three different levels, which dictate the kinds of responsibilities they may have. These levels are:
Basic Qualified Personnel: Dental assistants at this level do not need certification, but their job description is more limited than that of assistants at the other two levels. They can monitor patients under nitrous oxide-oxygen minimal sedation and perform radiographic procedures, as long as they have a dental assistant radiographer certificate from the Ohio State Dental Board.
Certified Dental Assistant: At this level, dental assistants can have expanded responsibilities, including the ability to practice when a dentist is not present. To earn certification, dental assistants must complete a dental assisting program and pass an exam. They may also need to complete specific training for certain functions, like polishing and sealant application. To practice without a dentist present, assistants need to have at least two years of experience and complete a course covering the identification and prevention of potential medical emergencies.
Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA): EFDAs have all the same responsibilities as certified dental assistants plus additional duties, such as placing preventive and restorative materials on patients’ teeth. They may also carry out these expanded responsibilities without a dentist being present. To qualify, dental assistants must be certified, complete an EFDA training course, and pass an exam.
Benefits of Attending a Dental Assisting Program in Ohio
Completing a dental assisting program can position individuals to enter a growing field where they can have a positive impact on people’s health. In addition to providing a career path, training in a dental assistant program can yield numerous short- and long-term benefits.
Hands-On Training
The dental assistant program at Fortis College in Cincinnati balances traditional classroom instruction with hands-on training, allowing students to develop the practical skills they need to enter the workforce with confidence.
Students perform lab work and gain clinical experience in real-world settings through externships, where they get to work with the same tools and technologies as professionals in the field and apply the knowledge they have gained in the classroom. Through these experiences, students learn how to provide chairside assistance during dental procedures, operate radiographic imaging equipment, and sterilize instruments, while they develop critical interpersonal skills.
Promising Employment Outlook
Greater awareness of the link between oral health and overall health along with the increasing dental care needs of an aging population will drive demand for dental assistants in the coming years. Nationwide employment of dental assistants is expected to grow by 8% between 2023 and 2033, creating more than 31,000 new jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The BLS projects there will be roughly 55,000 job openings for dental assistants each year, on average, during this period.
Path to Advancement
The skills students develop in a dental assistant training program not only provide a path to pursue a job in dental assisting, they can also lay the foundation for long-term professional growth and career advancement. Some dental assistants go on to become dental hygienists and even dentists. Both of these fields are also expected to see substantial employment growth over the next several years.
Prepare for a Career in Dental Assisting
Skilled dental assistants play a vital role in ensuring patients maintain good oral health. Pursuing certification is one of the best ways for dental assistants to enhance their skill set and broaden their responsibilities — and help themselves stand out in the job market.
If you are considering a career in this field, explore the dental assistant training program at Fortis College in Cincinnati, Ohio. In addition to helping students develop the skills they need for a career in dental assisting, the program will prepare them to take the DANB’s Infection Control exam and Radiation Health and Safety exam, which are essential to entering the field.
Take the first step toward a career as a dental assistant with Fortis.
Recommended Readings
What Does a Pediatric Dental Assistant Do?
Dental Hygienist vs. Dental Assistant: What’s the Difference?
Beyond the Dentist’s Chair: Career Opportunities for Dental Assistants