Becoming a registered dental assistant with the support and influence of ASDA has been a fulfilling journey, one that demands unwavering dedication, a solid educational foundation, and a deep-seated passion for oral healthcare. In this blog, I'm excited to share my personal experiences and the steps I took to attain this vital role in the dental field.
My strong aspiration to become a dental assistant is partly credited to an ASDA member who inspired me to shadow a dentist. That shadowing experience was transformative, cementing my dedication to this career. The assistant's warm reception of both the patients and I provided insight that working in an office was a great opportunity to enhance my communication skills. Her expertise in operatory setup, instrument sterilization, and the seamless coordination with the dentist left a lasting impression. Observing this teamwork made me appreciate the valuable insights that serving as a dental assistant can offer in preparation for a career as a dentist. Transforming my goal into reality, I enrolled in an accredited dental assisting program, a pivotal move that provided me with foundational knowledge in essential areas including infection control, chairside assistance, and dental radiography.
My path kickstarted with the enrollment into UTSA's online RDA course and examination, a decision that was strongly recommended by a fellow ASDA member due to its cost-effectiveness at just $95. This choice became a significant milestone in my journey, acting as a stepping stone toward achieving my goal of becoming a dental assistant.
While navigating the RDA course, I also enrolled in ASDA's CPR/BLS Certification Course, a choice that not only saved me $20 compared to other providers but also waived the final exam requirement. Additionally, I completed a mandatory human trafficking prevention course, detailed information about which can be found on the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners website, and it was provided free of charge.
Upon successfully completing the RDA course, acquiring the certificate, becoming CPR certified, obtaining the human trafficking certificate, securing a 2x2 headshot (courtesy of ASDA), and presenting the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) Self-Query Report, I was ready to submit my application. The final hurdle in this process was undergoing fingerprinting for a $50 background check. This whole certification process typically concludes within three months.
In the dynamic realm of dentistry, continuous evolution is the norm. Renewing one's license every two years is mandatory, allowing for skill enhancement and professional credential maintenance. While you can acquire continuing education credits through your dentist at no cost, re-taking the CPR class with ASDA is obligatory to maintain your registration.
Armed with my certification and licensure, the job hunt began, and ASDA's website proved to be a treasure linked with job opportunities. Dental assistants have the privilege of working in diverse settings, from private practices to dental clinics, and even specialized areas like orthodontics or oral surgery. With time and experience, I seized opportunities to shoulder greater responsibilities and advance in my career.
ASDA provided a wealth of networking opportunities, access to invaluable resources, and a sense of community among dental assistants. Their RDA workshop was particularly enlightening, acquainting me with essential dental instruments and procedures. As I started working in an office with minimal experience, the chronological order of dental procedures initially eluded me. However, through the training and patience of the office where I worked full-time, I mastered the art of assisting with procedures ranging from fillings and extractions to root canals, dentures, crowns, impressions, and Invisalign. Over time, my experience allowed me to effortlessly adapt to various dental clinics, gaining fresh insights from different dental offices.
As a dental assistant, my role is instrumental in patient care. I collaborate with dentists during procedures, prepare patients for treatment, and ensure a comfortable and secure environment. Teamwork is the bedrock of the dental office, with effective communication being a cornerstone. This skill can be a shining point on your job application as well.
I also had the opportunity to volunteer as a registered dental assistant at a nonprofit dental clinic catering to the homeless population. I actively participated in a wide range of procedures, including alveoplasty, extractions, root canals, fillings, resin bridges, dentures, and crowns. This hands-on experience not only taught me the sequence of these procedures but also familiarized me with the materials, instrument names, and other valuable knowledge that I can apply as I pursue my path towards becoming a dental student.
Becoming a registered dental assistant is a journey that demands commitment and a passion for helping patients achieve optimal oral health. ASDA eases the steps and ensures you're not navigating the process alone. The dental field is not just rewarding but offers opportunities for personal and professional growth, along with the profound satisfaction of making a meaningful impact on people's lives. If you're considering a career in dental assisting, I hope my journey serves as an inspiring beacon for your own path, just as ASDA has done for me.
