Health Careers In Georgia

TRAITS
for Success

work well with people

good eye-hand coordination

move quickly from task to task

patient


	ental assistants work side by side with dentists to increase efficiency in providing
	direct patient care. They greet patients, make them comfortable, and prepare
them for examinations. Assistants take and develop dental x-rays, record patient histories and
monitor vital signs. They sterilize instruments and pass them to the dentist during exams and
treatments. Mixtures for cleaning and filling teeth are prepared by assistants, and they make
impressions of teeth for study models. Dental assistants show patients how to brush and floss
their teeth and instruct them on oral care following surgery, placement of a filling, or other
treatments. With specialized training, they may assist in a variety of oral surgery procedures
such as periodontal surgery, implants, root canals, tooth extractions and biopsies. An
expanded functions certification allows dental assistants to provide preventive and
restorative services. Assistants also help in the day-to-day office management, such as
scheduling, billing, filing insurance and ordering supplies.

Average Starting Salary $27,040

Work Environment

Community health agencies
Dental and dental hygiene schools
General and specialty dental offices
Health maintenance organizations
Hospitals
Military bases
Prisons
Private and state institutions
Public health departments
VA hospitals

Academic Requirements

A high school diploma or equivalent is recommended. Most dental assistants enter the field through one- to two-year academic programs leading to certificates, diplomas, or associate degrees. On-the-job training is also available, but formal educational programs enable students to advance more quickly in salary and responsibility. Graduation from an ADA accredited program or at least two years of work experience is required for certification eligibility.


	Licensure, Certification and
	Registration
	Certification examinations are given by the Dental Assisting National Board. Upon passing the exam, dental assistants may use the initials CDA (Certified Dental Assistant) after their names. Most employers prefer to hire certified dental assistants.

	*Professional Organizations*
	American Dental Assistants Association (312) 541-1550 www.dentalassistant.org

	Dental Assisting National Board, Inc.
	(800) 367-3262
	www.danb.org

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Certificate

Gwinnett Technical College

Medix School

Swainsboro Technical College

West Central Technical College

Diploma

Advanced Career Training

Albany Technical College

Athens Technical College

Atlanta Technical College

Augusta Technical College

Columbus Technical College

Coosa Valley Technical College

Georgia Medical Institute

Griffin Technical College

Gwinnett Technical College

Lanier Technical College

Middle Georgia Technical College

Ogeechee Technical College

Savannah Technical College

Swainsboro Technical College

Valdosta Technical College

Associate Degree

Albany Technical College