Rich with varied specialties and certification offerings, dental assisting is among the allied healthcare careers with the most potential for variety. While more generalized dental assisting jobs may have straightforward responsibilities and daily tasks, branching out into specialized or advanced roles can open up a world of new experiences and exciting opportunities to grow. Whether you’re interested in jump-starting your career as a general dental assistant or are curious about the different jobs in dentistry for dental assistants, starting with a foundation of information can help.
Below, we’re outlining the different types of careers in dental assisting, specialties, and certifications to help you understand the role’s options and opportunities. Looking for information about job outlook, education requirements, and the skills you’ll need for dental assisting? Explore our comprehensive dental assistant career guide to learn more.
In This Article:
Common Types of Dental Assistants & Dentistry
There are generally two ways to categorize dental assistants—by field of specialty and by certification or credentials. In both instances, a dental assistant will likely need specialized skills or a specific range of experience to thrive in their role. To get started, let’s take a look at the different types of dentistry and the roles that dental assistants play within each.
General Dentistry
When most aspiring professionals imagine becoming a dental assistant, the vision in their mind is a reflection of general dentistry practices. When it comes to dental concerns, your first stop is usually a general dentist. These primary care providers serve as the go-to for routine maintenance and oral health, including basics like dental exams, teeth cleaning, orthodontic and pediatric screenings, and simple repairs such as fillings. If a patient requires more advanced or unique services, a general dentist can provide the initial treatment plan and refer patients to surgeons and specialists.
General dentists typically manage emergency dental situations, too. For example, if you wake up with a swollen face and throbbing jaw, you will see your primary dentist first. Then, if you need specialized care, you will get a referral to a specialist, such as an oral surgeon, to remove the tooth, or an endodontist, who can perform a root canal to try to save the tooth. General dentists will have either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree, depending on the school they attended.
General Dental Assistants
Dental assistants in general dentistry may work with adult patients and children and enjoy a diverse range of responsibilities. From preparing patients and treatment areas to assisting the dentist during procedures like fillings and extractions, they play a vital role in ensuring smooth and efficient operations. Their work can involve taking X-rays, providing patient education on oral hygiene practices, and even offering support during basic orthodontic and pediatric screenings. This variety keeps the workday engaging and allows dental assistants to develop a broad skill set.
Family Dentistry
As the name suggests, family dentistry is primary dental care for everyone in the household, including children and adults. Family dentistry deals with oral health at every life stage, from pediatrics to older patients.
In many ways, general dentistry and family dentistry are one and the same. Both deal with core dental health issues such as whitening teeth and filling cavities. They also both do screenings and referrals as necessary. Like general dentists, a family dentist will also have a DDS or DMD degree. The main difference between general and family dentistry is that general dentists may not have specialty training to work with children and teens who may require additional procedures for treatment.
Family Dental Assistants
In family dentistry, dental assistants are the heart of a welcoming and comfortable environment for patients of all ages. They skillfully adapt their approach to put children at ease, build rapport with adults, and provide gentle care to older patients. From preparing treatment areas to assisting with procedures, their role is pivotal in ensuring a positive and stress-free dental experience for the whole family.
Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric dentistry focuses on the oral health needs of infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric dentists, also known as pedodontists, receive additional years of specialized training beyond dental school to address the challenges of treating young patients, including managing dental anxiety, handling growth and development issues, and treating children with special needs. They create a fun and engaging environment to make dental visits enjoyable and encourage positive lifelong oral health habits.
Pediatric Dental Assistants
Pediatric dental assistants are crucial in creating a welcoming and positive experience for young patients. They use their creativity, patience, and gentle touch to help children feel comfortable and safe during dental procedures. In addition to traditional dental assisting duties, they may also assist with behavior management techniques, provide age-appropriate oral health education, and help children develop positive associations with dental visits. While requirements vary by state, pediatric dental assistants often need to complete a dental assisting program and may be required to obtain additional certifications or training specific to working with children.
Cosmetic Dentistry
A cosmetic dentist is skilled in enhancing or correcting oral features, catering to personal preferences and addressing any existing issues within your mouth. Cosmetic dentistry is a multi-billion-dollar industry that deals with primarily elective procedures, including veneers and dental implants. They may also perform less invasive procedures like teeth whitening.
A general dentist focusing on dental esthetics will have the standard degree paired with additional training to perform more specialized cosmetic dental procedures.
Cosmetic Dental Assistants
Dental assistants working with dentists who focus on high-end cosmetic procedures in their practice will perform more intricate procedures. It may be necessary to have additional training to work in a cosmetic dental office in some states, while other states require basic dental assistant education and on-the-job training.
Beyond the Basics: Specialty Dental Assistants
While general, family, pediatric, and cosmetic dentistry form the cornerstone of oral healthcare, the dental field is rich with unique specialties that demand specific skills and expertise. As a dental assistant, you have the opportunity to align your passion with a specific area of dentistry, such as:
Orthodontics
- Focus: Orthodontics is dedicated to correcting misaligned teeth and jaws, creating beautiful smiles, and improving oral function.
- Dental Assistant's Role: In this specialty, dental assistants become adept at assisting with procedures like taking impressions, adjusting braces and retainers, and providing patient education on oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Focus: Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform a range of procedures, from wisdom teeth extractions to jaw reconstructions and facial trauma repair.
- Dental Assistant's Role: Dental assistants in this field are vital in preparing surgical setups, assisting during procedures, monitoring patients, and providing post-operative care instructions.
Prosthodontics
- Focus: Prosthodontists specialize in restoring and replacing missing teeth with crowns, bridges, dentures, and dental implants.
- Dental Assistant's Role: Dental assistants in prosthodontics collaborate closely with the prosthodontist, taking impressions, fabricating temporary restorations, and ensuring patient comfort throughout the treatment process.
Endodontics
- Focus: Endodontists are experts in diagnosing and treating diseases of the dental pulp, the innermost layer of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. Root canals are a common endodontic procedure.
- Dental Assistant's Role: In endodontic practices, dental assistants are crucial in assisting with root canal treatments, taking X-rays, and providing patient education on post-treatment care.
Periodontics
- Focus: Periodontists specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease and other conditions that affect the supporting structures of the teeth.
- Dental Assistant's Role: Dental assistants in periodontics assist with procedures like scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery, and dental implant placement. They also play a key role in educating patients on proper oral hygiene techniques to prevent gum disease.
Oral Pathology
- Focus: Oral pathologists diagnose and manage diseases of the mouth, jaws, and surrounding tissues.
- Dental Assistant's Role: In this specialized field, dental assistants may assist with biopsies, prepare specimens for laboratory analysis, and provide patient education on oral health conditions.
Dental Assistant Certification Types
Whether you're drawn to specialized areas like orthodontics or aim to master the core competencies of general dentistry, dental assistant certifications offer another way to distinguish your role in dental assisting. Let’s explore some of the more common certifications and how they can impact your dental assistant career path.
Primary Dental Assistant Certifications
Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs) are essential members of dental assisting teams who work closely with dentists to provide patient care and support a variety of dental procedures. The specific requirements for becoming an RDA vary from state to state, but generally, RDAs are dental assistants who have completed a state-approved dental assistant program within their state of residence, have passed the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) exam, and will be licensed within that state after completing an application.
Awarded Through: State dental boards or regulatory agencies
Career Impact: Achieving RDA status enables you to practice legally as a dental assistant and may also open doors to broader employment opportunities within your state.
Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
The Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential is a nationally recognized benchmark of excellence in dental assisting. It showcases the candidate’s dedication to providing high-quality patient care and a comprehensive understanding of key areas like infection control, radiography, and chairside assisting. A Certified Dental Assistant must work in the field for at least two years and then sit for a national certification exam.
Awarded Through: Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
Career Impact: The CDA certification is highly respected nationwide, and earning the CDA credentials may boost your employability and open doors to higher-paying positions and specialized practices.
Advanced and Specialty Dental Assisting Certifications
Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA)
Expanded Function Dental Assistants (EFDA) can typically perform clinical procedures such as placing dental sealants or assisting with certain restorative tasks. This advanced role requires specific training and experience beyond the basic dental assisting requirements, which will vary by state.
To become an EFDA in Texas, a dental assistant must first work as a dental assistant for a minimum of two years. Then, each expanded function a dental assistant in Texas pursues will have its own set of requirements. For example, to perform pit and fissure sealant procedures, a dental assistant must also complete a current course on life support and complete at least eight hours of Texas Board-approved clinical and didactic education in the subject through a CODA-accredited program approved by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE).
Awarded Through: State dental boards or regulatory agencies
Career Impact: As an EFDA, you'll have access to expanded responsibilities, increased earning potential, and the satisfaction of contributing even more to your patients' oral health.
Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA)
The COA certification demonstrates your specialized expertise in assisting orthodontists with procedures like taking impressions, adjusting appliances, and providing patient education. To earn this credential, you'll need to pass the COA examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
To be eligible for the COA exam, you must hold a current CDA certification and have at least 1,500 hours of documented orthodontic assisting experience within the past three years. This experience must include various tasks such as taking radiographs, placing and removing orthodontic separators and elastics, removing bonded brackets and bands, and providing patient education.
Awarded Through: DANB
Career Impact: With a COA, you'll be prepared to pursue opportunities in the dynamic and rewarding field of orthodontics.
Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA)
The CPFDA certification validates your skills in preventive dental care, such as applying fluoride, placing sealants, and providing patient education on maintaining good oral hygiene. To earn this certification, you must pass the CPFDA examination administered by (DANB).
To qualify for the exam, you must hold a current CDA certification and have at least 3,500 hours of documented dental assisting experience within the past five years. This experience must include a minimum of 500 hours in preventive functions, such as applying topical fluoride and sealants, taking impressions for study models, and providing oral hygiene instructions.
Awarded Through: DANB
Career Impact: With a CPFDA, you can play a vital role in educating patients and preventing dental problems, contributing to improved oral health outcomes.
Dental Assistant vs. Dental Hygienist
While dental assisting offers a fulfilling career path, some may aspire to further their expertise and responsibilities. If you're considering taking that next step, becoming a dental hygienist could be an exciting option.
Dental hygienists are licensed oral health professionals who are essential in preventive care. They perform a variety of tasks, including:
- Conducting comprehensive dental cleanings
- Taking and developing dental X-rays
- Assessing patients' oral health
- Providing patient education on oral hygiene techniques
Dental assistants often work alongside dental hygienists, providing support and assistance during procedures. However, the role of a dental hygienist involves a greater degree of autonomy and responsibility than that of a dental assistant.
Educational Pathway
To become a dental hygienist, you'll typically need to earn an associate degree in dental hygiene, which usually takes two additional years of schooling beyond a dental assisting program. This advanced education is designed to equip you with in-depth knowledge and clinical skills.
Ready to Start Your Dental Assisting Career? Get Started with CHCP.
A rewarding career as a dental assistant starts with finding the right school. CHCP's Dental Assistant Certificate Program offers the flexibility you need, with day and evening classes at our campuses across Texas: Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston (three locations), McAllen, and San Antonio. Its hybrid design is the best of both worlds for students who want to work while getting an education.
For maximum flexibility, our online Dental Assisting Certificate Program can be completed in as little as 48 weeks. You'll benefit from online instruction plus nine hands-on clinical skill training sessions held on Fridays and Saturdays at our campuses.
Dental assisting is a fulfilling career with a bright future. Take the first step and apply today to discover how CHCP can help you achieve your goals.
