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| Career Outlook |
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| DA graduates find rewarding career opportunities with a wide variety of responsibilities. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, job prospects should be excellent as dentist hire more assistants to perform routine tasks allowing dentists to spend more time on more profitable procedures. Dental assistants set up exam rooms, measure blood pressure, expose radiographs, process dental X-ray film, perform oral examinations, prepare charts, make teeth impressions, pour molds and fabricate temporary crowns. DA graduates' titles include dental assistant, certified dental assistant, chair-side assistant and office manager. Dental assistants should not be confused with dental hygienists who are licensed to perform other tasks. |
- Work independently and enthusiastically;
- Display a reliable, self-motivated work ethic;
- Show respect toward coworkers and patients;
- Correctly process dental X-rays;
- Assist oral surgeons during operations; and
- Skillfully perform four-handed dental techniques.
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| TSTC graduates can boost their professional credibility with industry certifications. TSTC's accreditation from the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation allows graduates eligibility to take the Dental Assisting National Board Examination as well as the state required exams consisting of Jurisprudence, Infection Control and Dental Radiation Health & Safety Exam. These individual tests may be taken at Prometric Testing Centers. |
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| With experience, DA graduates can also earn Certification for Monitoring Nitrous Oxide-Oxygen Inhalation Conscious Sedation and Pit & Fissure Sealant Certification from the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. Credentials including orthodontic assistant, oral and maxillofacial surgery assistant and dental practice management assistant offer additional advancement opportunities. |
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