The Apprentice Doctor’s Blog

by Holly Helscher, Ph.D.

When I was asked to give a product review for The Apprentice Doctor’s Suturing Course and Training kit, I readily agreed. As someone who provided oversight for nursing, surgical technology, medical assisting and veterinary technology programs, I was eager to see if the kit was something I could recommend for these kinds of programs. More importantly, since I primarily worked with under-resourced college students, discovering a way to maximize their time and limited resources while also improving their suturing skills was exciting.

In today’s world, most students have full time jobs and families. When adding a full-time college load to their obligations, they often struggle with competing obligations. Everything has to get done, but checking everything off a daily to-do list is almost unmanageable. On days when more time is needed for work or family, eliminating a homework assignment or lecture is often the choice. The reality of time management is there really is no more time. The time-pie is already cut into the thinnest possible slices.

Most students can read their textbooks and study their notes at home. But one thing they can’t do at home is practice their lab skills. Most college labs have set times when when they are open and staffed. When hours don’t coincide with students’ schedules, students lose premium individual attention and practice time. Having sufficient funds to cover transportation and additional childcare to return to campus outside of class is also challenging. For many it simply isn’t an option. They have to hope they can get by with what they learn during the lab time associated with the lectures. But without extra preparation, most students struggle gaining competency in suturing skills.

But by having a suturing kit at home, students can be home with their families, and still practice their skills; at their convenience. The Apprentice Doctor’s Suturing Course and Kit is a great solution to one of the gaps in students’ educational experiences.

Suturing kit efficacy for students

When I got the kit, I dropped everything I was doing and opened it. I was surprised at the compactness of the packaging, but upon lifting the lid I realized that the size of the package had little in common with how much was inside. I could see right away it had everything students needed to master suturing. It even has a suturing practice skin with pre-cut wounds.

One of the best parts of The Apprentice Doctor Suture Kit and Course is the ebook. It contains a lot of projects for practice that aren’t necessarily in any kind of medical curriculum. It presents different types of challenges that you’d see on the job. The practice skills allow students to do the projects multiple times until they feel confident.

One of the best parts of The Apprentice Doctor Suture Kit and Course is the ebook. It contains a lot of projects for practice that aren’t necessarily in any kind of medical curriculum. It presents different types of challenges that you’d see on the job. The practice skills allow students to do the projects multiple times until they feel confident.

After reviewing the book and projects, I was convinced students would have plenty of creative projects to work with. Each case is clearly laid out with suturing solutions demonstrated through pictures, videos and text. All necessary tools are in the kit, allowing students to practice at their convenience. I believe a student who consistently practices with one of these kits will undoubtedly demonstrate better skills and more confidence than their counterparts. I wish all medical programs could offer such a kit to each student as part of their curriculum.

There is a lot to like about The Apprentice Doctor’s Suturing Course and Kit. In general, I give it 4.5 stars our of 5, broken down in four general categories.

Effectiveness ( 5 stars)	Price (4 stars)	Ease of Use (5 stars)	Support (4 stars)
Plenty of projects to practice your skills. Immediate access to course upon payment.	Not the cheapest, but comes with a robust online course	Online book is well organized and clear. Kit is complete.	Reasonably prompt responses. FB support group. Twitter videos.

Specifically here is what I like about the kit.

What I like	What I don’t like
Variety of tools	It is the most expensive; however, there is a compact set that is less expensive.
Online projects to enable proficiency.	Doesn’t have the variety of suture thread sizes or number of sachets other kits have.
Videos are included that demonstrate each technique in a step-by-step format so you can see each move.
Students learn all the basic surgical knots and all 12 basic suturing techniques.
Includes assessment module with qualified medical professionals as examiners and measurable outcomes so students can measure their skill levels.
Posts suturing how-to videos on Twitter.
Facebook support page.
Opportunities for medical camps.
Internationally accredited.
Amazon’s Choice.

What can students learn?

This product is ideal for aspiring healthcare students where suturing is a part of their curriculum, or will be a part of their professional employment. Suturing itself is an art and requires dexterity and precision. The more students can practice the better they’ll be. If they have confidence in their ability to suture, when it comes time to interview for a job, they’ll be able to indicate that their skills are exceptional.

Medical and paramedic students will also find this kit useful. The various projects insert students into situations they are likely to encounter.

In addition to learning how to tie surgical knots, and how and when to place various sutures, students will also learn:

• How to remove sutures (the correct technique).
• How to correctly line up wound margins.
• How to evert a wound’s edges when suturing and why that’s important.
• How to correct the “dog’s ear” suturing defect.
• How to avoid ugly scars.
• The best way to professionally care for wounds.
• The correct techniques for holding your suturing instruments.
• How to treat wounds aseptically to minimize the chance of infection.
• The complications of suturing and how to prevent them.
• Real world suturing case studies

The student’s solution

Students can gain in competency in the comfort of their own home by buying The Apprentice Suture and OnLine Training Program. Its contents provides suturing tools and materials students are apt to run across in school or in employment situations.

Watch a student unpack the kit so you can see all the items inside. It comes with a CD course that can also be accessed on line. Being able to see how different sutures are done and then practice them with specific projects can give students an edge in school and on the job.

Watch a case study

Take a look at students working through projects.

What others are saying

Verified buyer’s on Amazon have said the following about The Apprentice Doctor’s suturing kit.

I am Medical Director and Associate Professor for a PA program and purchased this kit to trial for PA education. The CD is very informative and well thought out. The kit has enough instruments and materials to allow for more than adequate practice. The fake skin could be improved but is adequate and we tend to teach on either chicken thighs or pigs’ feet anyway. We will be looking to buy enough kits to outfit our student cohort. The price point for this kit is excellent as we priced several others which were a $100 more. Highly recommended as a great value. – Emilio Vazquez

This kit is the perfect learning tool, with all the instruments needed and the tutorial along with it! I love the fact that this kit made it so easy to learn this life-saving technique quickly and accurately! Thank you for putting together such a fantastic training kit for suturing!!! I would recommend this kit to everyone needing to know how to suture, because you never know when you’re going to need this invaluable skill! – C. Jones

I bought this for my daughter as a birthday gift and she LOVED it. She loved all the tools and that the kit is the same supplies used in the OR. – Crystal Bulloch

On TrustSpot, The Apprentice Doctor earned a 4.7/5 stars in 342 reviews. Reviews ranged from excellence in service to quality kits.

What are the alternative suturing kits?

There are other suturing kits available on the market, all of which are less expensive. However, only two others that I looked at provide some kind of ebook. Those that offer more pieces tend to count how many packets of threads are offered. So take care when shopping solely for the most “number of pieces” for a low price. The number of pieces doesn’t necessarily mean the kit has more instruments. They may only be providing extra packets of thread.

There is one suture kit made by Nish that is the least expensive and may be tempting to buy. However, the kit caters to dental students, so would not be the best purchase for a medical or nursing student.

The Apprentice Doctor Suturing Kit and Training Course has a 30-day free return policy in addition to a 100% money-back guarantee on all unopened kits. They will even provide a 50% refund on returned used kits. The Apprentice Doctor® was also nominated as one of the “Top 10 Healthcare Simulation Solution Providers in 2018” by Healthcare Tech Outlook Magazine. The course is also internationally accredited by the International Association for Distance Learning (IADL).

The Apprentice Doctor’s Suturing Course and Training Kit is designed to assist prospective medical and healthcare professionals to become proficient in suturing and learning the basic principles of wound care. Over 50,000 students have been trained using the methods provided in the course by Dr. Anton Scheepers who’s actively worked as a facial reconstructive surgeon for over 25 years.

“You have great teeth like your grandpa,” my mother said to me one day after one of my visits to the pediatric dentist. “But your sister is another story.”

Back then I didn’t overthink what she said. I was only eleven, and all I wanted to hear after going to the dentist was, “No cavities.” And that’s all I ever heard until I was in mid-twenties when I had my first cavity. Now I’m over sixty, and I don’t think I’ve had more than four cavities in total; no root canals or any other horror I always imagined could happen to my teeth. My grandfather was the same, although he probably didn’t have quite the same imagination. On the other hand, my sister has had more cavities than I can count.

That got me to wondering if we can inherit bad teeth from our families. My sister and I are different in coloring, bone structure and a lot of other things. So it might not be so far fetched to believe some genetic marker gave her problematic teeth and spared me.

To answer my own question, I did a little research on what elements of oral health are heredity and which are due to how I care for my teeth. It’s a different type of nature versus nurture.

Four Inherited Reasons for Problematic Teeth

Facial structure

Along with specific physical characteristics like hair and eye color, the shape of your teeth and the structure of your jaw are hereditary. These two facial structures can create teeth that are overcrowded or misshaped. Without orthodontic correction, it can be hard to reach some surfaces of your teeth with your toothbrush. So while you may take great care of your teeth, you may have the potential for more cavities.

Enamel thickness

Enamel covers the crown, which is the part of the tooth above the gum. Its purpose is to protect your teeth from decay. Genetics play a role in its thickness and strength. If the enamel is thin, your teeth will be more prone to cavities and other oral health problems.

Taste preferences

It may be difficult to believe, but genetics play a part in your tastebuds. You may love bananas, but your mother may think they taste like cough syrup. Genetics can determine that. A difference like that may not cross your path too much, but when people say they have a sweet tooth, it may have a basis in genetics. Individuals who gravitate toward sugary foods will increase their chances of developing cavities.

Oral cancer

Many factors contribute to the development of oral cancer, but evidence suggests genetics can play a role.

But can you blame all your oral health on your genes? No.

Even with these factors, you may not want to send your parents your dental bills just yet. Also if your teeth have been influenced by genetics, good oral health care can minimize any developing risk.

According to the American Dental Association, “Many common diseases are not inherited as a single gene defect but instead result from gene-environment interactions.” More simply stated, your dental hygiene, your environment, your habits and other factors can also help or hurt your oral health.

Four environmental causes

In addition to genetic factors, the environment also contributes to your oral health.

Attrition – When you clench or grind your teeth, which is often involuntary during sleep, this causes enamel erosion making your teeth more susceptible to tooth decay.

Abrasion – When you brush your teeth too hard, don’t floss correctly or bite your fingernails, pens or other hard surfaces, you can wear away your enamel, increasing your risk of decay.

Abfraction – Flexing or bending a tooth can result in stress fractions, which are slight cracks in your teeth. Bacteria can enter these cracks and brushing, or flossing can reach inside.

Corrosion – This condition occurs when acidic food or liquid hits the tooth’s surface. Certain medications, vitamins, and food are highly acidic and can wear down tooth enamel. Frequent vomiting from bulimia and even alcoholism can also contribute to corrosion.

Three signs of enamel erosion

If you are concerned about enamel erosion, watch for the following symptoms.

Sensitivity – In the early stages of enamel decay, some foods, especially sweets, and extreme temperatures may cause twinges of pain in your teeth. In later stages of erosion, this sensitive will become extreme and at times make you jump or take a sharp inhale of breath.

Discoloration – When enamel erodes, more dentin (the layer of the tooth beneath the enamel) is exposed. As a result, teeth may yellow.

Cracks and chips – You can generally feel cracks and chips in your teeth with your tongue. When enamel wears away, the edges of your teeth become aren’t smooth Cupping, which are indentations on the surface of the teeth, can also occur.

A dozen ways to nurture your teeth

Most of us know the basics of oral hygiene. But as a reminder, here are some things you can do to minimize tooth decay and gum disease.

1. Eliminate highly acidic foods and drinks – Carbonated sodas and citrus fruits and juices are acidic. After ingesting any of these, rinse your mouth with clear water. Using a straw when you drink acidic drinks pushes the beverage to the back of your mouth, mostly bypassing your teeth. Sports drinks are also high in acid which will eat away tooth enamel. They can also trigger acid reflux, which drives acid back into the mouth and onto the teeth.
2. Monitor snacks – When you snack throughout the day, you increase your risk of tooth decay, especially if those snacks of high in sugar and starches. It’s best to rinse your mouth and brush teeth after snacking or having a full meal.
3. Chew sugar-free gum – Chewing sugar-free gum between meals boosts saliva production which helps strengthen teeth with essential minerals.
4. Drink more water – As a general health advantage, drinking water is a good idea. But if you have low saliva volume or dry mouth, drinking more water can help increase your production of saliva, which helps your teeth.
5. Teeth as tools – When opening boxes, packages, or breaking strings, etc., use a proper tool like scissors or box cutters. Leave your teeth for chewing.
6. Grinding Your Teeth – If you grind your teeth, you will probably experience bone loss over time. Your dentist will normally check this during your cleaning appointments. If you grind your teeth at night, special mouthguards can be prescribed by your dentist to wear at night to prevent tooth and gum damage.
7. Oral Piercings – Although popular, tongue and lip piercings can harbor bacteria and may also wound the inside of your mouth. Piercings near the gumline could erode the gums or even nearby tooth enamel which protect nerve exposure. Piercings can also chip your teeth. Before getting a mouth piercing, talk to your dentist about the oral healthcare risks.
8. Mouthguards – Avoid broken, chipped and loss of teeth by protecting your teeth with a mouthguard if you are involved in contact sports.
9. Teeth whitening – Teeth whiteners, and whitening procedures are popular these days. But if you experience gum and tooth sensitivity, discuss your options with your dentist.
10. Flossing – If you’ve been to even one dental cleaning, you know flossing can improve your overall oral hygiene by minimizing plaque in your mouth, a sticky substance that can find every crack and crevice in your teeth. When it remains, bacteria develops causing tooth decay and other dental conditions. This is a hard habit to improve, but one of the most straightforward prevention measures available.
11. The right toothpaste – Using a fluoride toothpaste can strengthen teeth. But using a toothpaste that is too abrasive can weaken them. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration ranks the abrasiveness of toothpastes. Anything above 100 is they have determined as harsh. A rank of 200 is highly abrasive, and any toothpaste above 200 is one to avoid. Consult a comprehensive list.
12. Sealants – Sealants may help prevent enamel erosion and minimize tooth decay. Ask your dentist if you are a good candidate for this treatment.

Even if genetics play a role in how strong, or weak your teeth are, your daily choices about oral hygiene will go a long way to keeping your mouth and teeth healthy. In addition to brushing and flossing, if you follow other prevention measures, you can be confident you’re doing the best you can to keep your teeth in great shape for life.

If you’re interested in helping people care for their teeth, learn about becoming a dental hygienist, dental assistant or dental technician.

Dental technicians, also known as dental laboratory technicians are individuals trained to manufacture dental prosthetics like bridges, crowns, and dentures. Dental technicians have no face-to-face contact with dental patients. They follow a dentist’s written and verbal directives for a patient much like a pharmacist follows a doctor’s prescription when filling a medication.

Areas of responsibility

Although a dental technician rarely, if ever meets patients personally, they have a high degree of responsibility for patient care. Whatever they manufacture for the dentist has to fit correctly and conform precisely to a patient’s teeth, mouth, gums, etc.

Dental technicians will generally:

• Construct full and partial dentures.
• Fabricate:
  • Accurate models from dentist’s impressions.
  • Ceramic crowns using specific techniques.
  • Fix dental prostheses.
  • Restore implants.
  • Porcelain veneers for crowns.
• Maintain dental laboratory records.
• Prepare reports on laboratory activities.
• Trim and pour denture models.

Soft skills to be successful

As with all professions, dental technicians must possess certain soft skills and personal characteristics. Employers will look for them in a hiring interview because they know the more of these you have, the more successful you will be.

• Attention to Detail – You are working from a prescription for a specific patient and must follow it exactly.
• Critical thinking skills – Everyday won’t be perfect. You will encounter problems and must be able to evaluate solutions and pick the best one.
• Interpersonal skills – In some cases you are working in a team environment and must get along with other people.
• Listening skills – Most medical professionals must be able to listen to what is said, and what isn’t mentioned. A dental lab technician is no different.
• Manual Dexterity – In this job you are working with your hands since you are, technically, building items for patient use.
• Reading Comprehension – You will be working from written documents, so must be able to understand what they mean.
• Time Management Skills – Items needed for dental patients must be delivered on time.

Dental technician educational paths

Most employers provide on-the-job training for dental technicians. You can also get formal instruction at some community colleges and technical schools. But beyond on-the-job training, there are additional levels of education.

Certificates

There are two types of dental laboratory technology certificates. Certificates are not considered “academic” because those programs do not contain general education courses. But you are in school for less time and can enter the job market quickly.

The curriculum for the first type of certification focuses exclusively on your technical and applied course work. It will prepare you to take the Certified Dental Technician (CDT) exam.

The second certificate is more introductory in nature and is a good place to start if you are exploring the field but aren’t sure if it’s the right one for you. It’s also a reasonable choice if you plan on acquiring employment that offers on-the-job training. The downside is that it does not prepare you to take the CDT exam.

If you are still in high school and are interested in this profession, it is a good idea to take courses in computers, anatomy, physiology, and chemistry.

Coursework for certificates may include:

• Dental materials.
• Fixed prosthodontics.
• Full dentures and partial dentures.
• Introduction to dental technology.
• Occlusion (how the upper and lower teeth come in contact with each other).

Some of these courses may transfer into an associate degree program.

Associate degree

An associate degree in dental lab technology is an academic degree and will have general education courses that may include English, sociology, psychology, math, etc. Concentration courses will be specific to dental technology and will provide information on:

• Dental anatomy and physiology.
• Ethics.
• History of dentistry.
• Techniques for dentures.

In addition to foundational subjects, an associate degree program generally covers five specialties: ceramics, crowns and bridges, partial/complete dentures and orthodontic appliances. Sometimes, toward the end of the program, you may be permitted to enroll in elective courses to complete a specialization. In that instance, an associate degree may be conferred along with a specialization certificate. Specialization courses that could lead to an additional certification could be:

• Dental ceramics.
• Crafting removable prosthodontics.
• Making crowns and bridges.
• Orthodontic appliances for children.
• Orthodontic prosthetics materials.

Associate degree programs take anywhere from 18-24 months to complete.

Bachelor’s degree

Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in dental laboratory sciences is another possible path to follow. If you have an associate degree, it’s possible you can enter with advanced standing, which means you may be able to transfer in courses you’ve already taken.

The curriculum in a bachelor program is intensive. It is cumulative in that it starts with fundamental and foundational courses that build upon each other. They become increasingly complex, culminating in highly specialized knowledge and skills.

If you go directly into a bachelor’s degree program, you will need a high school degree. Some schools may require standardized test scores such as the ACT or SAT. Occasionally a background check is required.

Courses are offered in subjects such as:

• Advanced fixed prosthodontics.
• Applied laboratory management.
• Ceramics.
• Complete dentures.
• Dental materials science.
• Orthodontic laboratory.

Dental technician specialty areas

As a dental technician, you can work as a generalist where you will work in a wide variety of dental areas. Or you can choose to specialize. Specializations are:

• Prosthodontics technicians – Design and make dentures.
• Orthodontic technicians – Design and make braces.
• Conservation technicians – Focuses on crown and bridge work.
• Maxillo-facial technicians – Help in reconstructing faces which have undergone trauma.

Licensing and certification

Certification is possible, although voluntary. However, certification may make you a more desirable job candidate. The National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology is the independent board founded by the National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL) and offers the Certified Dental Technician credential (CDT). To earn this certification, you will have to take a three-part exam that demonstrates your knowledge and skills. Two sections are written, and one is practical. You may sit for the sections in any order, but all must be passed within four years from the date you pass your first section.

Continuing education

An advanced certificate in dental laboratory sciences is also available to help update and maintain your professional proficiency. Talking continuing education classes consistently throughout your career will keep you current with advances in dental medicine and enhance your value as an employee.

Job outlook for dental technicians

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2017, dental technicians earn a median annual salary of $37,670, or $18.59 per hour. Most work is full time in small laboratories. Between now and 2026, the occupation is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations.

If you are interested in dental medicine but prefer to work behind the scenes, becoming a dental technician may be a good fit for you. But if you like more interaction with patients, you may be more interested in becoming a dental assistant or a dental hygienist.

A dental hygienist is a career move one step beyond a dental assistant and works directly with patients. A dental assistant is a basic entry-level position and doesn’t work directly with patients. If you’ve ever gone to the dentist, you probably spent more time with a dental hygienist than you did with the dentist. A hygienist is the person who cleans your teeth, talks to you about oral care and, undoubtedly, reminds you, yet again, about the importance of flossing.

For any number of reasons, lots of people are afraid of the dentist. Some get their teeth cleaned twice a year regardless of their fear. Others are so scared that they never go.

One of our colleagues recently had her teeth cleaned and talked to her dental hygienist, Tabitha, about the fear people had of dentists. She said, “Older patients are more afraid than younger ones. As dental care, and tools, improve, people don’t have as traumatic experiences growing up, so their perception of dentists and hygienists is much different.”

Even if patients are completely unafraid, good hygienists empathize with them and take great care to be gentle and supportive while still doing their job. Although everyone appreciates the knowledge and capabilities of dentists, it’s the front line people who spend the most time with patients.

Do you think you’d like to be a dental hygienist? Not only is it an excellent entry-level position, it also has an education and career path that most people can insert into their daily lives.

Definition

Dental hygienists work alongside dentists, orthodontists and other professionals in the field of dentistry. During training, you’ll learn to use the tools needed to clean and polish teeth. Depending upon where you work, you may use more traditional tools like scrapers. But in highly technical offices you may use ultrasonic, power and laser devices.

Typical duties

Working cooperatively with and under the supervision of a dentist, a significant portion of your day will be spent cleaning and polishing patients’ teeth and educating them about oral health care. In smaller offices, you may also take and develop X-rays, update medical histories and document a patient’s treatment along with any new and ongoing issues. Most offices now enter data directly into a computer while interacting with the patient, so having a high degree of comfort working with technology is vital to your success.

Characteristics

As a dental hygienist, you must possess compassion, patience, and understanding. You also need the following characteristics. . .

• Attention to detail.
• Critical thinking.
• Highly motivated and dependable.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Leadership potential.
• Listening Skills.
• Manual Dexterity.
• Outstanding telephone and customer service etiquette skills.
• Persuasive.
• Reading comprehension.
• Strong communication, organization skills, and customer follow up.
• Time management.
• Work ethic.

Training/education

To become a dental hygienist you will need an associate degree. Within the program, you’ll learn quite a bit about patient care. You will be able to enhance your critical thinking, and problem-solving skills which are essential when providing direct patient care since some of your work will be independent of the dentist. Your program will combine laboratory, clinical, and classroom instruction.

Earning a dental hygienist associate’s degree will prepare you to work with patients from various backgrounds and teach you how to interact with different healthcare professionals.

In addition to dental and science courses, you’ll also encounter liberal arts courses. Classes such as English composition and public speaking will give you a well-rounded experience and prepare you for the working world.

To enter a dental hygiene associate’s degree program, students are usually required to complete a certain number of prerequisite courses with a grade point average of 2.5 or higher. The topics can range from science to communications.

• Anatomy and physiology
• Dental anatomy
• Head and neck anatomy
• Introduction to dental hygiene
• Medical ethics
• Microbiology and immunology
• Nutrition
• Pathology
• Patient/pain management
• Periodontics
• Pharmacology for dental health
• Radiology

If you have an associate’s degree, or even a certificate, and want to advance your career in both opportunities and wages, you can enroll in a degree-completion program. Such a program allows for a hygienist, with about two additional years of education to obtain a baccalaureate degree. To be accepted, you must have a license to practice and possess a minimum 2.5 grade point average in your previous degree program.

Many programs are offered online or in a hybrid format to cater to those hygienists who are already working in the field. This type of curriculum delivery allows you to study and take exams when it is most convenient for you. Many of these programs are considered post-licensure which means you won’t be required to fulfill clinical requirements. A curriculum focused on leadership skills will familiarize you with evidence-based practice and public health dentistry.

Licenses/certifications/registrations

Once you are a graduate of an accredited dental hygienist program, you must take a licensure exam. Each state has slightly different requirements, so contact your state dental board to find out what your state requires. It’s likely you’ll need to be CPR-certified and undergo a background check. As with most medical professionals, you will have to participate in continuing education courses throughout your career. Such courses keep you updated in new methods of dental hygiene, new technology, and further evidence of how good oral health contributes to good overall bodily health.

Alternative careers for dental hygienists

If you enjoy working in the field of dental medicine, but don’t want to work as a hygienist, there are other careers you can pursue with a graduate degree. With additional education, you can work in one of three primary areas

Corporate

• Corporate trainer.
• Dental insurance officer.
• Dental office manager.
• Hospital or nursing home consultant.
• Sales in pharmaceuticals or dental supplies.

Education

• Classroom or clinical instructor.
• Dean of a dental or medical education program.
• Dental hygiene program director.
• Education researcher.

Public Health

• Community clinic administrator.
• Local/state dental public health officer.

All of these career alternatives require a master’s, or graduate degree program which can take between one and two years to complete. In addition to coursework, you may have to do a capstone demonstrating your mastery of concepts and applications you learned throughout your program. You may also have to do additional research in a specific area of dental hygiene that most closely relates to your interest.
If you choose to continue your education, you can apply to a masters-level dental hygiene program. Minimum requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene or related field.
• 3.0 or higher grade point average.
• Current, unencumbered dental hygiene license.
• College transcripts.
• Letters of recommendation.
• Scores from the graduate record exam.

Some schools require personal essays, statement of interest, and even your professional resume to be submitted along with your application for admission.

If your interest in dentistry is high enough, you may choose to become a dentist. You will be in school in a minimum of eight years.

Wages and job outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2017, the estimated job growth for dental hygienists between 2016 and 2026 is 20%, which is much faster than the national average. The median annual salary is $74,070, which breaks down to $35.61 an hour.

As the population ages, the demand for dental services will increase, especially as research continues to link oral health to overall health.

As a dental assistant, you’ll work as a member of a dental health team and assist dentists in all phases of dentistry. Unlike dental hygienists, who work directly with patients, dental assistants work directly for the dentist. They are normally chair side and help with procedures at the direction of the dentist.

Becoming a dental assistant is one of the fastest ways you can enter the world of dental medicine. You can complete most programs in less than a year. When you finish your training, you will be able to confidently tell any employer you can:

• Use the terminology, equipment and materials commonly encountered in most dental offices.
• Assist the dentist, other members of the dental healthcare team and dental patients in the delivery of quality dental health care.
• Apply your education to the effective administration of a dental office.
• Perform as an ethical professional in any dental setting, with the ability to exhibit sound reasoning and effective communication in an increasingly diverse world.

Typical responsibilities

Although a a dental assistant is an entry-level position, it is one of the most important roles in a dental office. The required duties are comprehensive and span the inner workings of any dental office or clinic. Regulations may restrict certain tasks from state to state, but most will include the following responsibilities:

• Assist the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures.
• Clean dentures, take impressions of patients’ teeth and perform other assigned lab procedures.
• Engage with patients and suppliers by scheduling appointments or ordering supplies.
• Follow infection control procedures.
• Greet patients and show them to exam rooms putting them at ease as you do.
• Perform office management tasks such as updating records, scheduling and filing.
• Prepare instrument trays.
• Take and develop dental x-rays (radiographs).
• Take a patient’s medical history.

Although not all dentists use assistants at chair side, if the procedure they are performing is complex, you may be there to hand them instruments and perform other duties that create more efficiency.

During your training you will also learn how to take vital signs and sometimes be asked to take them before patients see the dentist or hygienist. Even patients who come in for cleanings could have elevated blood pressures and racing hearts. Dentists want patients to be as calm as possible, and part of your job will be to sooth fraying nerves.

Although hygienists educate patients on oral care, in some offices this may be your job. You will instruct people on how to brush, floss and gargle..

Characteristics

As in most fields of medical care, you are dealing with people who are anxious or don’t feel good. Even though you report directly to the dentist, you may still have to interact with the clientele. Employers will be looking for individuals who can:

• Communicate effectively.
• Demonstrate sufficient manual dexterity to grasp and manipulate small tools.
• Listen and respond appropriately.
• Observe and record details accurately.
• Organize efficiently.

One thing that is important to understand when working in any medical profession is that you are part of a team. While you’re an assistant, be eager to participate, take initiative, and become a reliable go-to person. By doing so you will quickly become an integral part of the office staff.

Education

Most dental assistant programs are a year or less in duration. Some schools offer accelerated programs that you could complete in six to nine months.

Your local community college or vocational school may offer a dental assisting program. It’s also possible that a larger dental office in your area will provide training as part of their overall services. Programs like these allow you earn while you learn.

Other than a high school degree or equivalent, there are no pre-requisites for entering a dental assistant training program.

In a certificate program, general education courses are minimal. Concentration courses focus on:

• Anatomy and physiology.
• Chairside assisting.
• Dental administrative practices.
• Dental materials.
• Dental radiologic techniques.
• Head and neck anatomy.
• Medical terminology with a focus on dental terms and vocabulary.

Most training programs also require you to complete a certain number of hours in a dental practice applying the theory you have learned in the program. Most externships are unpaid, but sometimes lead to permanent employment.

Differences between a dental assistant and dental hygienist

You may be wondering what the difference is between a dental assistant and dental hygienist.

The answer depends upon your resources and how quickly you want to get into the field. If you want to enter dental medicine as soon as possible, your best option is to enroll in a one-year dental assistant program. If your eventual goal is to become a dental hygienist, you can continue your education while working as an assistant. Some employers may even pay your tuition costs.

Each role provides a vital function in dental offices. If you would rather not interact with patients directly, your better option is to be a dental assistant, although the wages aren’t as high.

The following chart gives you a quick snapshot of the differences between the two positions.

Certification

Although you don’t have to become certified, if you do it demonstrates to potential employers that you can perform up to the standards expected by dentists and their patients. By becoming certified, you add value to your training that non-certified candidates won’t have.

To become certified, you’ll have to take the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam offered through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). To be eligible to take the assessment, you must have completed a dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). By visiting their website you can find a CODA-accredited program in your area.

If you are not a graduate of a formal accredited program, but were trained on the job, you can take the national certification exam after you have completed two years of full-time work experience as a dental assistant.

Because state regulations vary, you may be required to be registered or licensed in addition to securing national certification.

Career Opportunities

It isn’t unusual that a practice hires more than one dental assistant, so you may find employment opportunities to be plentiful. Careers exist at:

• Group practitioner dental practices.
• Public health dentistry (schools and clinics).
• Single practitioner dental practices.
• Specialty practices (e.g. orthodontics, pediatric, etc.).

Job outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), roles in dental assisting are projected to grow 19% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Continuing research linking general health with oral health has resulted in increased the demand for preventive dental services and is the primary explanation for the quick growth.

Wages

The median annual wage for dental assistants was $37,630 in May 2017, $18.09 per hour.

The field of dental medicine doesn’t appeal to everyone. But if you want to work within a mission dedicated to improving people’s oral health care, then becoming a dental assistant may be a good career for you.Becoming a Dental Assistant