Starting a career as a dental assistant is a significant achievement, but it’s only the beginning. The dental field is dynamic, requiring professionals to continually enhance their skills to stay competitive and provide the best patient care. At the Pacific Northwest Dental Assisting School, we offer a solid foundation in dental assisting through our comprehensive 12-week program. However, for those looking to grow beyond basic certification, continuing education presents numerous opportunities to expand their role and responsibilities within the dental practice.
Let’s explore how furthering your education as a dental assistant can shape your career, increase your earning potential, and offer more significant professional fulfillment.
Expanded Function Dental Assisting Courses
One of the most direct ways to continue your education is by pursuing Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) certifications. In Washington State, becoming an EFDA requires completion of a commission-approved EFDA program, passing both the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) written exam and a clinical restorative exam (administered by WREB or CRDTS)
EFDAs in Washington can take on more advanced tasks under the supervision of a dentist, including:
- Placing and carving direct restorations
- Taking final impressions for crowns or bridges
- Applying sealants and fluoride treatments
- Coronal polishing
EFDA training builds on the foundational skills acquired during initial certification, enabling dental assistants to expand their roles significantly in clinical settings. Pacific Northwest Dental Assisting School’s hybrid program helps students develop confidence in both hands-on techniques and theoretical knowledge, making it easier to transition into these advanced roles.
It’s essential to ensure that your chosen EFDA program is approved by the Washington Dental Quality Assurance Commission, as only graduates from commission-approved programs are eligible for licensure (Washington State Department of Health). Pursuing an EFDA license in Washington not only opens new career paths but also enhances job security and salary prospects, as licensed EFDAs take on critical responsibilities that make them indispensable to dental practices.istants become more indispensable within their practices, often leading to increased salaries and greater job security.
Radiology Certification
Radiology is a key area where dental assistants can further specialize. As technology advances, dental practices increasingly rely on dental assistants to perform radiographic procedures. Many states require dental assistants to complete radiology certification programs to legally take X-rays and handle radiographic equipment.
Benefits of Radiology Certification:
- Increased responsibility: Certified dental assistants can handle more complex tasks such as taking X-rays, thus expanding their roles in the clinic.
- Higher earning potential: By taking on additional responsibilities, dental assistants with radiology certification often earn higher salaries.
- Greater job opportunities: Dental practices prefer hiring assistants who can perform radiology, making you more competitive in the job market.
At Pacific Northwest Dental Assisting School, we ensure our students are well-prepared for the technical demands of the dental profession. Pursuing radiology certification is an excellent next step for graduates wanting to grow their technical expertise.
Specializations in Pediatric or Orthodontic Assisting
Specializing in a particular branch of dentistry is another way to advance your career. Two popular specialization options are pediatric and orthodontic assisting.
Pediatric Assisting: Pediatric dentistry focuses on treating children, a unique and challenging demographic. Dental assistants specializing in this area often learn advanced behavior management techniques and develop skills for handling pediatric dental emergencies. With specialized training, pediatric dental assistants become integral to practices catering to younger patients.
Orthodontic Assisting: Orthodontic assisting involves working closely with orthodontists to manage braces, clear aligners, and other orthodontic appliances. Dental assistants in this field often learn how to:
- Take detailed orthodontic impressions and photos
- Assist in fitting and adjusting braces
- Provide patients with care instructions for retainers and aligners
Both specializations require additional training but offer the potential for higher salaries and more fulfilling work. Specializing allows you to focus on a niche area of dentistry, making your job more dynamic and opening doors to more significant opportunities. Whether you’re drawn to the precision of orthodontics or the joy of working with children, Pacific Northwest Dental Assisting School encourages its graduates to explore these exciting pathways.
Continuing Education in Infection Control and Safety Protocols
Dental assistants play a crucial role in maintaining patient safety and hygiene within a dental office. Given the importance of infection control, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many dental practices seek assistants with advanced training in sterilization and safety protocols.
Continuing education in infection control ensures that you’re up-to-date on the latest sterilization techniques, disease prevention methods, and regulatory compliance standards. Certifications in this area can help you stand out in the job market and may be necessary for practices looking to exceed industry standards for patient safety.
Pursuing a Degree in Dental Hygiene
For many dental assistants, continuing education leads them to pursue a degree in dental hygiene. Becoming a dental hygienist offers numerous advantages, including:
- Higher earning potential: Dental hygienists typically earn significantly more than dental assistants.
- Increased autonomy: Hygienists often work independently with patients, performing cleanings, scaling, and other preventative care services.
- Career advancement: A degree in dental hygiene can serve as a stepping stone for further educational pursuits in dentistry.
While becoming a dental hygienist requires additional schooling, many dental assistants find that their work experience gives them a strong foundation for success in a hygiene program. In fact, Pacific Northwest Dental Assisting School alumni have found that our hands-on training has prepared them for the rigorous demands of a dental hygiene degree.
Professional Organizations and Certifications
Joining professional organizations, such as the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA), is another excellent way to stay connected with industry advancements and access continuing education resources. Membership in these organizations often comes with benefits like:
- Access to exclusive courses and webinars
- Networking opportunities with other professionals
- Information on certifications, such as the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential
The CDA credential, in particular, is recognized nationwide and demonstrates your commitment to professionalism and excellence in dental assisting. Earning this certification can help you qualify for higher-paying positions and leadership roles within a practice.
Online Learning and Flexible Options
One of the advantages of continuing education in dental assisting is the flexibility of online learning options. Whether you’re pursuing radiology certification, infection control training, or specialized courses, many programs offer online or hybrid models similar to what we offer at Pacific Northwest Dental Assisting School. These flexible learning formats make it easier for working professionals to continue their education without sacrificing their current jobs.
The Path to Lifelong Learning
Dental assisting is a fulfilling career, but continuing education is key to long-term success. Whether you’re pursuing advanced certifications like EFDA or radiology, specializing in areas like pediatric or orthodontic assisting, or aiming for a dental hygiene degree, continuing education provides the skills and knowledge necessary to advance your career.
At Pacific Northwest Dental Assisting School, we believe in lifelong learning and supporting our students long after they complete our program. We encourage our graduates to explore continuing education opportunities that align with their career goals and ambitions. With the right education and training, the possibilities in dental assisting are limitless!
