 |
|
|
 |
News |
 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
News |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Spaces in dental assistant training programs may be open wide, but Massachusetts Dental Society advises to also keep eyes wide open As a result of the critical need for dental assistants in Massachusetts and throughout the country, many new training programs are being introduced aimed at quickly getting people into the profession. But the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) warns that not all dental assisting programs are created equally. "Students interested in becoming a dental assistant should be aware that there are differences in the type of training they can receive," emphasizes Dr. Mary DeMello, chair of the MDS Council on Dental Practice and a general dentist in Medfield. "Not all programs lead to certification and some don't cover all areas of study needed to work in a dental office." Dental assistants receive their formal training through academic programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes, or through online training programs. Graduates of these programs usually receive a certificate. They become certified by passing the DANB (Dental Assistant National Board) examination. Although most programs take from 9 to 11 months to complete, some schools offer accelerated training. "But students should be aware that some of these accelerated programs want to get people in and out so quickly that they don't offer everything required for the job," explains Dr. DeMello. "As a result, some of those who complete certain training programs may not find out until they apply for a position that they need additional training in order to receive their certification. And this would end up costing them more money. The best way to know is by asking questions before enrolling." For more information on careers in the dental profession, including a list of schools offering dental assisting programs or online training, contact the Massachusetts Dental Society at (800) 342-8747, or Click Here. ###
|
|||||
| cd |
 |
|
