The field of dental assisting is constantly expanding, offering various career advancement opportunities. Dental assistants can take advantage of evolving roles, new technologies, and growing demand to climb the ladder into greater responsibilities in dental offices and organizations. Here’s a guide on advancing from a Hygiene Dental Assistant to leadership or specialty roles, along with tips on thriving in Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) like BDG Dental Services.
Starting Point: Hygiene Dental Assistant
The journey often begins with the role of a Hygiene Dental Assistant, focusing on tasks such as:
- Preparing instruments and taking X-rays.
- Assisting hygienists and educating patients.
- Maintaining a clean clinical environment.
This role builds foundational skills in dental software, hygiene protocols, and patient care, paving the way for future growth.
Progression to Dental Assistant
After completing a dental assisting training program and/or gaining enough in-office experience, the next step up is a position as a full dental assistant. Advancing to a Dental Assistant involves taking on more complex tasks, such as:
- Assisting dentists during procedures.
- Taking impressions and digital scans.
- Educating patients on post-operative care.
This position allows for skill development and prepares dental assistants for leadership or specialized roles.
Specialized and Leadership Roles
After gaining experience with the core tasks that a dental assistant manages, you can choose to specialize or pursue leadership roles, such as:
- Lead Dental Assistant
Responsible for overseeing clinical operations, including schedules, inventory, and compliance. Ideal for those with strong organizational skills and a desire to mentor others. - Specialty Assistant
Options include becoming an Orthodontic Assistant or Surgical Assistant:- Orthodontic Assistants focus on orthodontic procedures like braces, retainers, and aligners.
- Surgical Assistants assist in complex oral surgeries, including sedation monitoring.
For a quicker pathway to a specialty position as an Orthodontic Dental Assistant, you can take a second tier course like BDG Academy’s Intro to Orthodontics, which prepares you for the specific tasks that you’d handle working as an orthodontic assistant and will give you a leg up in the application process.
Growth in DSOs and BDG Dental Services
Dental Service Organizations like BDG Dental Services provide unique growth paths in dentistry. With 14 Las Vegas offices offering externships, the BDG Dental Services and BDG Academy partnership facilitates hands-on experience and career development for students and employees alike. There are a multitude of various roles and positions that dental assistants can apply for and grow into at BDG. Opportunities extend beyond clinical roles to:
- Trainers and Instructors: Mentor future assistants through BDG Academy.
- Corporate Roles: Engage in quality control, compliance, and clinical support across multiple offices.
How to Stand Out in the Dental Field
- Pursue Extra Training and Certifications
Seek additional training in specialty areas and stay updated on the latest dental technologies. - Go Above and Beyond
Volunteer for extra tasks, suggest workflow improvements, and demonstrate excellence in patient care. - Embrace Leadership Opportunities
Lead projects, mentor team members, and seek feedback to show your commitment to growth. - Network and Build Connections
Attend industry events and local dental society meetings to open doors for new opportunities.
