A general dentist in Anchorage AK is skilled in many areas of dentistry. His office is a state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest dental instruments and products. However, he does not work alone. He works alongside dental assistants, who help him with patient treatments. These top professionals earn their credentials from a state-approved school in Anchorage. Educational Requirements
Although having a formal education is not required to work with a general dentist in Anchorage AK, dental assistants often take classes in assisting. The state of Alaska does not require formal training or education to work as an entry level assistant. However, people who want to earn more money or obtain better job prospects often attend school. They become Certified Dental Assistants (CDAs) afterward.
Dental assistant programs typically provide a diploma (nine months) or associate's degree (two years). The schools in Anchorage require students to be residents of the state. They must apply to an American Dental Association (ADA) accredited college, vocational or private school. Although Alaska has stringent rules for dental assistants, the ADA develops the curriculum and program courses designated to assistants. The state makes sure graduates work under the direct supervision of their employers (licensed dentists) even if they hold expanded functions certifications. Expanded functions are advanced duties regulated to assistants. Assistants generally earn these credentials after graduating a program.
After applying to school, the assistants typically pay an application and/or admission fee. They also meet with the school career counselor and program instructor to make sure they understand the responsibilities of attending the program. Other requirements may include having or taking:
a high school diploma or GED
English, math and biology in previous college courses are a plus
test scores for ACT, SCAT, or SAT
test scores for the Nelson-Denny or Dental Assisting Aptitude Test (DAAT) (not always required)
Basic Dental Assisting
Assistants without expanded functions may assist the dentist with patient care. This is called four-handed dentistry, which means an assistant hands the dentist various instruments during treatment. Assistants also suction fluid (saliva and blood) from the mouths of patients during their treatments or procedures. Basic assisting duties also include:
making appointments
sterilizing dental instruments and treatment rooms
taking and developing x-rays
collecting co-pays from patients and billing insurance companies for services
Expanded Functions
An expanded functions dental assistant does more in the office than a regular assistant. If the general dentist in Anchorage AK does extensive procedures, such as dental implants and teeth extractions, he requires a higher-trained staff to assist him. Assistants also perform coronal polishing, sealant placement and several other advanced functions. They also set up anesthesia for patients who require extensive surgeries, procedures or treatments. The medications they work with include topical anesthetics, which are used to numb gum tissue before the dentist administers an injection. The assistants help monitor patients under any kind of anesthesia.
Common expanded functions:
Coronal Polish
This expanded function is basically a teeth cleaning technique. Dental assistants use it to clean patients' teeth, or to prepare younger patients for the placement of sealants. The general dentist in Anchorage AK often uses sealants on pediatric patients to prevent tooth decay. In Alaska, dental assistants must have a certification in coronal polishing obtained from a program approved by the Alaska Board of Dental Examiners. They must renew the certification every two years.
Restorative Care
The dental office uses restorative care on patients who require dental fillings, crowns or similar treatments. Restorative care assistants help the dentist restore teeth to their natural functions. Assistants can receive this credential from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) or the Alaska Board of Dental Examiners.
Although having a formal education is not required to work with a general dentist in Anchorage AK, dental assistants often take classes in assisting. The state of Alaska does not require formal training or education to work as an entry level assistant. However, people who want to earn more money or obtain better job prospects often attend school. They become Certified Dental Assistants (CDAs) afterward.
Dental assistant programs typically provide a diploma (nine months) or associate's degree (two years). The schools in Anchorage require students to be residents of the state. They must apply to an American Dental Association (ADA) accredited college, vocational or private school. Although Alaska has stringent rules for dental assistants, the ADA develops the curriculum and program courses designated to assistants. The state makes sure graduates work under the direct supervision of their employers (licensed dentists) even if they hold expanded functions certifications. Expanded functions are advanced duties regulated to assistants. Assistants generally earn these credentials after graduating a program.
After applying to school, the assistants typically pay an application and/or admission fee. They also meet with the school career counselor and program instructor to make sure they understand the responsibilities of attending the program. Other requirements may include having or taking:
a high school diploma or GED
English, math and biology in previous college courses are a plus
test scores for ACT, SCAT, or SAT
test scores for the Nelson-Denny or Dental Assisting Aptitude Test (DAAT) (not always required)
Basic Dental Assisting
Assistants without expanded functions may assist the dentist with patient care. This is called four-handed dentistry, which means an assistant hands the dentist various instruments during treatment. Assistants also suction fluid (saliva and blood) from the mouths of patients during their treatments or procedures. Basic assisting duties also include:
making appointments
sterilizing dental instruments and treatment rooms
taking and developing x-rays
collecting co-pays from patients and billing insurance companies for services
Expanded Functions
An expanded functions dental assistant does more in the office than a regular assistant. If the general dentist in Anchorage AK does extensive procedures, such as dental implants and teeth extractions, he requires a higher-trained staff to assist him. Assistants also perform coronal polishing, sealant placement and several other advanced functions. They also set up anesthesia for patients who require extensive surgeries, procedures or treatments. The medications they work with include topical anesthetics, which are used to numb gum tissue before the dentist administers an injection. The assistants help monitor patients under any kind of anesthesia.
Common expanded functions:
Coronal Polish
This expanded function is basically a teeth cleaning technique. Dental assistants use it to clean patients' teeth, or to prepare younger patients for the placement of sealants. The general dentist in Anchorage AK often uses sealants on pediatric patients to prevent tooth decay. In Alaska, dental assistants must have a certification in coronal polishing obtained from a program approved by the Alaska Board of Dental Examiners. They must renew the certification every two years.
Restorative Care
The dental office uses restorative care on patients who require dental fillings, crowns or similar treatments. Restorative care assistants help the dentist restore teeth to their natural functions. Assistants can receive this credential from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) or the Alaska Board of Dental Examiners.
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