Are Dental Assisting Schools Hands-On?

If you’re looking at dental assisting schools and programs, you likely have questions about what kind of training you’ll receive.
What kind of skills will you be learning? How long does the program last? How much of your training will be hands-on? Let’s take a look at what you can expect from your dental assisting program.
Why Dental Assisting?
Earning a certificate in dental assisting opens a wide world of opportunities for a stable career. While dental assisting certainly requires helping the dentist with various procedures, it can also involve varied duties like office management, interpersonal skills, and even educating. If you crave plenty of variety in your work tasks, dental assisting could be the career for you.
How Does Online Learning Compare to Hands-On Learning?
In today’s day and age, it’s possible to learn just about anything online, whether through video tutorials, virtual courses, or even online universities. While the huge range of possibilities is unmatched, there is still something to be said for learning through an in-person, practical approach. One study, published in Psychological Science in April of 2015, found that when students experience scientific concepts through a hands-on approach, they are able to understand them more deeply and score better on related tests. This study argues that some skills and concepts cannot be learned at the same depth without practical experience. While there is certainly a place for learning online, gaining firsthand experience just can’t be beat.
What Kind of Hands-On Training Can You Expect from Dental Assisting Schools?
Many of a dental assistant’s duties utilize strong communication skills, as well as the ability to work with both the hands and the mind. Dental assistants are often one of the first people to communicate and help patients visiting a dentist’s office. They may assist with asking about a patient’s medical history, and take their pulse and blood pressure. Another task a dental assistant may perform is taking a patient’s X-rays (radiographs) and developing them. These skills are vital when working as a dental assistant and are hard to fully grasp without physical experience. Hands-on experience in the everyday duties of a dental assistant is a key component of a great dental assisting school. Other trainings you can expect from your dental assisting program are:
- Chairside assisting techniques
- Performing aseptic techniques
- Managing hazardous materials
- Identifying and utilizing instruments
Contact Dental Fundamentals School of Dental Assisting
Dental Fundamentals School of Dental Assisting is dedicated to providing one of the most hands-on dental assisting training programs available. Our 10-week format focuses on teaching students all the practical skills they need to be successful, confident dental assistants. With evening classes and onsite dentists to help provide real-life training, we cater to students living in the Salt Lake City area, as well as West Valley City, Murray, and Layton in Utah. With classes starting every two weeks, there is no need to wait for a better time to jump into a great new career in dental assisting. Contact us online for more information, or schedule a tour today!