What is a Level 2 Dental Assistant?
As you begin your path to a new career in dental assisting, you might come across a level 2 dental assistant.
Naturally, you are probably wondering what the different levels of dental assisting are, and what responsibilities or skills they entail. Let’s take a look at what you can expect to see whether you are a level 1 or 2 dental assistant.
What is Dental Assisting?
Dental assisting is an exciting and fulfilling career that consists of providing support to a dentist, including various tasks such as patient care, taking X-rays, or keeping records. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, the job outlook for dental assistants is projected to be an 11% increase. Considering the average growth rate for all occupations is just 8%, it is a great time to find opportunities as a dental assistant. Important skills to have as a dental assistant include efficient communication, as well as excellent interpersonal and technical skills. The American Dental Association provides a comprehensive summary of the many tasks and duties a dental assistant might fulfill.
What are the Levels of Dental Assisting?
Each state has differing requirements or regulations for dental assisting responsibilities. You can find the state of Utah’s requirements here. Basically, level 1 (level I or DAI) dental assistants perform standard dental assisting tasks and procedures, such as providing patient care, taking X-rays, or even scheduling appointments. You can think of level 1 as the base level of dental assisting. A level 2 dental assistant, then, has more experience and builds on these basic skills to provide more advanced care. In many cases, there are requirements for a level II dental assistant to complete additional courses or training in dental office emergencies, sterilization and infection control, as well as be CPR-certified. To move from a level 1 to a level 2, a dental assistant may be required to complete a certain number of hours working as a full-time chairside assistant under the supervision of a licensed dentist. It is important to note that not all states recognize different levels of dental assisting. In the state of Utah, for example, there is only one level of dental assisting.
All Dental Assistants Start Somewhere
Regardless of which level of dental assisting you’d like to end up in, you will need some education. Each state has its own requirements to become a certified dental assistant, but a solid education will help you to achieve those requirements. A great aspect of dental assisting is that it does not require a four-year degree, which means you can quickly move into your desired occupation. If you do decide to pursue level II certification, you’ll have the groundwork done and can focus on gaining more experience and skill.
Become a Level 2 Dental Assistant
Here at Dental Fundamentals School of Dental Assisting Salt Lake City Utah, we are devoted to helping our students gain the training and experience they need to become a successful dental assistant. Providing service to Utah students throughout Salt Lake City, Murray, Layton, and West Valley City, our curriculum will have you on your way to starting a new career in as little as 10 weeks. Give us a call at 801-419-7311 or contact us online to schedule a tour today!