Is Dental Assisting Hard to Learn? (Answered)

If you’re considering enrolling in a Dental Assistant Training Program, you might be wondering whether the program is difficult to complete and whether being a dental assistant is difficult. This blog post discusses the difficulty level of both dental assistant training as well as dental assistant work. That said, if you’re considering pursuing a career as a dental assistant, consider enrolling in UEI’s Dental Assistant School. The program can be completed, and you can earn a diploma in as few as 10 months, preparing you for an entry-level dental assisting career.

Is Dental Assistant School and Training Difficult?

Whether an individual finds dental assistant school and training difficult depends on whether the individual possesses the characteristics of a good dental assistant. For example, dental assistants must be able to follow precise protocols, they must be good with their hands, they must be able to listen to patients and dentists, and they must be organized. Possessing these skills will make learning and training as a dental assistant significantly easier.

That said, if you do not have these qualities, it does not mean that dental assisting is not right for you. It just means that you will have to work on them. Our dental assistant program will train you and provide you with the knowledge and skills you need for an entry-level dental assisting career.

Now, let’s go back to the difficulty level of learning to become a dental assistant.

People who are detail-oriented and can follow a specific protocol will find dental assisting school and training significantly easier than those who cannot. This is so because dental assistants must pay close attention to all details to ensure patient safety and comfort while performing chairside assistance of a licensed dentist. So, if you’re not detail-oriented, you should get into the habit of paying close attention to what the patient and dentist are saying and paying attention to what the dentist or dental hygienist is doing to ensure that procedures go as smoothly as possible.

For example, a dental assistant must ensure that dental instruments are properly sterilized and laid out for dentists. There also needs to be a decent level of coordination between the dentist and the dental assistant to ensure that the dentist performs the patient’s procedure without becoming burnt out. This requires the assistant to be aware of their surroundings and anticipate the dentist’s next moves.

Second, dental assistants who are good with their hands will find dental assistant training and work significantly less difficult because it is a career where individuals will need to use their hands while assisting dentists. Working in small spaces such as a patient’s mouth requires a decent level of dexterity. So, if you work well with your hands in tight spaces, you will find dental assistant training less difficult than someone who does not have this skill.

Third, dental assistants must be good listeners. This is so because they must listen to the dentists’ instructions as well as listen to the patient to ensure that the patient is not experiencing significant pain or discomfort while the dentist is performing a procedure such as cleaning, filling, extraction, root canal, etc. So, if you are a good listener, then becoming a dental assistant should be easier, and if you are not a good listener, you should try to become one because it will make you a better dental assistant and it will make training to become a dental assist much easier.

Fourth, dental assistants will find working as dental assistants and training to become dental assistants much easier if they are organized. This is so because a large portion of dental assisting involves organizational skills. For example, dental assistants must sterilize tools and organize them properly and trays to ensure that dentists quickly find the tool they’re looking for. Also, dental assistants perform front office duties, such as updating patient files and scheduling patients for common dental procedures. Performing these tasks requires a good level of organization. So, if you tend to be an organized person, then a career as a dental assistant may be the right move for you. On the other hand, if you’re unorganized, what are you waiting for? Get into the habit of being more organized to make training as a dental assistant much easier.

Is a Dental Assistant Career Difficult?

Some dental assistants would say that it is difficult being a dental assistant because dental assistants are on their feet most of the day, and they are often in uncomfortable positions while assisting dentists or dental hygienists with common procedures. That said, many dental assistants love their jobs because they are able to help patients by easing their dental fears, alleviating their pain, and improving their smiles. Some people like to help others, and the passion for helping others makes dealing with a tough job worthwhile.  

Should You Become a Dental Assistant?

If you’re thinking about becoming a dental assistant and are wondering whether it’s worth it to become a dental assistant, we are here to tell you that there are a number of reasons why you should pursue such a career. For example, if you like the idea of working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, pursuing a career as a dental assistant may be the right move for you as you’ll be working with dentists, dental hygienists, and other dental assistants. No two days at a dentist’s office are the same. Additionally, being a dental assistant is a rewarding career for many because of the ability to help others. If you were to ask dental assistants about their job, the first thing they’ll begin talking about is their patients and how they love to help them and improve their quality of life. So, if you enjoy helping others and gain satisfaction by doing, pursuing a dental assistant career may be the right move for you.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Dental Assistant?

UEI’s Dental Assistant Training Program can be completed and you can earn a diploma in as few as 10 months. The program provides a mixture of classroom instruction and hands-on training, both of which are essential to prepare students for entry-level dental assisting positions. Different career colleges offer different programs that vary in length.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do you have to be good at math to be a dental assistant?

No, you do not have to be excellent at math to become a dental assistant. That said, you should know basic mathematics to perform simple addition, multiplication, and division for various tasks.

2. What education do you need to become a dental assistant?

You do not need a degree to become a dental assistant in the State of California. If you are outside of California, you should check with your State’s Dental Board to determine whether a degree is required for dental assisting.

3. Can you become a dental assistant if you have bad teeth?

Yes, you can become a dental assistant even if you have bad teeth. You might even consider improving the health and appearance of your teeth at your new place of employment.

4. Does a dental assistant perform cleanings?

No, in most states, dental assistants are not permitted to clean teeth because teeth cleaning requires specialized oral health training that dental assistants do not have.

5. Is dental assisting hard on your body?

Dental assisting can be hard on the body because dental assistants spend most of their time on their feet and often in uncomfortable positions while assisting dentists and dental hygienists. That said, fatigue can be avoided by maintaining good posture, stretching regularly, and exercising.