Dental Assistants

OFO No: 325101

Other names for Dental Assistant:

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – A look at the career of a Dental Assistant

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Dental Assistant?

A Dental Assistant’s job is to help the dentist perform efficient and safe dental procedures while they examine and treat patients.

What does a Dental Assistant do?

• meets and greets patients and put them at ease
• draws patients’ records from the filing system
• prepares patients for treatment
• passes instruments during the procedure and holds a suction device
• helps patients rinse and clean their mouths
• adjusts the light above the patient
• exposes dental radiographs
• sterilises instruments
• performs general office duties
• does stock keeping and placing orders

Are you . . . ?

• good with people?
• good at making people feel at ease?
• empathic?
• friendly?
• neat and well groomed?
• interested in dentistry?
• good at taking orders?
• a good listener?
• a person with good hand eye co-ordination?
• professional and discreet?

How do I become a Dental Assistant?

You can study to become a Dental Assistant at most universities of technology.

You will complete a 1 year National Certificate in Dental Assisting.

• TSHWANE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

• CAPE PENINSULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHOLOGY

• CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

• DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

Minimum requirements: (each institution has their own requirements but this gives you a basic idea):

NSC with (40-49%) English, (40-49%) Maths or Maths Lit, (40-49%) in Life Sciences or Physical Science or overall equivalent. An entrance exam to be written and an interview take place.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
  

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Dentist or Dental Therapist

Is becoming a Dental Assistant the right career choice for me?