37

Employment Strategies

2

Obtaining National Certification

• Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)– Three major categories

• Radiology• Infection control• General chairside

– Obtain certification through three pathways

3

Pathway I

• Graduate from American Dental Association (ADA)– Accredited dental assisting or hygiene

program

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)– Certified

• Two-year eligibility

4

Pathway II

• High school graduate or GED

• Minimum of two years of work experience

• CPR– Certified

• Two-year eligibility

5

Pathway III

• Status as current or previous DANB certified dental assistant (CDA)– Graduation from a doctor of dental science

(DDS)– Doctor of medical dentistry (DMD) program

accredited by the ADA

6

Pathway III

• CPR– Certified

• Two-year eligibility

7

Employment

• Solo or partnership practice

• Group practice

• Dental specialty practice

8

Employment

• Other employment choices– School clinics and laboratories– Veterans’ hospitals– Dental supply companies– Insurance companies

9

Employment Search

• What qualities are desired by employer?

• What areas of growth are available in the situation?

• What strengths could I bring to the position?

10

Employment Search

• What areas could be improved?

• Overall, what type of dentistry is interesting to me?

11

Preparing aCover Letter and a Resumé

• Cover letter– Communicate your potential value and any

specific personal attributes to employer

12

Preparing a Cover Letter and a Resumé

• Resumé– Present specific information in an attractive

and professional format– Stress achievements and skills related to

employment

13

Personal Portfolio

• Share with the dental office your certificates and letters of recommendation

14

Interview Process

• Leaving the interview and following up– Send a follow-up thank-you letter after an

interview

• Receiving an offer of employment– Appropriate time to ask about benefits and

salary if not discussed during the interview

15

Professional Conduct During Employment

• Maintain a professional appearance on the job

16

Successful Career

• Terminating employment– Evaluate career goals and decide if a move

is a necessary action– Always leave on good terms in case you

need to return

17

Successful Career

• Continued success– Dental assisting is a rewarding career both

personally and professionally– Continue to stay challenged and

knowledgeable!