After several years working as a dental assistant in a practice or another clinical setting, you might be looking for a change—this is totally normal and happens to all of us, regardless of profession! If you’re passionate about dentistry, but you’re seeking something a little different, becoming a dental assistant instructor might be your next logical step. This is because instructing offers many rewards and an unparalleled level of gratification, while allowing you to remain involved and well-versed in the world of dentistry. But you might be wondering just how much experience you need before it’s feasible to make this change. Continue reading below to learn more!
What Do Dental Assistant Teachers Do?
A dental assistant teacher is a professional who instructs and educates prospective dental assistants. They’re responsible for designing lesson plans, delivering lectures, and providing hands-on training in a classroom setting or clinical environment—all of which are standard duties for any type of educator. In addition to teaching, dental assistant teachers also assess a student’s progress and provide feedback on their performance, as well as keep up to date with advancements in the dental field to ensure that what they’re teaching is relevant and accurate. They might also advise students on job search strategies and provide career guidance.
How Much Experience Do I Need to Become a Dental Assistant Teacher?
Work experience is essential for becoming a dental assistant teacher, as it provides you with the necessary practical knowledge and skills to become a good teacher. You’ll need to have a diploma in dental assisting, and these programs typically take 1 or 2 years to complete and can be found at various community colleges or technical schools. After obtaining your diploma, you’ll need to gain work experience—you can work in a dental office or clinic to gain this practice, and you’ll want to do so for at least 2 – 5 years.
You’ll also need to obtain a teaching certificate, which can be acquired through various teacher training programs. But once you have all these qualifications and a few years of work experience, you should be in a great position to begin making the transition from dental assisting to instructing future dental assistants. That said, teaching is a never-ending journey, and as a dental assistant instructor, you’ll need to keep up to date with pretty much all things relating to dentistry; the more you know, the more you can confidently teach your students!
About the NE Dental Academy
Our staff here at the NE Dental Academy has assisted countless aspiring dental assistants in learning the ropes of their new jobs and making a seamless transition into their new roles! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to request additional information about what we do, feel free to visit us online or give us a call today for assistance. Telephone: (508) 392-5314.