CONSUMER INFO
Many states (including Ohio) do not require any formal education, training or license to be a dental assistant. Education, training and certification are optional! This is shocking, considering that dental assistants are the people who are responsible for, among other things, the infection control procedures in a dental office. Since the assistant is the one who fills the syringe for the dentist, you had better hope he/she was trained well enough to know what to put in that syringe and if the correct needle was placed.
There are dental assistants working in your mouth who are not certified or licensed? They may have been working in a fast food restaurant on Tuesday, and working in your mouth on Wednesday. Scary, huh?
In the entire State of Ohio, there are 1700 Certified Dental Assistants. In just the Greater Cincinnati area, there are approximately 725 dentists. You do the math. Is the assistant in your dental office Certified?
There are certified dental assistants in Ohio who are certified nationally or by the state of Ohio? Be aware that "registered dental assistants" are given a pseudo certificate by private schools offering 6-9 months of training, most of it, "on the job". These dental assistants are not recognized by the State of Ohio. Is your dental assistant certified by the State of Ohio?
| There are dental assistants taking
x-rays in your mouth WITHOUT the mandatory radiology license for the
State of Ohio?
All dental personnel who take x-rays must have a license to do so?
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Some dentists discourage Certification because they may have to pay for a "knowledgeable dental assistant?
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The Ohio Dental Board (dentists) are proposing Legislation in the State of Ohio regarding duties that can be performed in your mouth by a "on the job" trained, non-certified dental assistant? Go to the list and see for yourself!
You should ask your assistant, or person taking your x-rays, if they hold certification and a license. Of course their answer will be "yes". Therefore....
As a consumer, you have a right to look for licenses, certification, and/or degrees hanging on the walls in your dental office. Don't see any for your assistant or hygienist? What's wrong with this picture?
You have a right to have qualified trained dental auxilliaries in the office who are especially knowledgeable in O.S.H.A. requirements, infection control, radiology, patient and personnel safety, medical emergencies, CPR, first aid, chairside dental procedures, and communication etc.,etc.,etc.? If your "on the job" trained assistant were as competent as he/she appears to be, then why don't they simply take the exam and become certified?
I will be happy to answer any consumer questions you may have. Please look at the list of duties that your non-certified dental assistant can perform in your mouth, click here ..., and above all, question your dental care provider. "Is every member of your staff licensed or certified?" LOOK FOR LICENSES, NO MATTER WHAT HE/SHE ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTION ....If they are not, encourage them to do so, for your safety, as well as their own.
Enough of the "soap box.". Pass these pages on to other dental consumers. If you have any questions feel free to email me.... kspradlin@fuse.net , or FAX me at 513-753-9891.