ODAA - Why it’s important that Ontario dentists hire certified dental assistants

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2010		HOME I LINKS I CONTACT US I LOGIN

Why is it important to hire certified dental assistants?

Certification represents knowledge. Dental assistants who are certified must be formally educated, must have passed an examination and must commit to continuing education.

Those Ontario dental assistants who take their certification seriously are demonstrating a personal conviction to their careers and a drive for excellence.

The ODAA appreciates the thousands of Ontario dentists who make certification an employment requirement when hiring dental assistants. The quality of dental care in Ontario and in your office is enhanced by dental assistants who have chosen to achieve and maintain their certified status.

How are dental assistants certified?

Certification is achieved by graduating from an approved course and writing the required entry to practice examination. To maintain certification, ODAA members must earn 15 credits per year. Credit-earning activities include attending workshops, seminars, lunch and learns, conferences, continuing education or home study courses, attending affiliate meetings and conferences, performing community service and more.

It’s good for your office and your patients

Certified dental assistants are well educated and work hard to constantly upgrade their skills
They are properly trained in the prevention of disease transmission
By hiring only certified dental assistants, you are giving your patients an added measure of safety
You are upholding the reputation of your office by insisting on hiring only trained professionals with credentials widely recognized by the dental profession

It’s good for the Ontario dental profession as a whole

Until Dental Assistants in Ontario are regulated, certification is the only way to ensure they are properly educated and trained on an on-going basis
Certified dental assistants strengthens the dental assisting profession, which in turn strengthens the dental profession as a whole

For more information on certified dental assistants, see How to become certified.