ODAA - Why is it important to be a certified dental assistant?

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 07, 2010		HOME I LINKS I CONTACT US I LOGIN

Why is it important to be a certified dental assistant?

As a certified dental assistant you make a commitment to stay up to date in your knowledge and skills.

The quality of dental assisting and dental reception in Ontario is enhanced by professionals who have chosen to achieve and maintain their certified status.

It’s good for your dental assisting career

Many dentists will only hire certified dental assistants and it is often an ongoing condition of employment
Certification may give you an advantage over assistants who are not certified
Certification may give you a bargaining edge when negotiating salary
Certification of numerous dental assistants provides strength in numbers when requesting benefits and pay increases
Attaining a recognized standard of practice makes you equally marketable to other employment opportunities and puts you on a level playing field

It’s good for your confidence in the dental office

Continuing education keeps your skills up to date
A certified designation may earn you more respect and recognition in the work environment
Your certification demonstrates to your patients that you have chosen to invest in their health
By displaying your certificate, you show pride in your professionalism
You have professional credentials widely recognized by the dental profession
You are helping to ensure the safety of the public

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

Until dental assistants in Ontario are regulated, certification is the only way to show that you have been formally educated and trained. When regulation becomes mandatory, the transition will be much easier
Certification supports our position that dentists should only hire certified dental assistants
Certification strengthens the Association and helps us help you

For more information on achieving and maintaining certification, see How to become certified.