How to Be Special Needs Dental Assistant - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 18, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a Special Needs Dental Assistant is critical in providing dental care to those with special needs. They are responsible for helping the patient to feel comfortable in a dental setting and providing the necessary assistance to the dentist in order to ensure a successful treatment. This is especially important for those with special needs as they may have difficulty communicating or understanding the process involved in a dental visit.

As a result, the special needs dental assistant must be patient, understanding, and have the ability to make the patient feel at ease. Furthermore, special needs dental assistants must have a thorough understanding of dental procedures and terminology, as well as be familiar with the various equipment and supplies used in the dental office. they must possess strong interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work effectively with a diverse population.

By having these skills, a special needs dental assistant can provide an invaluable service to those with special needs and ensure that they receive the best possible care.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most states require dental assistants to have a high school diploma or equivalent before pursuing a career in the field.
Complete a dental assisting program. Most states require dental assistants to complete an accredited dental assisting program in order to become certified.
Become certified. Once you have completed the necessary education and training, you will need to become certified as a special needs dental assistant. This typically involves passing a state-administered exam.
Obtain experience. After becoming certified, you may want to gain some experience working with special needs patients before applying for a job as a special needs dental assistant. Depending on the state, you may be able to volunteer in a dental clinic that specializes in caring for special needs patients.
Apply for jobs. Once you have obtained the necessary education, certifications, and experience, you can begin applying for jobs as a special needs dental assistant. Many states have job boards where you can search for available positions. You can also contact local dentists to inquire about openings.

The need for reliable and qualified special needs dental assistants is growing as the population of individuals with special needs increases. This need is driven by the fact that individuals with special needs require additional care to ensure they receive quality dental care. As such, it is essential to find reliable and qualified assistants who can provide the necessary level of care.

To do so, employers must be diligent in screening applicants, ensuring they meet the necessary qualifications and have the necessary experience in working with patients with special needs. employers must also provide proper training and ongoing education to their special needs dental assistants to ensure they are up-to-date on the latest procedures and protocols. With the right combination of qualifications, experience, and training, special needs dental assistants will be able to provide the highest level of care for their patients, leading to better health outcomes for individuals with special needs.

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Job Description

Provide patient care according to the dentist's instruction, including taking patient medical histories, preparing patients for dental examinations, cleaning teeth, and assisting the dentist during procedures.
Prepare and maintain dental instruments, materials, and equipment.
Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques.
Educate patients on the importance of preventive dental care.
Assist in the development of treatment plans for special needs patients.
Perform basic laboratory procedures such as making impressions and taking radiographs.
Monitor patient behavior and provide distraction techniques to ensure a comfortable and safe experience.
Assist with patient transfers and positioning in the dental chair when necessary.
Provide emotional support to special needs patients and their families.
Utilize a variety of adaptive equipment and techniques to accommodate special needs patients.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent communication skills
Patience and empathy
Understanding of special needs patients
Ability to follow safety protocols
Solid knowledge of dental instruments and procedures
Ability to perform basic dental procedures (e. g. , cleaning, filling cavities, taking X-rays)
Good organizational skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Familiarity with special needs patient care protocols
Ability to provide physical and emotional support to patients and their families

Having the ability to be patient and understanding is the most important skill for a Special Needs Dental Assistant. This skill is essential in order to provide care to those with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities, who require special attention when receiving dental services. Patience and understanding allows the dental assistant to provide a safe and comforting environment for the patient.

It is also important for the assistant to be knowledgeable about the specific needs of the patient, so that they can adjust the service accordingly. a dental assistant should be able to communicate effectively with the patient, so that they can explain the procedure in a way that the patient can understand. By having these important skills, a Special Needs Dental Assistant is able to provide quality services to those with special needs.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with special needs patients?
How would you handle a situation where a special needs patient is having difficulty communicating or understanding instructions?
What strategies do you use to ensure a safe and comfortable treatment environment for special needs patients?
What additional qualifications or certifications do you have related to the care of special needs patients?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest developments and findings related to special needs dentistry?
What challenges have you faced when treating special needs patients?
How do you ensure an inclusive and supportive environment in the dental office for special needs patients?
What techniques do you use to help special needs patients feel at ease during dental treatments?
How do you work with family members or caretakers of special needs patients to ensure they are prepared and comfortable with the treatments?
How do you adjust your communication style to best meet the needs of special needs patients?

Common Tools in Industry

Burs a small, hand-held, rotating tool used to shape and remove tooth structure. (Eg. Carbide bur for cutting away decay)
Prophy Angle a special tool that holds a cup and polishing paste, used to polish teeth. (Eg. Non-splatter prophy angle for gentle polishing)
Saliva Ejector a suction tool used to keep the patients mouth clear of debris and saliva. (Eg. Autoclavable saliva ejector for maximum hygiene)
Mirror a tool used to aid in visual examination of the teeth. (Eg. Lighted dental mirror for accurate diagnosis)
Suction Tube a tube used to evacuate fluids from the patients mouth. (Eg. Autoclavable suction tube for safe disposal of bodily fluids)
Scalers a tool used to remove plaque, calculus and stains from teeth. (Eg. Ultrasonic scaler for effective stain removal)
Cavitron an ultrasonic device used to remove and shape tooth structure. (Eg. Piezo-electric Cavitron for precision cavity preparation)
X-Ray Machine a device used to take diagnostic images of the teeth and surrounding structures. (Eg. Digital X-Ray machine for accurate imaging)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD)
American Association of Special Education Professionals (AASE)
American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA)
American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA)
Special Care Dentistry Association (SCDA)
Special Olympics Special Smiles Program
Special Olympics Athlete Health Program
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)
Oral Health America (OHA)
National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET)

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Common Important Terms

Special Needs Dentistry. A branch of dentistry that focuses on providing specialized care to patients with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities or other special needs.
ADA Accommodations. Special accommodations that the American Dental Association (ADA) requires dental offices to make to ensure that all patients are provided with equal access to dental services.
Person-Centered Care. A form of medical care that focuses on the individual needs of the patient, rather than strictly adhering to general medical procedures.
Dental Chairside Assistance. The process of assisting the dentist in providing patient care by performing tasks such as providing materials and instruments, preparing and mixing materials, and assisting the dentist in chairside procedures.
Infection Control. A set of practices and protocols designed to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in a healthcare environment.
Sterilization Techniques. The methods used to disinfect instruments and materials, including the use of heat and chemicals.
Behavioral Management. Techniques used to manage the behavior of patients with special needs, including positive reinforcement and distraction techniques.
Interpersonal Communication. The exchange of verbal and non-verbal messages between two or more people.
Special Care Dentistry. A branch of dentistry that focuses on providing care to those with special needs, including those with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities or other special needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What experience do I need to become a Special Needs Dental Assistant?

To become a Special Needs Dental Assistant, you should have a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as experience in dental assisting or a related field. You may also need additional training in caring for special needs patients.

What duties does a Special Needs Dental Assistant perform?

A Special Needs Dental Assistant is responsible for providing assistance to the dentist in the treatment of special needs patients. This includes preparing the patient and the treatment area, taking x-rays and impressions, providing dental hygiene and preventive care, and providing patient education.

What qualifications are required to be a Special Needs Dental Assistant?

To qualify as a Special Needs Dental Assistant, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as experience in dental assisting or a related field. You may also need additional training in caring for special needs patients.

What is the average salary of a Special Needs Dental Assistant?

The average salary of a Special Needs Dental Assistant is $32,000 per year, with the potential to earn more with experience.

What is the job outlook for Special Needs Dental Assistants?

The job outlook for Special Needs Dental Assistants is positive, with an expected growth rate of 15% by 2026.

Web Resources

Special Needs Dental Services | OHSU www.ohsu.edu
Center for Patients with Special Needs | School of Dental Medicine www.dental.pitt.edu
Dental Assistant Skills: Master These 8 Skills to Succeed www.herzing.edu