Are you considering a career as a dental assistant in Ontario? Understanding the differences between Level I and Level II dental assistants is crucial for making an informed decision about your training and career path.
Medix College offers a comprehensive Intra Oral Dental Assisting program to prepare you for both levels, ensuring you have the skills and knowledge to excel in this rewarding field. Discover the difference between level 1 and 2 dental assistants, determine which path is right for you, and join us to prepare for lasting career success.
The Role of a Dental Assistant and Qualities for Success
A dental assistant supports dentists and ensures patients receive optimal care. Their responsibilities include preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during procedures, sterilizing instruments, taking dental radiographs, and performing administrative duties.Â
What five qualities make a good dental assistant? The top five are strong communication skills, attention to detail, empathy, adaptability, and a proactive attitude.Â
- Effective communication is vital for explaining procedures to patients and collaborating with the dental team.Â
- Attention to detail ensures accuracy in tasks like instrument sterilization and radiography.Â
- Empathy helps in providing compassionate care, making patients feel at ease.Â
- Adaptability allows dental assistants to handle the dynamic nature of dental offices.
- A proactive attitude ensures they anticipate and address the needs of both patients and the dental team, contributing to a smooth and efficient practice.
What’s the Difference Between Level 1 and Level 2 Dental Assistants
In Ontario, dental assistants are categorized into two levels: Level I and Level II. What is the difference between a level 1 and 2 dental assistant? A Level 1 dental assistant primarily supports the dentist during procedures, takes radiographs, and sterilizes instruments, while a Level 2 dental assistants have advanced responsibilities including performing coronal polishing, providing oral hygiene instructions, taking dental impressions and applying fluoride treatments and desensitizers.
What Do Level 1 Dental Assistants Do?Â
Level I dental assistants primarily provide support during dental procedures. Their tasks include preparing patients for treatment, taking radiographs, sterilizing instruments, and assisting the dentist during procedures. They play a vital role in ensuring that the dental office runs smoothly and that patients receive high-quality care.
What Do Level 2 Dental Assistants Do?Â
Level II dental assistants have more advanced responsibilities and a broader scope of practice. In addition to performing all the duties of a Level I assistant, they are trained to take dental impressions, perform coronal polishing, apply fluoride treatments, and place dental dams. Level II assistants can also perform some intraoral clinical procedures under the supervision of a dentist, making them indispensable in any dental practice.
Is dental assistant a good career in Canada? The answer is yes if you’re looking for a dynamic, meaningful, and lucrative career. How can you ensure career success in this field? Start with the proper training.
How Medix College Prepares You for Success
With your understanding of the difference between level 1 and level 2 dental assistants, it’s time to choose a training program that will prepare you to thrive in the role of your choice. Medix College’s Intra Oral Dental Assisting program will equip you with the skills needed for Level I and II roles.
Our 60-week curriculum is delivered through hybrid and in-class formats, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. Our dental assistant level 1 and 2 training program covers essential skills tailored to the versatile role.
During the first stage of the program (Term I, 8 weeks) you will learn dental anatomy, infection control, instrument sterilization, and chairside support.
In the second stage of the course (Term II, 40 weeks)you will learn radiography, clinical procedures, pharmacology, patient education, dental specialties and instruments, moisture control, reception and clerical duties, dental materials, and intraoral procedures.
During the third stage of the program (Term III, 8 weeks) you will have the opportunity to provide preventive dental services to patients where you will be able to demonstrate competency in intra-oral skills. Working with classmates and/or patients, you will complete the requirements for entry-level intra-oral skills.
Intra-oral charting, preliminary impressions, application and removal of dental dam, coronal polish, fluoride application, patient education, pit and fissure sealants, desensitization, and radiographs will be practiced and evaluated under the direct supervision of a dentist and dental assisting faculty.
The program includes a mandatory 150-hour externship (4 weeks), allowing you to gain hands-on experience in real-world dental settings.
You might wonder: How do I level up as a dental assistant? Practical experience is essential. The 150-hour externship is a key component of our program, allowing you to apply your knowledge in real-world dental settings.
Find out more about our Dental Assisting program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is the difference between a level 1 and 2 dental assistant?
Answer: A Level 1 dental assistant primarily supports dentists during procedures and sterilizes instruments, while a Level 2 dental assistant has advanced responsibilities, including taking radiographs, performing coronal polishing, and applying fluoride treatments.
Question: How do I level up as a dental assistant?
Answer: Practical experience is essential. The 150-hour externship is a key component of our program, allowing you to apply your knowledge in real-world dental settings.