Dentistry

Gloves Off: Education for dental assistants—is it really necessary?

March 21, 2022

Dr. David Rice and Tija Hunter, CDA, EFDA, talk about what dental assistants need to know, why it's important, and how advanced education can benefit their careers.

David R. Rice, DDS, Chief editor

Tija Hunter, CDA, EFDA

In this video, we’re going to discuss some things that are uncomfortable but important. So, dental assistants, this one is a little challenge to you as we talk about dental assistant education.

The big question: Is it really necessary?

The dental assisting workforce is about 350,000 strong—the largest group of oral health-care workers out there. Think about how much dentistry has changed since you were in school…it’s crazy! You may not need the CE, but you need to be educated throughout your career because the dental profession is constantly evolving.

We’ll talk about what you need to know as a dental assistant, why it's important to get further training on infection control and technology, for example, and how advanced education can benefit your career.

Dental pros and dental patients, send us your questions! We’re talking about important topics that happen all day every day in the dental practice.

More Gloves Off videos:

This edition of Gloves Off is supported by Voco America.

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Through the Loupes newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles and subscribe to Through the Loupes.

About the Author

David R. Rice, DDS | Chief editor

Founder of the nation’s largest student and new-dentist community, igniteDDS, David R. Rice, DDS, travels the world speaking, writing, and connecting today’s top young dentists with tomorrow’s most successful dental practices. He is the editorial director of DentistryIQ and leads a team-centered restorative and implant practice in East Amherst, New York. With 27 years of practice in the books, Dr. Rice is trained at the Pankey Institute, the Dawson Academy, Spear Education, and most prolifically at the school of hard knocks. Contact him at [email protected].

About the Author

Tija Hunter, CDA, EFDA

Tija Hunter, CDA, CDIA, CDIPC, CDSH, CDSO, EFDA, MADAA, is a member and former vice president of the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA), where she holds the honor of Master. She is the director of the Dental Careers Institute, a dental assisting and dental continuing education program, and the author of seven continuing education study courses. She is an international speaker and a certified trainer in nitrous oxide in several states. She can be reached at [email protected].

Updated January 12, 2024