How to Become a Dental Assistant in Kansas

As of 2013, the state of Kansas was home to 2,640 dental assistants, representing a ratio of 1.98 dental assistants for every one thousand residents. Between 2012 and 2020, there is expected to be a 28.7% increase in the number of dental assistant jobs in Kansas, resulting in 862 new jobs. At $35,550, Kansas ranks high in the United States as a whole in terms of average annual salary.

The Kansas Dental Board is the licensing and regulatory office within the state that oversees all professions related to dental health. A dental assistant in the state of Kansas may work as a basic dental assistant or as a dental assistant with training in expanded functions.

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Dental Assistant – Although the state board has determined that basic dental assisting is an entry-level, unlicensed, and uncertified profession, research shows a direct correlation between higher levels of education and higher income potential.

A dental assistant in Kansas is authorized to perform the following duties under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist:

  • Greet patients and take them to waiting rooms
  • Educate patients on aspects of oral health
  • Expose, process, and evaluate dental radiographs
  • Perform infection control and occupational safety procedures
  • Maintaining dental charts
  • Maintain, sterilize, and pass standard instruments
  • Perform other duties delegated by licensed dentist

A dental assistant is prohibited from performing the following duties:

  • Any and all removal of hard or soft tissue in mouth
  • Any diagnosis or prescription
  • Any correction of mouth
  • Any administration of anesthesia

Dental Assistant with Training in Expanded Functions – attaining training in expanded functions enables a dental assistant to perform the following expanded functions:

  • Coronal polishing
  • Coronal scaling
  • Assisting in administration of nitrous oxide or oxygen

Becoming a Dental Assistant In Kansas

Dental Assistant – The dental assistant career in Kansas is an entry-level position with no state-mandated education or licensing requirements; however, employers generally look for higher levels of education and experience when hiring.

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Dental Assistant with Training in Expanded Functions — The necessary training for expanded functions depends upon which expanded function the assistant is interested in being able to perorm.

  • Coronal polishing –

To become qualified to perform coronal polishing, the dental assistant must be trained by a licensed dentist and perform the function under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.

  • Coronal scaling –

To become qualified to perform coronal scaling, an assistant must complete a Kansas Board-approved course in the function and perform the function under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.

  • Administration and monitoring of nitrous oxide and oxygen –

To qualify to administer nitrous oxide and oxygen, an assistant must complete a Kansas Board-approved course. This course must include at least 16 hours of instruction at a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)-accredited program, must include both clinical and textbook instruction, and must cover the following categories:

  • Theory of pain control
  • Anatomy
  • Medical History
  • Pharmacology
  • Emergencies and complications

Kansas Board-Approved Education

Both the coronal scaling and nitrous oxide expanded functions require a dental assistant to attend a Board-approved course.

There are currently four (4) CODA-accredited dental assisting programs in Kansas. They offer programs such as Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees with a major in Dental Assisting or a Dental Assistant Certificate, which include education in the classroom, laboratory, and through internships.

The programs include courses such as:

  • Chairside Assisting
  • Fundamentals in Dental Assisting
  • Dental Health Education
  • Dental Science
  • Infection Control
  • Dental Materials
  • Dental Radiography
  • Human Anatomy
  • Oral Anatomy
  • Preventive Dentistry
  • Dental Nutrition
  • OSHA Compliance
  • Dental Practice Management
  • Management of Medical Emergencies
  • Clinical Internship
  • Current Trends in Healthcare
  • First Aid/CPR
  • Professional Development

Although not mandatory for basic assisting functions, participation in a dental assisting program will give a dental assistant an advantage in the quickly growing job market.

National Certification and Associations

Along with education, achieving a national certification or joining a professional association are both apt to give a dental assistant an edge in the field.

Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certification— DANB issues certifications after an assistant takes and passes a DANB examination. The following examinations and certifications are offered:

The most common certification for dental assistants is the CDA certification, which is composed of the following three component exams:

The component exams may be taken alone or as part of the full CDA exam. In order to take an exam and receive a certification, a dental assistant must complete the following steps.

Step 1. Check Eligibility

There are different eligibility requirements and options for each of the different exams. The CDA exam requires that the candidate take one of the following three pathways:

  • Graduate from CODA-accredited dental assisting or dental hygiene program AND hold current CPR certification from DANB-accepted provider

OR

  • Hold a high school diploma, have achieved 3,500 hours of experience, and hold current CPR certification

OR

  • Hold former DANB CDA certification, or graduation from a dental program outside of the United States, and hold a CPR certification

Step 2. Complete Application and Submit Fee

The fee for the full CDA exam is $375. Once the application and fee are received by DANB, DANB will send the applicant a Test Admission Notice, which will provide instructions to move onto Step 3.

Step 3. Schedule the time, date, and location of the exam.

The examination must be taken at a Pearson VUE testing center. There are three Pearson venues located in Kansas in the following cities:

  • Hays, Kansas
  • Wichita, Kansas
  • Topeka, Kansas

Once issued, certification is valid for one year. It may be renewed annually, as long as Continuing Dental Education (CDE) requirements are met. A renewed certification shows a dental assistant’s commitment and competitive edge to both clients and employers.

Kansas Dental Association (KDA) – The Kansas Dental Association is the State chapter of the American Dental Association (ADA). Becoming a member of this association shows a dental assistant’s commitment to the field, and it gives a dental assistant access to resources for

  • Professional advocacy
  • Networking
  • Continuing education
  • Dental research
  • Seminars

The office for the KDA is located at the following address:

5200 SW Huntoon
Topeka, KS 66611

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