Unlike the economy, a
medical office is rarely slow. Medical and dental assistants keep the flurry of
patients, appointments, records, tests, and materials running smoothly, from
office management to the treatment of basic medicine.
Medical and dental assistants' responsibilities range from office management to
physician or dentist support. Knowledge of medical terminology is essential, as
are people skills for interacting with patients.
Earning Your Education in Medical or
Dental Assisting
A bachelor's degree
in medical or dental assisting is a great way to prepare for this field. It can
build your background in the industry and make you competitive as you search
for jobs. In an online degree program, you'll take the following courses and
more:
- Office
management
- Medical or
dental records management
- Physiology
- Medical
technology
- Medical law
Earning this degree through online education is a great way
to maintain your flexibility while building your new career path.
Students who
have completed a bachelor's degree in any subject are generally qualified to
apply to a Bachelor of Dentistry degree program. Most programs can be completed
in four years and are designed to prepare students to practice ethical and
competent Dentistry. BDent programs generally place great emphasis on
problem-based learning which allows students to work in small groups to
identify and analyze a variety of clinical problems. These programs also
emphasize practical training and usually allow students to begin clinical
rotations in their first year of study. The progressive approach of this degree
program encourages students to engage in life-long learning.
Bachelor of Dental Science (BDSc)
A Bachelor of
Dental Science degree program generally lasts five years and fully prepares
students to practice Dentistry. Because students are not required to hold a
bachelor's degree to apply to such a program, it is not considered a graduate
entry program. Years one to three are usually dedicated to the Dental sciences
that include physiology and microbiology. Clinical experience dominates the
final years of the program. The BDSc program emphasizes mastery of the most
recent Dental procedures and techniques.
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
Bachelor of
Dental Surgery degree programs are usually completed in five years. Most BDS
programs emphasize the recognition and prevention of a variety of oral
diseases. Candidates study Dental-related sciences and also spend a significant
amount of time gaining practical clinical experience. This degree program is
similar to the BDSc program, with greater emphasis placed on management of oral
diseases and oral surgery.