If you want to be able to do as many things as possible as a dental assistant, you’ll have to level up! Working under a dentist’s supervision, a dental assistant performs various tasks before and after the dentist and client meet during appointments.
They are responsible for assisting dentists during procedures, taking X-rays, sterilizing dental instruments, and educating patients on maintaining oral health. However, dental assistants’ list of responsibilities is divided between level I dental assistants and level II assistants.
While the idea of there being two levels of dental assistants may seem confusing at first, there are pretty straightforward differences between them in what they can and can’t do. Here are some of the biggest factors distinguishing level I and level II dental assistants from each other.
The Duties and Capabilities of a Level I Dental Assistant
Level I Dental Assistants, often called ‘chairside assistants,’ play a crucial role in dental practices. Their responsibilities include preparing and seating patients, sterilizing instruments, managing inventory, and processing X-rays. They prepare dental materials, make cast models, and maintain patient charts.
Furthermore, they are trained to recognize emergency signs and are proficient in CPR and First Aid.
What a Level II Assistant Can Do That a Level I Assistant Cannot
A Level 2 assistant can handle all tasks of a Level 1 assistant and more, as taught in dental assistant school. Their unique duties include mechanical coronal tooth polishing, applying pit and fissure sealants, and using anti-cariogenic agents to prevent tooth decay. They apply topical anesthetics, which are beyond the scope of entry-level dental assistants.
Additionally, Intra-Oral Dental Assistants are qualified to take impressions for study models, expose radiographs, and administer desensitizing agents. Level II intra-oral dental assistants may perform advanced tasks like oral irrigation and polishing restorations. Their training often includes more comprehensive schooling, especially in provinces like Ontario, where Level 2 dental assistant duties are strictly regulated to ensure superior patient care.
Advancing Your Career: Beyond Level II
What Is the Highest Level of a Dental Assistant? The highest level of a dental assistant is typically referred to as a Certified Dental Assistant Level 2 or an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA). These positions require advanced training and certification, allowing them to perform a wider range of clinical duties and procedures compared to lower-level assistants.
How Much Do Level 2 Dental Assistants Make in Ontario? The salary for level 2 dental assistants in Ontario varies based on experience, location, and the specific dental practice. On average, the dental assistant level 2 salary in Ontario ranges from $45,000 to $60,000 annually. More experienced assistants or those working in specialized dental offices can earn higher wages.
Do you want to start your Intra-Oral Dental Assistant training?
Contact the Canadian Academy of Dental Health & Community Sciences to learn more!
FAQs
How much do Level 2 dental assistants make in Ontario?
The salary for level 2 dental assistants in Ontario varies based on experience, location, and the specific dental practice. On average, the dental assistant level 2 salary in Ontario ranges from $45,000 to $60,000 annually.
What is the highest level of a dental assistant?
The highest level of a dental assistant is typically referred to as a Certified Dental Assistant Level 2 or an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA).
