Is it possible for me to become a dental assistant when am wearing full dentures top and bottom? thanks ....

flossie

I suppose it would depend on your skills. In 30 yrs in dentistry I can honestly say I have never worked with anyone who had complete upper and lower dentures. I know when I applied to college for my program they asked for dental and medical examinations. It would also be difficult for you to participate in any classroom activities that have you practising techniques with a partner. So now that I think of it, I'd say it's highly unlikely. Sorry.

dbie

Thanks flossie...I made up my mind..i will go for medical assistant instead....thanks for the honest answer.

flossie

You are welcome and good luck. I'm sure there is more room for advancement as a medical assistant.

Fr_Chuck

actually at least in the US, yes you can, you can not be discriminated against for your medical issues unless it directly effects the ability of your job.

flossie

I still think one would be hard pressed to find a dentist who would hire an assistant with full dentures. The assistant is there to promote dental health. How can one promote dental health when one has no teeth???? Unless, of course, it's a"I wish I knew then, what I know now."

HogleLover

Im in school for dental assisting right now. And just like Flossie has said... it would be very difficult for you to participate class time because no one would be able to practice on you. but that doesnt mean you wouldnt be able to practice on your school mates.
in my honest opinion.. i think you should check out the dental field... because my mom went to school to be a medical assistant and they didnt quite make what a dental assistant makes. but then again, i guess it all depends on what area you live in.


good luck. hope it all works out for you.

PenPress

I agree with "HogleLover". There is no reason for you not to be able to go to school for dental assistant program.

Your classmates will just have to practice on someone else.

Even if somebody doesn't have dentures he/she can refuse to let anyone look into the mouth based on religious belief and concern for invasion of privacy.

Nobody can discriminate against you based on that.

flossie

Just curious PenPress...would YOU hire a dental assistant knowing she wore full upper and lower dentures?

PenPress

I do not own a practice, but I would NOT hold it against anybody who is a qualified dental assistant.

If a school accepts an applicant with such situation, then that person successfully completes the course, and gets certified, you cannot hold the use of dentures against that dental assistant. That is outright discrimination. I am really appalled.

I have worked at University of Pennsylvania, where the assistant wore both upper and lower complete dentures and everybody knew about it. Now that this question came up I see why people hold high regards for an institution like PENN. I am proud to be an alumnus of that school.