Dental assistants help dentist’s offices run smoothly and efficiently. A dental assistant is an allied healthcare professional that performs many duties including preparing patients for dental treatment, cleaning instruments, scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records.
The job outlook for dental assistants looks very bright, with the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting that employment of dental assistants will rise 19% by 2026. This is better than the national average growth rate of 7 percent.
Dental assisting is a viable career. There are some disadvantages to this career, but there are plenty of benefits.
Let’s take an in-depth look at private dentist jobs.
Dental Assisting is a Profession
Many benefits come with a career in dental assisting. Dental assisting might be the right career for you if it offers you strong job prospects and a friendly work environment.
Job growth
The projected job growth for dental assistants will be significantly higher than the national median. Continued research into the connection between oral and overall wellness keeps increasing the demand for preventative dental care. A large number of baby boomers still have their original teeth, so it is important that baby boomers maintain and treat these teeth. This is why dentists are expected increase the number of dental assistants to keep up with rising demand.
Short training
The time required for training to become a dentist assistant is less than four years of college education. While associate degrees take two years to complete, certificates typically take less time than one year.
Potential for good earnings
According to BLS data, the median annual income for dental assistants in May 2017 was $37.630. With experience and/or certificates, pay can increase.
Variable job duties
You may have many different duties as a dental assistant. There is no one day that is exactly the same. You might greet patients, take down information about them, then lead them into the examination room to prepare them for their exam or treatment. You may also clean dental instruments, take dental radiographs, or fit orthotics. There is always something to do and you won’t be bored.
It’s a pleasure to work with people
If you enjoy helping people, dental assisting might be the right job choice. Regular interactions with dentist’s staff and patients are part of your job. You’ll meet people from many backgrounds.
Good work environment
A dentist’s workplace is a serene and quiet place. It is a medical facility so hygiene standards are very high. Dental offices or clinics typically aren’t as stressful and messy as other medical facilities.
Possibility for flexibility
As a dentist assistant, you can work part-time or full-time. One third of all dental assistants work part time. Most dental assistants are employed in dental practices and have set hours. However, some hospital assistants may have flexible work schedules.
Career advancement opportunities
The field of dentistry offers many career advancement options. After working as a dentist assistant for a while, you might want to get further training to become a dental technician. The ability to progress into higher paying positions can greatly increase your earnings.
Cons of Dental Assisting
Dental assisting is not without its problems. Many of these can be overcome if you take the right precautions and make wise career choices.
Bodily fluids
Cleaning up bodily fluids such as saliva or blood is part of the job description of a dental assistant. This is perhaps the most tedious aspect of being dental assistant. But if it’s something you can handle or get used too, it could be an enjoyable career.
Working near mouths
As a dental assistant, you are working directly near the patient’s face during an exam. You could be exposed and may smell or undergo intensive dental treatments. You shouldn’t be too timid.
Risk for pain
When caring for patients as dental assistants, they often have to be in uncomfortable or difficult positions. This can cause backaches, headaches and neck pain. It is possible to prevent this from happening by getting enough exercise and stretching.
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