The dentistry field is full of many opportunities, so you may be wondering which one is the right career for you. Whether you’re thinking of being a dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant, it’s essential to understand the duties of each role to figure out if it matches your strengths and capabilities.
A dental assistant’s primary responsibilities are to aid the dentist and hygienists, keep track of and schedule appointments, organize records, and assist them during appointments. It’s a great way to explore your interest in dentistry without committing to being a doctor since you can take a certified dental assistant program to get your qualifications. Here are five signs being a dental assistant is perfect for you:
You Love Helping Others
As a dental assistant, you’ll be part of a team whose mission is to help people improve their dental hygiene and restore their confidence in their smiles. You can help an anxious patient feel calmer and more stable during an appointment and educate them about good oral hygiene once they’re done to help them maintain a radiant, healthy smile.
Helping people as your profession is a gratifying way to live your life, as you’ll make a significant impact on your community. If you’re great with people and have a knack for helping them relax and cheer up, you’ll be perfect as a dental assistant.
You Want to Find a Job Right Away
The good news about the dental assistant field is that you won’t have a hard time finding a job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dental assistants are in high demand, with the field expected to grow by 11 percent. The BLS reports that this field growth is due to an aging population and the sharp increase of research that connects oral health to overall wellness.
You’re Well-Organized
If you have a keen eye for detail and love keeping things in order, you are well suited to the dental assistant profession. Dental assistants are integral to a smoothly running dentist office by staying on top of patient records, scheduling appointments, sterilizing equipment, preparing patients for procedures, giving instruments to the dentist during a procedure, and educating patients about good dental health practices. A focused, methodical person is the only one capable of handling so many tasks at once, so if you consider yourself neat and orderly, then a dental assistant’s tasks would be a piece of cake for you.
You’ll Have Access to Other Dental Careers
Many people have an undeniable interest in the dental field, but they aren’t sure where to start. Getting a dental assistant degree will put you in the right direction since it is a great stepping stone for other careers in the dental field. You can climb the ladder to becoming a dental hygienist or a dentist yourself if you choose to pursue it at some point!
You can become a certified dental assistant by taking the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination, which the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) offers. By getting certified, you’ll establish a solid foundation for further careers.
You Want a Flexible Schedule
Few things beat the perk of having a flexible schedule. Some dental assistants choose to work full-time, while others report to the office part-time. You can fit a career as a dental assistant into a busy schedule, which is excellent for those who have several family obligations or other commitments. You also don’t have to worry about working during evenings or weekends since most dentist offices are open during regular business hours.
Conclusion
Being a dental assistant will introduce you to the fascinating world of dentistry, where you’ll make an immediate impact on both your workplace and the community. If any of these signs resonate with you, you’re destined to become a dental assistant!
Northwest Suburban College offers accredited dental assistant programs that can help you pursue your career as a dental assistant. We also provide healthcare career training through classes in becoming a medical assistant, pharmacy technician, and many more. Contact us today to find out more about our programs!
