Not many people consider a career in dental assisting. In fact, some people are not even aware that such a job exists. However, dental assisting is an exciting and innovative career that will allow you to learn new things and build unique skills without putting you in debt.
If you are now interested in becoming a dental assistant, then keep on reading below. In this article, we will discuss what dental assisting is and the advantages of choosing it as a career.
What Is Dental Assisting?
Dental assisting is a profession that involves assisting and working with dentists. Dental assistants perform various tasks, such as taking x-rays, preparing treatment rooms, setting up equipment, and monitoring patients.
In addition, a dental assistant is in charge of sterilization, counting instruments and supplies, recording patients’ vital signs, and reporting to the dentist.
What Are the Advantages of Being a Dental Assistant?
There are many reasons why you should consider becoming a dental assistant. Here are some of them:
1. Job Security
Everybody needs to care for their oral and dental hygiene. Just as dentists are always needed, so are dental assistants. It is a job that will always be in demand, and you are sure to always find a stable means of income. You do not have to worry about ever running out of jobs because there will always be a clinic somewhere or a dentist who is in need of a dental assistant.
2. Earning Potential
Based on the job website, Indeed.com, dental assistants earn about $36,000 on an average. While there are other factors that would affect how much you earn, you can be assured that it will be an excellent starting pay and that it will merely increase with experience.
3. Fulfilling Work
While dental assisting is not a type of career that you would do full time, but it is a job that is both challenging and fulfilling. Learning new things and being in contact with patients will be interesting, and it will be a great way of spending your time while still earning money.
How Can You Become a Dental Assistant?
Are you interested in becoming a dental assistant? Well, you need to do a couple of things to be able to do that, including:
1. Take Up a Dental Assistant Program
Dental assisting is a career that requires specific knowledge, skills, and abilities. It is a field that requires specialization and accredited courses.
Most dental assistant programs are offered by vocational schools and community colleges. They usually teach students the skills and knowledge that they need to effectively become a dental assistant.
2. Earn a Certification in CPR
You need to have a certification in basic life support like CPR and fire prevention. Not only will this training allow you to become more valuable to the dental office, but it will also give you the confidence and peace of mind to be able to handle emergency situations.
3. Take and Pass the Certified Dental Assistant Exam
Aside from taking the basic life support and fire prevention training, you also need to take the Certified Dental Assistant Exam of the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Passing this exam will allow you to show that you are competent, qualified, and educated. If you want to become a dental assistant, this is something that you need to do.
Conclusion
Dental assisting is a field that is full of opportunities, creative, and in high demand. If you are interested in becoming one, then all you need to do is make sure that you are educated and certified.
If you are interested in taking a dental assistant course, you can study it at Northwest Suburban College. We also offer other healthcare training programs that will equip you with the skills to build a career in healthcare. Contact us to learn more about our programs.
