Dental assistants help dentists provide care to patients. This includes tasks such as handling patients, instruments, and supplies during treatment and preparing patients for dental procedures.
With the proper training, dental assistants can become Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs), which requires both theoretical and clinical practice. Training to be a dental assistant is typically fast and affordable. Those who are trained can find work in a variety of settings.
Dental assisting is an exceptional career choice for many reasons. Here are our top reasons why you should consider becoming a dental assistant:
Job Security
A career as a dental assistant offers job stability due to the continuous need for dental care. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the demand for trained dental assistants will grow faster than average for most professions, resulting in 23,400 new job openings throughout the US in the next decade. This is a career that provides stable employment, even during times of economic instability.
Career Aptitude
Dental assisting programs typically last around a year, meaning students can enter the workforce relatively quickly. This is a popular field, and these programs provide a fast way to begin a career in dental assisting.
Salary Competitiveness
Dental assisting programs are a great option for people looking for an affordable yet potentially high-earning career. In 2020, the median pay was $41,180 a year. For those who choose to do the additional study to become dental hygienists, the median salary in 2020 was $77,090 per year.
Professional Flexibility
Dental assisting credentials can give you the opportunity to work in many different places in the US. You can use your skills to help dental offices run smoothly and help dentists provide care to patients. As you develop your skills, you will become more valuable to dental offices and will be able to find work in many different locations.
Specialty Options
Dental assistants are a vital part of any dental team. They provide chair-side assistance to dentists, help patients feel comfortable during procedures, and sterilize and maintain equipment. They also educate patients on oral hygiene, take x-rays, and schedule appointments. Dental assistants must be detail-oriented and have good people skills.
Healthcare Expertise
Dental assisting is a great way to get experience in the healthcare industry. You will learn about patient care, administration, office management, and more. This experience can help you get a job in the healthcare industry.
There are many potential careers in the dental field beyond becoming a dentist. Dental hygienists clean teeth and provide preventative care, office administrators keep dental practices running smoothly, dental instructors teach future dentists and dental professionals, and dental insurance claim professionals help patients get the coverage they need.
Conclusion
There are various good reasons to become a dental assistant. With the aging population, the demand for dental services is expected to grow. Dental assistants play a vital role in providing quality care to patients. They work closely with dentists and other dental professionals to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.
Dental assistants have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of their patients. They can help patients to overcome their fear of dental procedures and to improve their oral health. They can also provide education to patients about proper oral hygiene.
Are you interested in having a dental assistant certification? Turn to Northwest Suburban College, providing comprehensive healthcare career training. Call today to learn about our programs!
