Are you considering a career as a dental assistant? Dental assistants play a crucial role in dental offices and labs.
Working as a dental assistant is a challenging and rewarding career. Understanding the ins and outs of the job can help you make an informed decision about whether this healthcare career is right for you.
Whether you’re just beginning your journey or are ready for a career change, a dentistry career may be a good option.
Here are some top benefits of becoming a dental assistant.
What Is a Dental Assistant?
A dental assistant is a healthcare professional who assists dentists in the care of patients’ teeth, gums, and mouths. Dental assistants qualify for their jobs by completing a training program where they learn the skills they need to assist dentists and patients.
The responsibilities of a dental assistant vary depending on the type of job you have. Some typical duties of dental assisting include:
- Helping patients with cleanings and procedures
- Assisting dentists with patient care
- Sterilizing tools and equipment
- Performing X-rays
- Helping patients after cleanings and procedures
- Educating patients about dental hygiene
- Explaining treatment recommendations
- Communicating patient information to dentists
- Asking patients about their concerns or dental habits
Excellent Job Outlook
Dental assistants are needed around the country. There are ample opportunities to find a position in this field.
The job outlook is 11% and growing faster than average compared to other health occupations. The dental health career provides a steady outcome and good opportunities for job security and advancement.
Helping Others
If you’re interested in a career where you can help others, dental assisting may be for you. Oral hygiene is an important part of overall health, and the job involves educating patients about how to take care of their teeth and gums.
As a dental assistant, you help keep patients’ teeth and gums clean and disease-free as you encourage them to practice good oral hygiene in the future.
Professional Development Opportunities
Starting your healthcare career as a dental assistant can be a stepping stone to advancement in other dental careers. You will gain experience and may want to pursue further education to become a dental hygienist or a dental office manager.
These roles provide more opportunities and more income in the dental field.
Predictable Schedules
Most dentist offices operate on a set schedule. The typical workday for a dental assistant is an eight-hour shift.
Unlike some other oral health careers, dental assistants don’t receive emergency calls or work weekends or after-hours. Your schedule as a dental assistant would be predictable, allowing you to manage other responsibilities like childcare or further studies.
Live and Work Anywhere You Like
The demand and job outlook for dental assistants are excellent. These healthcare professionals are needed across the U.S.
This allows you more flexibility in choosing where you want to live and work. From small towns to big cities, dental offices need quality dental assistants.
More opportunities allow you to be more selective about the position you take in your dentistry career.
Short Training Schedule
If you’re interested in a healthcare career that doesn’t require years of study, you may want to pursue certification as a dental assistant. Depending on the program you choose, you could become certified in just a few months.
Many programs offer online classes and flexible schedules so you can balance other responsibilities while you train. The short-term educational requirements allow you to get your certification and begin working after completing an accredited program.
Dental Assisting Is an Interesting Job
As a dental assistant, you will see and learn something new every day. The job allows you to interact with dental professionals and patients daily.
You will see a range of conditions and procedures, exposing you to new knowledge and techniques each day. You will become an expert on dental health, sanitization and sterilization processes, and dental tools.
These skills can help you better assist patients and provide excellent patient care.
Rewarding Work Environment
One of the most rewarding aspects of becoming a dental assistant is knowing you are helping people each day. Dental assistants play a vital role in assisting dentists and patients.
Most dental offices are busy places, and no two days are exactly alike. There is always something to learn or do throughout the workday.
You will work with other dental professionals and have many opportunities to learn and observe. You may decide you want to keep your job as a dental assistant or pursue more education and more advanced job opportunities in the future.
Depending on your needs, you can work part-time or full-time in this position. Some dental offices are open for extended hours or even on the weekends, so you are sure to find a position that suits your schedule and needs.
No Previous Healthcare Experience Required
To become a dental assistant you don’t need a four-year college degree or any experience in the healthcare field. With a few months of training, you can secure certification and pursue a job as a dental assistant.
The training to become a dental assistant is straightforward. If you have the drive and dedication to pursue a career in the healthcare field, training to become a dental assistant may be the right opportunity for you.
The tuition is affordable, and you don’t have to put your life on hold to pursue an education. That’s why many people are drawn to a fast and flexible dental assisting program.
The Benefits of a Career as a Dental Assistant
Dental assistants are essential to the dental profession. The good news is you can complete training for a dental assistant job in a matter of months.
The job outlook for dental assistants is excellent, and there’s the potential for further education and advancement in the dental field.
If you think you might be interested in pursuing a career in dental health, Healthcare Career College can help. Take the first step towards a bright future in the healthcare field.
Contact Healthcare Career College today to learn more about our program, courses, and financial aid opportunities.