Dental Assistant Career Guide

When people hear the word “dentist,” their natural reaction is to cower in fear and tense up. Then again, as it is part of healthcare services, people, no matter how scared they may be of a dentist, opt to go there and have their teeth checked in order to ensure their health. Dentists don’t work alone; they have assistants who assist them in performing their duties and ensure that medical protocol proceeds safely.

What are Dental Assistants?

Dental assistants are generally hired by dentists to assist them in their daily routine tasks. This involves storing medical records, assisting patients, and preparing medical instruments and materials for the procedure. The general goal of a dental assistant is to make sure that the dentist will be able to focus more on the complex procedures as a dentist, and that all the things he will need are already prepared.

Dental Assistant Salary

Annually, a dental assistant earns about $33,000 on average. The lowest percentage of the assistants is found earning $22,000, while the highest are about $46,000. Depending on their employers, assistants may also receive bonuses, paid vacations, and many other health benefits.

How to Become a Dental Assistant

As a dental assistant, one must be meticulous and skillful in data keeping, and must also be patient and alert when it comes to laboratory assistance and patient care. There are schools and training centers which offer dental assisting programs, and it usually takes up to about a year to complete the said curriculum. A year of training entitles the student to a certificate, while some opt to continue their studies and obtain a diploma. A usual dental assistant program normally requires a high school diploma or equivalent with science related courses such as biology or chemistry. One person, upon receiving a certificate is already considered a dental assistant. However, there are some states in which certification alone is not enough. These states often require a licensure examination consisting of a written and a practical examination. Dental assistant career is sometimes starts a part time job, depending on factors such as location and state. Later, when dentists find their assistants efficient and trustworthy they offer a full time job.

In 2008, about 295 thousand people were employed all over United States as dental assistants, the majority of which working in dental offices. A small percent of these people on the other hand are found to be working at government offices and hospitals. As the year progresses, it was speculated that the employment is expected to grow more in proportion to population growth.

There are a lot of opportunities for one to grow and advance in this career. As long as you know what you want to become and you are aware of what you are doing, then rest assured that you will be able to achieve your goals and be successful in whatever career you opt to pursue and excel in. Most importantly, you should give your all in trying to excel in your chosen career, and not just do it out of obligation. In doing so, you will be able to devote yourself better as a career person in that field.

There are also chances of advancement in dental assistants. Some end up becoming office managers or instructors after garnering enough experience. Some also become dental sales representatives, depending on their education. Another promising career is being a dental hygienist, which you may obtain after continuing dental assistant education.