According to U.S. News & World Report, Dental Assistants were ranked #17 in best health care support jobs.
What do dental assistants do?
- Prepare patients for treatments and teeth cleanings
- Sterilize instruments
- Assist dentists during procedures by using suction equipment to clear patients’ mouths
- Process oral x-rays
- Maintain patient records
Depending on their licensing, dental assistants might also help with:
- Fluoride and sealant applications
- Polishing teeth and dentures
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “there should be more than 58,000 new openings for dental assistants up to the year 2024. That amounts to 18 percent employment growth, which is much faster than the average for all professions.”
What are some reasons for these job openings?
- Current generations take better care of their teeth and visit the dentist more regularly
- Expanded health insurance coverage has led to more patients
What salary can be expected?
Dental assistant earnings range from about $24,580 to $49,540. In 2014, “the average pay for dental assistants was $36,260, and the median pay was $35,390.”
Career Advancement
Dental assisting can lead to other careers in the field. “Working as a dental assistant is an excellent launching pad to become a dental hygienist or dentist. The licensing and training are slightly different for each of those positions, but the experience an assistant receives while working with patients, learning safety procedures and navigating the logistics of a dental office could be particularly beneficial for advancing in the dentistry field.”
Job Satisfaction
- Upward Mobility: High
- Stress Level: Average
- Flexibility: Above Average
How to Get a Job as a Dental Assistant
According to Claudia Pohl, former president of the American Dental Assistant Association, “Even dental assistants living in a state that doesn’t require licensure should work to attain one. A licence will distinguish you in terms of experience and knowledge, and it’s also in the best interest of the patients. The average person would be appalled if they were to find out the person working in their mouth doesn’t have accreditation, licensing or credentials.”
Pohl further states, “If I were hiring a dental assistant, I’d look for someone with some education and the licensure that’s appropriate for their state. I’d also want a worker who was good with people, who is a team player, and who can get along with others and who has an I’m-in-it-to-help-everybody attitude.”
Source: U.S. News & World Report Careers – http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/dental-assistant
If you are interested in becoming a dental assistant, Star of Texas Dental Assisting School can help give you the education needed to excel in the field.
We are still enrolling for our summer session starting on June 4th! Contact one of our Admissions Representatives today at (512) 487-1547 or operations@staroftexasdentalassistingschool.com
