When faced with a boring or unsatisfying career path, many people feel stuck. Going back to school, meeting the requirements, and entering a brand new field can seem daunting. But staying put can feel equally impossible.
If you’re ready for a change but aren’t sure what direction to take, the benefits of a career in Dental Assisting may be just the thing to inspire you to make the jump. Keep reading to learn 8 reasons why a new career in dental assisting is easier than you think!
1. No previous healthcare training required
While getting accepted to other healthcare programs may require very specific education and previous training, going to school to become a Dental Assistant is relatively straightforward. In fact, the majority of Dental Assisting students don’t have any previous healthcare experience.
The Dental Assisting field welcomes students who’ve never attended college or those who’ve worked in completely different fields, such as retail or sales. If you have the drive to succeed and are motivated to find a career in oral healthcare, Dental Assisting is a great option!
2. Affordable tuition
The idea of paying for a degree in a healthcare field or racking up hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt may not be something you’re interested in. Thankfully, becoming a Dental Assistant is incredibly affordable.
For example, here at our Camas Dental Assisting school, tuition is only $3,995 — the lowest tuition of any Dental Assisting program! But if you’re not able to afford the program all at once, financial assistance is always available.
3. Fast-paced program & flexible class schedules
Not everyone can put their life on hold to pursue a degree. Bills still need to be paid, family cared for, and personal responsibilities handled. That’s why so many people are drawn to the incredibly fast program and flexible class schedules of a Dental Assisting program.
You can train to become a Dental Assistant in as little as 12 weeks. Plus, there are night and weekend class options so you can keep working and attending to your responsibilities, as needed.
4. A guaranteed internship to fuel future success
To work as a Dental Assistant, you must first complete a 50-hour hands-on internship. This internship is a benefit to your career! Not only does an internship help you feel comfortable and confident in your newly learned skills, it also helps your ability to find your first Dental Assisting position and hit the ground running.
At Pacific Northwest Dental Assisting School, your internship hours are guaranteed at our on-site, affiliated Camas dental practice. By guaranteeing you an internship at our practice, you can focus on your studies and developing the skills you need to succeed.
5. Ample job opportunities (job security)
A big draw to a career change to a Dental Assisting career is job demand and security.
In 2016, there were 332,000 people working as Dental Assistants throughout the US. However, over the next decade, the number of job opportunities in this field are expected to expand by 19% — that’s 64,600 new openings!
Not only are Dental Assisting positions easy to find, a successful dental office cannot function without a Dental Assistant, meaning those in the field will continue to be highly sought after for the foreseeable future.
Remember: Dental Assistants are needed by both general and specialty Dentists, including Dental Implant Dentists, Endodontists, Oral Surgeons, and Orthodontists. So wherever you live in the future, there will be opportunities available for Dental Assistants.
6. Better earning potential
Do you feel underpaid in your current role? For those who are struggling to move up the pay scale ladder in their current role, you’ll be happy to know that a career in Dental Assisting is a great way to jump start your earning potential.
On average, Dental Assistants make around $37,630 a year. And here in Washington state, they can earn over $40,000 per year. This pay rate can also be more considering the type of dental office you work at and whether or not the office offers overtime hours. Most Dental Assistants also receive health and other benefits from their employers.
This income level is especially appealing considering you don’t have to pay for years of tuition (and spend many more years paying off loans) to start feeling the impact. You’ll be able to start making money and keeping it right away!
7. Rewarding working environment
There are so many reasons to enjoy the day-to-day life of a Dental Assistant. However, what gives most people in this position the most joy is the knowledge that they are helping others.
Every day, you’ll be tasked with helping patients feel welcome and comfortable, having the chance to make a positive difference in someone’s day. Plus, you’ll be helping people improve their health and wellness.
Working in a dental office is dynamic — no two days are exactly the same and there’s always something to keep you busy. You’ll be working alongside healthcare professionals at a variety of levels and have so many opportunities to observe and learn. It’s a great office environment!
Additionally, if you have family obligations or personal interests outside of work hours, you’ll be happy to know that Dental Assistants can enjoy flexible (but consistent) work hours. Depending on your needs, you can find a position that’s either full time or part time. And most dental offices are open days, evenings, and weekends, so you’re sure to find a position that suits your schedule.
8. Career growth opportunities
If you’re constantly looking to learn, expand your knowledge, and challenge yourself, you should know that many people use Dental Assisting as a starting point for other careers in the healthcare industry.
If in the future you decide you want to broaden your responsibilities or shift focus entirely, you’re in a great position to do so! With further experience, training, and education, many Dental Assistants go on to become…
- Dental Hygienists
- Dental Office Managers
- Insurance Claims Processing & Coding professionals
Ready for a career change to Dental Assisting?
Don’t stay in a career you don’t love. At Pacific Northwest Dental Assisting School, you can get started on the path to an exciting and stable career in Dental Assisting in just 12 weeks!
Our 12-week Dental Assisting program offers:
- Flexible class times to fit any schedule
- Financial assistance
- On-site internship opportunities
We can’t wait to help you achieve a successful career as a Dental Assistant. Contact us to learn more or apply for our program online.