Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work as a Dental Assistant? You’re not alone. Dental Assisting is a field many people want to break into– and for good reason.
Dental Assistants enjoy a career that’s both personally and professionally fulfilling. As a Dental Assistant, not only will Dentists and Hygienists rely on you, you’ll also be responsible for helping patients feel comfortable and happy.
If you’re curious about Dental Assisting and wondering what makes it so great, take a look at the top reasons our Dental Assisting school alumni originally decided to pursue this career.
1. It’s an In-Demand Career (Job Security)
As the need for dental care grows, so does the need for Dental Assistants.
One of the most convincing reasons for choosing a career as a Dental Assistant is job security. A successful dental office simply cannot function without a Dental Assistant, so this role will continue to be highly sought after for the foreseeable future.
Consider that in 2016 there were 332,000 people working as Dental Assistants throughout the US. However, over the next decade job opportunities in this field are expected to grow by 19%– that’s 64,600 new openings!
Let’s take a look at a couple specific reasons why this career path is slated for so much growth.
The Link Between Oral Health and General Health
Recently, researchers have been taking a closer look at the link between oral health and general health. They’ve learned that the mouth and body are integral to each other, with many oral health issues sharing common risk factors with other chronic diseases and conditions. As researchers continue to study and educate the public, it will increase the demand by the general public for preventative dental services.Greater Need for Dental Care
Beyond people more actively seeking preventative dental care, there’s also population growth, which naturally increases the demand for dental care. Plus, elderly people are now more likely to retain their teeth than in years past, which gives you an even larger audience of patients. Remember, Dental Assistants are needed by both general and specialty Dentists, including Endodontists, Oral Surgeons, and Orthodontists. Which means, wherever you live, there will be opportunities for Dental Assistants.
2. Good Income Potential
Considering the amount of education required to become a Dental Assistant (very minimal), this is a career that really pays off. On average, Dental Assistants make around $37,000 a year. And here in Washington state, they can earn over $40,000 per year.
At Pacific Northwest Dental Assisting School, our 12-week program is all you need to propel yourself into this exciting healthcare career. Rather than pay for years of tuition and then spend many more years paying off school loans, you’ll be able to start making money (and keeping it!) immediately.
3. Opportunity for Growth
Working as a Dental Assistant is fast-paced and engaging with no two days exactly the same. It’s an excellent way to dip your feet into the world of dentistry, learn more about the industry, and gain valuable experience. After some time in this role, you’ll understand what it takes to run a dental practice, including administration, patient care, and more.
Often, people will use Dental Assisting as a starting point for other careers in the healthcare industry. With experience and further training and education, many Dental Assistants go on to become…
- Dental Hygienists
- Dental Office Managers
- Insurance Claims Processing & Coding professionals
Dental Assisting is the perfect way to explore and prepare for additional careers in the healthcare industry.
States Continue to Expand Dental Assistant Responsibilities
Another exciting aspect of working as a Dental Assistant is the increasing number of job responsibilities this role is allowing. Certain states are providing the opportunity for Dental Assistants to handle expanded functions, such as place and carve restorations, take final impressions, and apply sealants.
4. A Great Working Environment
Beyond the work itself, many of our past Dental Assisting school students chose this field because of the dentist office environment. Working in a dental office is exciting, fast-paced, and dynamic. No two days are exactly the same!
Working in this environment means being surrounded by a team of fellow hard-working individuals. Not only will you work alongside other Dental Assistants, you’ll also have the opportunity to observe and learn from Dental Hygienists and Dentists.
You’ll Love the Consistent Schedule
If you’re coming from a retail or service industry background and are looking for more set hours, dental assisting will be a welcome relief. Most Dental Assistants work a traditional 9-5 schedule. However, part-time opportunities are also available.As a Dental Assistant, you’ll make a real difference in people’s lives.
5. It’s a Rewarding Position
Part of being a successful Dental Assistant is the ability to make patients feel comfortable and listened to. It’s why two of the most important skills needed for this role are communication and customer service. You’ll be putting patients first day in and day out, and with that comes an incredible sense of pride.
Ask any Dental Assistant about their job, and they’ll probably start talking about their patients and how great it feels to give them a reason to smile and enhance their quality of life. There’s nothing better than making a positive difference in someone’s day!
Ready To Pursue a Career as a Dental Assistant?
Does Dental Assisting sound like the right career for you? At Pacific Northwest Dental Assisting School, we’ve helped hundreds of students in the Camas and Vancouver area reap the benefits of a career as a Dental Assistant.
Our 12-week Dental Assisting program will put you on a fast-track towards becoming a Dental Assistant. We offer hands-on learning and everything you need to launch your career. Call us at (360) 329-9155 to learn more about our program. We would love to hear from you!