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Become a Dental Assistant
The demand for a dental assistant is projected to rise 7% in the next 10 years. If you’re looking for a career in the medical field but don’t want to spend several years in school, a career as a dental assistant might be for you!
But what is a dental assistant, and what are the skills you need? Can you really create a career that you’re proud of and that helps people?
If you’re interested in a career change, or a long-term career, keep reading to learn more about being a Become a Dental Assistant!
What Is A Dental Assistant?
A dental assistant works alongside dental professionals like dentists and dental hygienists. They may work in private practice, general office, public health, or in volunteer offices. Become a Dental Assistant may also work with a variety of people and dental fields, from pediatric dentistry to orthodontics.
Most dental assistants work full-time, but many work part-time and around their schedule. They tend to work early mornings until evening, and sometimes weekends depending on the office hours and priorities.
Starting out as a dental assistant is a great way to get your foot in the door if you’re interested in a career in the dental field. Many dental assistants go on to advance their careers by studying office management, lab technicians, dental hygienists, and more.
What Does A Dental Assistant Do?
The job duties of a Become a Dental Assistant may vary throughout the day depending on the needs of the patients and the office. One day you might find yourself taking x-rays and another day you might sit at a desk and schedule appointments. Whatever you find yourself doing, you most likely will never be bored!
Here are some procedures and tasks you will learn:
- Cleaning and sterilizing dental tools
- Provide dental education
- Recordkeeping, handling patient accounts and billing or insurance claims
- Maintain comfort and care of patients
- Assists dentists or dental hygienists
- Take x-rays and labs alongside the dentist
- Create impressions, crowns, or perform dental tasks like polishing, applying sealants, or fluoride
- Handle patient accounts and billing or insurance claims
These are just a handful of jobs or tasks you may be assigned to do. In a dental office, every day is different and you’ll find yourself constantly learning new things and growing in your career.
How to Become A Dental Assistant
Dental assistant training requires schooling. The great news about becoming a dental assistant is that it doesn’t take long at all depending on the program. You can expect to spend roughly 1-2 years in a dental assistant program like the one at Ultimate Medical Academy.
You will do well in the dental field if you have a passion or interest in science, medicine, biology, a general concern for the well-being of a person, and problem-solving skills. An eagerness to continue your education and keep learning is valued and beneficial as well.
While each program has a step-by-step process to follow for admissions, here are some things you want to consider before applying.
Graduation
Before applying for a dental assistant program you need to have graduated from high school or have a high school equivalent such as the GED. Not all programs will require this, but many will.
Research
If you’re ready to start your journey towards being a dental assistant, you’ll want to research schools. Certification varies between states, so you’ll want a school that will comply with state regulations. If you do need to be certified, find schools that are Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
If certification is not available or needed in your state, it may still be valuable and make you stand out against other dental assistant job prospects. You may also want to narrow your specialty so you can choose a school that caters to it.
Enroll
Once you settle on a school that meets all the requirements, start applying! Each school has a different application process, so reach out to admissions if you have any questions or concerns about your application.
Some schools may have job assistance or job placement programs which means they’ll help you learn interviewing skills, preparing your resume, and may even have job prospects available.
Externships
In order to succeed at your job, you’ll need real-world experience. Many dental assistant schools offer an externship in which you gain extra training and experiences apart from the classroom setting. Externships are valuable, and if your program has the opportunity for one, you should consider signing up.
Is Becoming A Dental Assistant Worth It?
Dental assistant jobs are in high demand, and you’re likely to have a great job outlook. In addition, dental offices and practices are everywhere, so there are always job opportunities if you end up relocating for any reason.
Dental assistance typically has a good return on investment or ROI. Because the time spent in school is a fraction of dental school, the total investment may be between $10,000-15,000, more or less depending on your location.
Factoring in your salary, which is an annual average of $35,000-40,000, with room for raises and advancements, you can have a fulfilling career financially.
While being a dental assistant is a great career, it’s not for everyone! If you love working in close proximity with people in the medical field, want stable job opportunities, and enjoy learning, being a dental assistant might be worth it for you!
Is Being A Dental Assistant Right For You?
The choice to be a dental assistant is one only you can make, it’s a career you can have for a lifetime. Opportunities to move up, gain valuable education, and help people stay healthy are all wonderful reasons to pursue being a dental assistant.
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