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Are you good with people and want to work in the growing healthcare field? Then consider a rewarding career as a dental assistant. A career as a dental assistant allows you to enter the healthcare field without having to incur either the cost or enduring the years required to attend medical school. Dental assistants are essential for the oral healthcare field.
Every dentist needs dental assistants that can help them in running their dentistry practice and in assisting with patient care. Working hours are very flexible and usually are about 35 to 40 hours per week. The job outlook for this career is very promising. If you are looking for a career that can be both lucrative and in-demand, then you should consider a career as a dental assistant.
Dental Assistant Salary Information:
Recent reports on salaries for dental assistants reveal that the starting salary is between $22,000 and $32,000 per year. For dental assistants with several years of experience, salaries can reach up to $40,000. There is a growing demand for dental assistants. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growth for dental assistants to be 29% by 2016. This job growth is well above most other careers.
Dental Assistant Education Requirements:
Most dental assistants receive training and certification through programs offered through community and junior colleges, trade schools or the military. There are many dental assistant diploma programs to choose from. You can further your qualifications by earning an associate degree in dental assistance that can be completed in as little as two years. Some states require dental assistants to be licensed which entails passing a written or practical exam before being able to work in the field.
Anyone working in this field can become a certified dental assistant which requires passing a three part test administered by the Dental Assisting National Board. DANB is the nationally recognized certification and credentialing agency for dental assistants. The three parts of the exam are: General Chairside, Radiation Health and Safety, and Infection Control.
Dental Assistant Work Environment:
A dental assistant will work side by side with a dentist in a dental office, a physician’s office, or for state and federal governments. They provide patient treatment, keep medical records and oversee the daily activities to run the office. The job may require you to sit or stand for extended periods of time during the day.
Dental assistants will help with patient care by lying out the required medical tools, sterilizing and disinfecting equipment and instruments and updating patient records. They may be called upon to hand tools and equipment to the dentist during treatment. Dental assistants need to have good people skills as they will be interacting with patients all day. |
