Have you considered a career as a dental assistant?

The molar the merrier! 

Dental assisting is an exciting, innovative, and rewarding profession with numerous advantages. 

You can begin a career in dental assisting without ever attending college or incurring tens of thousands of dollars in debt.

 Many people are eager to break into the dental field. And dental assisting is a great career choice to do so — and for a good reason! 

This article will go through our top eight reasons to consider becoming a dental assistant. 

Let's get started. . . 

What Do Dental Assistants Do?

Dental assistants provide patient care and chair-side support as dentists complete exams and procedures. People may notice dental assistants passing equipment, but it is only the start of their technical skills. A dental assistant's other technical tasks and duties may include:

  • Assisting with dental procedures such as fillings, crowns, and extractions
  • Taking & pouring dental impressions (molds of the mouth)
  • Preparing patients for surgery
  • Operating equipment and monitors
  • Talking with patients
  • Performing administrative tasks
  • Preparing examination areas
  • Cleaning up after procedures
  • Sterilizing equipment

We've compiled a simple guide to eight reasons you should consider being a dental assistant. Continue reading to learn more. . . 

8 Reasons To Consider a Career as a Dental Assistant

Here are eight reasons why you may want to consider a career as a dental assistant: 

1. Job Security

Job security may be one of the most compelling reasons to consider becoming a dental assistant. People will need to go to the dentist as long as they have teeth — or don't have teeth, for that matter. Dental assistants are needed in both general and specialized dental offices. Even in difficult times, this is a job that provides stable employment. 

2. Great Pay Potential

As a dental assistant, your salary will vary depending on:

Location: The city and state that you live in

Dental office: The dental office you choose to work at

Work schedule: The hours you work

Education: The level of education you have 

Experience: The number of years you have as a dental assistant 

A dental assistant's annual salary is fairly considerable. 

Additionally, as you gain experience, you may be able to increase your earnings. 

The longer you work as a dental assistant and develop experience, the more likely you will receive a pay rise.

3. Flexible Working.Schedule

A massive perk of being a dental assistant is flexibility. 

You will be able to apply for full-time positions and part-time and flexible opportunities. 

This is especially enticing to folks who have children or other responsibilities.

If you are looking for temporary positions as a dental assistant,  Princess Dental Staffing can help you connect with employers looking to fill a temp 

4. There's Less Training Required

While becoming a dentist requires eight years of study, and becoming a dental hygienist takes two to four years of schooling, becoming a dental assistant only takes nine months to two years of training. 

This makes becoming a dental assistant ideal for anyone fancying a midlife career change. To work as a dental assistant in many dental offices and practices, you do not need a college degree, just training. 

Instead, a high school diploma and some on-the-job training are all required. 

It's worth noting that certain dental offices prefer candidates who have completed a one-year dental assistant program or even an associate's degree. 

5. Fantastic Career Advancement Opportunities

One of the most enticing things about working as a dental assistant is the fantastic career advancement opportunities with the role. 

If you want to advance, the opportunities to do so are there. Dental assistants might work as office administrators, dental assisting instructors, or sales reps for dental products. 

Some return to school to pursue a career as a dental hygienist. 

It depends entirely on what you want to do with your career, and if you want to expand on the role, you play in the dental office. 

6. Rewarding and Fulfilling Work 

Working as a dental assistant is rewarding and satisfying. 

There are no two days alike, and you have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the patients you interact with as a dental assistant. 

7. A Nice and Relaxing Work Environment

As a dental assistant, you will probably work in a private dental office in a calm and professional environment. 

8. Meet and Network With People

Working as a dental assistant allows you to meet and work with a variety of people. 

It exposes you to many people, from patients to fellow dental assistants and medical professionals. 

You will also get to collaborate with people from other backgrounds and cultures.

Bottom Line

Healthcare professions in the dental field are one of the best options among all the industries you could enter. 

Furthermore, working in such a field almost guarantees you a career for the rest of your life – there aren't many jobs that can do that. 

If you want to work in the medical or dental field but are turned off by the idea of having to spend years in training, consider becoming a dental assistant. 

If you care about helping others and are a people person, working as a dental assistant might be the ideal job and career just for you.  

More Information 

 


Chris Lewandowski

Published June 28, 2022

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