Dental Assisting

As the need for quality dental providers skyrocket, so do the demands for qualified Dental Assistants. If you desire a rewarding, high paying career with outstanding job security, then this might be the field for you. For many reasons the carrier of dental assisting is expected to increase substantially in the next 10 years and beyond. With the advancements in dental technology and care, combined with the fact that people are living longer and taking better care of their teeth, the available jobs of Dental Assistants is expected to greatly outnumber the qualified candidates for those jobs. Many Dental Assistants work in private offices, with a few working in hospitals, educational services, and physician's offices.

Dental Assistants are not the same as Dental Hygienists, and therefore have different job duties. Dental Assistants provide a wide array of services to their employers, including laboratory duties, office duties, and different types of patient care. Dental Assistants generally assist Dentists and Dental Hygienists, as well as other Dental personnel in their respective offices. Some of the tasks of a Dental Assistant include disinfecting and sterilizing dental instruments, preparing tray setups for dental procedures, as well as instructing patients on general oral healthcare and post-procedure care. They also gather dental records from patients and prepare patients for dental procedures, while making them as comfortable as possible. Many times they assist the Dentist by keeping patient's mouths dry, and handing dental tools to the Dentist during procedures. Applying anti-cavity agents and anesthetics to the teeth and gums before procedures is also a common practice. Dental Assistants may also have office duties that include scheduling appointments, filling insurance documents, and sending out bills, to patients. Confirming appointments and greeting incoming patients may also be in the daily duties. Dental assistants may also be required to do inventory and order supplies for the office.

The majority of Dental Assistants usually learn with on the job training. Many junior, or community colleges, along with trade and technical schools provide programs for people that wish to become Dental Assistants. A High School Diploma/G.E.D. is almost certainly a must. Dental Assistants must have good hand/eye coordination while working around patients mouths. They also must work well with patients and other staff members. Being reliable and professional is another requirement.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects this career as the third highest growing occupational field, in which a degree is not strictly required. Openings in this field are expected to grow at a pace well above the national average for the next ten years or longer. This makes the projected outlook, as well as security, excellent for the future. The average Dental Assistant makes 12 to 15 dollars per hour. That translates into a salary of between $22,000 and $31,000 a year. That is well above the average for a career that does not require a degree.

If you need a job that requires little to no college experience, pays well, and has good job security, then the field of Dental Assisting might be the career path for you. If you like what you have read, then all you have to do is follow a few simple steps, make some calls, and you can be on your way to a challenging yet rewarding career as a Dental assistant.

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