Pursuing a Career as a Dental Assistant?

Answer 1

Many people have a fear of going to the dentist because of the pain and discomfort that they feel they may experience. However, having a dental team that is caring and reassuring is often helpful. If you enjoy the health care field, have a caring spirit, and like to help people, you may consider pursuing a career as a dental assistant. Being able to pay attention to details and following instructions are also good skills to have. Since dental care is a much-needed treatment, assistants to dentists are more often than not in good demand.

If you are interested in becoming a dentist’s assistant, here is some information that you will find helpful.

Working under the supervision of and closely with the dentist, a dental assistant’s main job functions involve helping with the care of patients as well as doing laboratory and some office work. Some duties may include preparing the equipment and instruments and ensuring that they are clean and sterilized, preparing patients for dental treatment and helping to make them feel comfortable. A dental technician also makes temporary crowns, casts, and updates patients’ records.

On-the-job training for a dental helper is important even if you pursue formal training for this profession. You can also do a one year training course for dental assistants at a community college, trade school or junior college. Courses in dental assisting often include helping with clinical chair side, dental materials, infection control, oral anatomy, laboratory procedures and business administration. However, if you are interested in pursuing a more advanced course such as radiology, you may need to get licensed or certified in some states.

Some dental training courses may involve an internship program, which helps to give students good job experience as well as open doors for possible employment. Many dental assisting schools also help graduates in finding jobs.

Employment prospects and opportunity for advancement for a dental assistant are good with over 270,000 jobs in 2009, and the projected growth in the coming years being about 36%. Many dental technicians work on a part-time basis and in 2008, the average annual wage was about $32,000, with higher end earners getting about $46,000.