Is a Career as a Dental Assistant Right for You?

There will always be a demand for dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants because people will always need to care for their teeth. There are many appealing facets to this profession, for example dentists make an excellent salary. Their hygienists and assistants can also earn top pay. It is crucial not to confuse a dental assistant with a dental hygienist, as these are two separate jobs with different qualifications required.

Dental assistants attend school for a shorter period of time than hygienists, therefore they make less on average and their job duties are somewhat different. The dental assistant has many tasks to perform in a day's work. He or she may capture or develop X-ray images, taking patient vital signs and collecting data, preparing rooms and equipment for new patients, taking impressions of teeth, instructing patients on good home dental care and more. There are so many different tasks and you get to see so many different people in one day it is unlikely you'll get bored on the job.

Education requirements are quite attainable for most individuals who want to pursue this career, whether they are fresh out of high school or already a working adult with a family ready to change careers. There are colleges and trade schools with dental assistant programs where you can earn a certificate upon finishing the course. There is also a national exam called the CDA exam that upon successful completion will give the assistant certification on a national level. This gives you a better chance of finding a well-paying job in this field anywhere in the country.

You may start out as a dental assistant, then choose to continue your education in the field. Many employers now offer tuition reimbursement for employees who are going to school to further their position with the company. For example you may want to transition from assistant to hygienist or even someday become a dentist. If you already work as an assistant during the day, there are night courses and even distance learning home study schools that allow you to earn your degree around your current schedule. A career in dental assisting is rewarding because you get to help others, and can be lucrative for you. Many dentists offer their employees handsome benefit packages in addition to their pay.

Dental Assistant News:

 

Ronald McDonald Care Mobile providing dental care to children in need
Some children getting dental care at the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile this week haven't seen a dentist in up to seven years, said intake coordinator Bill Brya...

Visiting dental clinic assists Coast Range patients
It was Christmas in May for quite a few of our rural neighbors last week when the big white dental van pulled up in front of the Summit Grange Hall. Instead of Santa and his elves, three volunteer dentists, their assistants and two dental hygienists showed up to offer their services to clients of the Coast Range Food Bank...

Mobile dental unit helps keep smiles perfect
Two boys reclined in dentist chairs while watching movies in Spanish on Monday as they were treated...

New health assessment identifies 13 challenges that Douglas County residents face
Inadequate access to affordable nutritious foods and dental services are among the top challenges that Douglas County residents face when it comes to living a healthy life...

New Dental Program
A new program at Labette Community College will help fill a big need in local health care, a give students a big boost in finding a job...

Patricia Wehr Arrested For Stabbing Man With Conch Shell
A 40-year-old Florida dental assistant was arrested and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon . Her weapon of choice to bring down her 200 pound male victim? A small, sharp-tipped conch shell, reports Port St. Lucie Police...

Student, 14, finds EURreal life is no joke at fair
Serenity Gray is only 14 years old, but she knows what its like to barely be able to afford rent. For about an hour Thursday, Serenity was a dental assistant bringing home $1,290 a month...

Former school official seeking to improve community
In 2005, Joel Sheridan noticed a problem. EURI had come in contact with a couple situations where some students were missing a lot of school, spending time in the nurse's office because of dental issues,EUR said Sheridan, then assistant superintendent of the Moffat County School District. To find a solution to the dental problems he saw, Sheridan, now 63, contacted the Northwest Colorado Dental ...

Free dental clinic highlights shortage of care in Peoria
Dr. Bela Joshi, left, and dental assistant Kenna Sinnreich work with patient Gary Housewirth during Friday's free dental care event at Willow Knolls Family Dental at 7310 N Villa Lake Drive. When Housewirth arrived at 6:30 a.m., a line had already formed for the 8 a.m. opening time...

Cuts threaten child care
It took Springfield resident Ashley Crossland eight months to find work after graduating from college in July. Crossland, who now works as a dental assistant, said she and her husband still struggle to pay bills...


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