Dental assistants are a crucial part of the dental team. They perform a variety of duties, from taking x-rays and cleaning teeth to assisting with procedures. Dental assistants work under the supervision of a dentist or hygienist, and their main role is to make patients feel comfortable during their appointment.
The need for these professionals has increased over time as more people seek out dental care services. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are currently more than 200k jobs available in this field!
Job Responsibilities of a Dental Assistant
Dental assistants are responsible for a number of duties, including:
Examining patients. Dental assistants examine the mouths of patients and determine what treatment is needed. They also take x-rays when necessary, which helps the dentist know if there are any cavities or other problems in the mouth that need to be addressed.
Sterilizing and preparing instruments. Dental assistants must sterilize all of the tools used during dental procedures so that they don’t cause infections in patients’ mouths or bodies after they leave the office. They may also help prepare these tools before each use by sharpening them on an electric grinder or polishing them with abrasives such as sandpaper or emery cloths (a type of material made out of metal oxides).
The Benefits of Being a Dental Assistant
High job satisfaction. Dental assistants are often able to find jobs that provide them with a sense of pride and accomplishment, as well as the opportunity to help others.
Competitive salary. The average annual salary for dental assistants is $37,000 per year, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This can increase based on your level of experience and education; however, even entry-level positions offer competitive pay compared with other industries such as retail or food service where workers earn closer to $20 an hour on average without benefits like health insurance coverage or paid time off each year
What You Need to Become a Dental Assistant
To become a dental assistant, you need to have a high school diploma or GED. In addition to your education, you must also complete postsecondary training that will help you learn how to perform dental procedures and assist dentists with their work. The next step is certification through an accredited program.
Career Outlook for Dental Assistants
Dental assistants are in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that the number of jobs for dental assistants will grow by 17 percent between 2016 and 2026, which is faster than average.
In addition to job security and advancement opportunities, dental assisting offers other benefits as well:
How to Find a Job as a Dental Assistant
Networking
Job boards
Cold calling
Conclusion
As you can see, there is a high demand for dental assistants. This is because they are able to provide a valuable service to patients and dentists alike. In addition, they also have job satisfaction and career opportunities that may be lacking in other fields of work.
References
