Dental Assistants Needed in the Growing Healthcare Industry

Steady employment has always been a concern for Americans, particularly in recent years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare industry has been projected to add the most new jobs to the U.S. economy by 2012.

Considering a career change?

The Occupational Outlook Handbook reports that employment for dental assistants is expected to grow much faster than average compared to other careers.

If working with other medical professionals as well as the general public is something that interests you, a career as a dental assistant may be the perfect choice. No job is without challenges, but helping patients feel at ease can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

Common Dental Assistant Duties
A day on the job as a dental assistant can involve a wide variety of tasks. Common responsibilities include:

• Speaking with patients, addressing their concerns, and filling out medical history forms
• Assisting the dentist or hygienist during exams and treatments
• Taking, developing, and delivering X-rays
• Sterilizing exam rooms, dental instruments, and equipment
• Office management tasks such as ordering supplies from vendors and scheduling appointments
• Taking dental impressions and fabricating molds or crowns

Salary Potential for Dental Assistants
Dental assistants have numerous career options, including dental office managers, dental billing specialists, dental sales reps, and more. The median pay for dental assistants in 2012 was over $16 per hour and there is plenty of potential for advancement in the dental field.

Education and Training
Regulations and certification requirements vary from state to state, but the American Dental Association explains that the path to becoming a dental assistant is a relatively short one. High Desert Medical College now offers comprehensive Dental Assistant classes that prepares graduates in just nine months.

Students receive training in:
• Dental Anatomy and Infection Control
• Dental Assistant Procedures
• Chair Side Assisting
• Dental Radiography and Imaging
• Dental Specialties
• Restorative Techniques
• Dental Practice Office Management

A clinical externship will also provide training and allow you to gain experience out in the field. To learn how you can prepare for your new rewarding career as a dental assistant, check out our Dental Assisting programs page, contact us online or call (888) 633-4362 today.