So you’re interested in becoming a Dental Assistant. The good news is a career in Dental Assisting offers excellent job stability and employment prospects due to increasing demand for the profession. In fact demand for Dental Assistants is predicted to grow by over 14% between 2016 and 2024.
At Healthcare Graduate we are here to help you get started by providing you with access to all the information and resources you will need to take the first steps towards your career as a Dental Assistant.
Career Overview
| Key Facts | Detail |
|---|---|
| Educational Requirements | High school education is a compulsory requirement for enrollment in a Dental Assistant Program |
| Average Annual Salary | $36,920 |
| Average Salary Range | $28,000 to $45,000 (depending on experience and location) |
| Number in Employment (2016) | 329,000 |
| Employment Outlook | Good |
| Work Environments | Dental clinics, hospitals, schools and colleges, government roles |
| Related Careers | Dental Hygieniest, Medical Assistant |
What does a Dental Assistant Do?
Dental Assistants carry out a wide variety of tasks from basic patient care to office work like record keeping. In fact, duties will vary depending on where they work. They are an important part of any office because they help to make things run more smoothly and allow the dentist to do his or her job better. They have to combine efficiency, compassionate care, and detail orientation in order to be comfortable and effective on the job. If this sounds like the job for you, then read on to learn more about it!
They will do a wide range of tasks throughout the day, but they are all geared towards allowing the dentist to handle the big jobs such as operations, tooth pulling and so on. This means that although they don’t perform the same tasks as dentists, they are called upon to do a wide range of things to free up time. Dental assistants may also help to keep the office running smoothly by maintaining records, dealing with patients, and handling small problems with the patient.
Dental Assistant Roles and Responsibilities
- Making patients comfortable and preparing them for treatment
- Hand instruments and materials to dentists and help to keep the mouth dry and clear
- Sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment
- Prepare trays
- Instruct patients on post-op and oral health care
- Prepare materials to make impressions and restorations
- Expose radiographs
- Process x-ray film
- May remove stitches , apply anesthetics, remove extra filling cement and place rubber dams on teeth for treatment
- Make casts of the teeth
- Clean and polish appliances
- Make temporary crowns
- Schedule and confirm appointments
- Order supplies
- Send bills/receive payment
- Receive patients
- Keep treatment records
It’s also important to take into account your own abilities. Not only do you need the education and the personality, but it’s also important to be physically in shape because there is a lot of standing up for long periods of time, crouching, and walking around.