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If you are detail oriented and like working with people in a medical environment, dental assisting may be a good career choice for you. Dental assistants provide patient care and perform office and laboratory tasks. They may work in a dental office alongside the dentist or as receptionist or office manager. They can also work in product sales or insurance.
If you’re in high school and considering a career in dental assisting, be sure to take science and computer classes. A high school diploma or equivalent is required to get into dental assisting programs.
While many dental assistants learn on the job, an increasing number are trained in dental assisting programs. Certified dental assistants can perform more advanced tasks, such as taking x-rays. To qualify to take the certification exam, you must graduate from dental assisting education program that is accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA) or have two years of full-time or four years of part-time experience as a dental assistant. The ADA accredits 265 dental assisting programs in the U.S. Licensing requirements for dental assistants differ by state.
Students typically take one year or less to earn a certificate or diploma. Community colleges and other schools offer two-year associate’s degree programs. Online and home study courses, as well as on-campus courses, are available. Make sure your school is accredited by the ADA before you enroll.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job prospects for dental assistants through 2016 are excellent. In 2007 median annual wages were $31,550. To advance to more skilled and higher paid positions, assistants can continue their dental education in order to qualify as a dental hygienist.
Some dental-assisting positions offer on-the-job training, but many dentists prefer assistants with experience or formal training in dental assisting. As with most careers, education gives you an advantage over job applicants without formal training.
