Dental assistants are employed in dentist’s offices to help them run their office smoothly and efficiently. An allied health professional, a dental assistant, performs a variety of duties such as scheduling appointments, cleaning instruments, preparing patients for treatment, and exposing dental xrays.
Dental assistants and dentist jobs have a bright future. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, 19 percent of all dental assistants are expected to be employed by 2026. This is significantly higher than the seven percent national average growth.
Is dental assisting a rewarding career? While there are many benefits to this profession, there are also downsides. Let’s take a closer glance.
Pros of dental assistance
There are many advantages to becoming a dental assistant. Dental assisting is a great career choice if you are looking for a job with good job prospects, short training times, and career advancement possibilities.
Employment growth
The national average is not as strong as the predicted growth in dental assistant jobs. Research continues to show a link between oral health and overall health. This is driving demand for preventative services. The large baby boomer population has more of their natural teeth than previous generations. This means that they need to take care of their teeth. To meet the rising demand for dental care, dentists will likely hire more dental assistants.
Short training
The training required to become a dental assistant is shorter than that of a four-year college education. Associate degree programs usually take two years, while certificates take less than one year.
High earning potential
According to the BLS in May 2020, the median annual salary for dental assistants was £37.630. Pay can rise depending on experience and/or certifications.
Different job duties
The duties of a dental assistant are varied. No two days will be the same. As a dental assistant, you will greet patients and take their information. You might also be required to clean and fit dental equipment, as well as take dental xrays. You’ll never get bored.
Collaboration with people
Dental assisting is a great career option if you like working with people. As a dental assistant, you will interact with both patients and other dentists. You will meet people with all sorts of backgrounds.
Great work environment
A dentist’s office is a quiet and peaceful place to work. Because it is a medical facility, hygiene standards are extremely high. Dental offices and clinics are not as stressful or messy than other medical facilities.
Flexibility
You can either work full-time as a dental assistant or part-time. Nearly one third of dental assistants work part-time. While dental assistants working in clinics and surgeries typically work a set schedule, hospital dental assistants may be able to have flexible hours.
Career advancement opportunities
There are many career opportunities in the dental field. After working as a dental assistant, you might decide to continue your education and become a dentist hygienist. Your earnings can increase significantly if you move into higher-level positions.
Cons of dental assistance
As with any job, dental assistant has its challenges. You can overcome most of these by being careful and making smart career choices.
Fluids for the body
As a dental assistant, you are responsible for cleaning up the bodily fluids of patients, such as saliva, blood or pus. Although this is the most unpleasant aspect of dental assistant work, it can be a rewarding career if you are able to handle it or become accustomed to it.
Work near mouths
You will be working in close proximity to the patient’s mouth when you assist a dentist during an examination or procedure. You may also be exposed to unpleasant odors and intensive dental procedures. Don’t be too picky.
Risk for pain
As dental assistants are often required to sit in difficult or uncomfortable positions while caring for patients, this can cause backaches, neck pain, and numbness in the arm or wrist. This can be avoided by stretching and exercising enough.