Dental Assistant – Career Outlook and Certification
August 14, 2011Outlook for the dental assisting career path is relatively promising especially because of the increasing awareness among people on the importance of dental hygiene. In the next few years, it is expected that the demand for a dental assistant will grow alongside the continuing growth of the field of dentistry. In fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted a 36% growth in the said career path by 2018.
Entry requirements for dental assistants vary from state to state, as some jurisdictions do not require relevant college degrees. These days however there is a growing consensus to have some regulation as to the eligibility requirements. Typically, training programs are carried out by community colleges, and vocational schools. Although finding schools and universities that offer dental auxiliary courses are also no longer uncommon. Depending on which program you choose, the course’s duration is usually about 1-2 years. Students are taught on basic concepts like infection control, radiology and anatomy and physiology as well as how to manage the office, assist the dental operator, and respond to emergency situations.
The Commission on Dental Accreditation is the main accrediting body of over 200 dental school operating in the United States. So when you’re scouting for schools and training facilities ask if they are accredited by this agency. If your intention is to juggle both work and studies, online courses may be a more suitable choice for you. However, you should ascertain if the school has proper accreditations and at the same time have reasonably priced attendance fees.
To become a certified dental assistant one should take the Dental Assisting National Board or DANB after successful completion of an accredited training program. Those who have two years worth of on-the-job training may also take the test to get a certificate. At present, the certificate is recognized and required in 38 states across the United States.
Like other unlicensed assistant personnel, dental assistants also receive a $14 hourly compensation. The only difference is that those assisting dental operators have work that are not as physically demanding as the other. Dental assistants can also afford to have a second job or a small business because they usually work for only 3 ½ days weekly. Besides the necessary requirements, to be good at the job, in fact, to be good at any job, you need to be devoted to it. For a dental assistant, caring for the patient’s teeth should come before everything else.
A career in healthcare is usually mentioned in the same breath as back pain and burnout. Luckily, you can pursue a career which is not as physically demanding but just as financially rewarding, just like dental assistant jobs.