Careers in Dental Assisting
If you’re thinking about starting a career in Dental Assisting, your timing couldn’t be better. Each year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics continues to report that this is one of the fastest growing professions in our country. For that reason, employment opportunity in this field is skyrocketing.
Dental assistants will remain in high demand as dentists continue to hire additional help so that they may devote more of their own time to performing complex procedures for patients. Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of starting a career in dental assisting is that the required training program offered at the NJ Premier Institute for Medical and Dental training can be completed in just 13 weeks!
Responsibilities of A Dental Assistant
Dental assistants play a vital role in caring for patients. Think of yourself as Dentist’s right arm. Dental assistants help care for patients by performing a wide variety of tasks including:
• Sterilizing and disinfecting instruments and equipment
• Preparing instruments and materials required for each patient
• Taking dental x-rays
• Processing x-ray film
• Applying topical anesthetics before procedures
• Handing instruments to dentist during procedures
In addition to the above-mentioned tasks, dental assistants also help make patients comfortable by using instruments to keep their mouths dry and clear during treatment and instructing them on proper oral health care. Some dental assistants will also perform office duties such as confirming scheduled appointments, receiving patients, and ordering supplies and materials.
Career Benefits - Dental Assisting
Excellent Opportunities: As we already mentioned, job prospects for dental assistants are excellent. In fact, dental assistants are expected to be among the fastest growing occupations in the country. Dental assistants can work in single or group dental practices, as well as specialty practices such as cosmetic dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, and periodontics.
Financial Reward: Full-time salaries for dental assistants start at about $35,000. Some slightly below, some slightly above. Benefits are also available for assistants and vary by practice.
Flexibility: There is a tremendous amount of flexibility as a dental assistant. Since the position is in such high demand, career options include both full-time and part-time positions with early morning, evening and weekend availability.
Work Environment: Working in a dental office is pleasant. Medical offices tend to hire friendly and cordial individuals, which makes going to work everyday enjoyable. Most offices play soft music in the background and are kept well lit and very clean.
Personal Satisfaction: Going to work every day is challenging and offers a diverse variety of tasks. No two days are ever the same. Interacting with different patients, performing different tasks related to varying procedures, continuing to learn and grow with on the job experience, and the satisfaction of knowing you are helping to provide a valuable health service are just a few of the reasons dental assistants find great satisfaction in their career.
Qualifications: Dental assistants must be at least 18 years of age, and have a high school diploma or equivalent GED.
Getting Certified: The NJ Premier Institute for Medical and Dental Training offers a certification program that includes the three main components required to become a Certified Dental Assistant. This CDA exam is the primary certification of the DANB. After successfully completing our 13-week program and meeting all DANB requirements you will be eligible to take the CDA examination.
For those dental assistants looking to advance their careers, we offer a hands on, intense training program, which will enable you to become a Registered Dental Assistant with expanded duties and increased opportunity for higher financial reward. Upon successful completion of our program, you will be ready and eligible to take the NJ RDA exam.
Financial Assistance: The NJ Premier Institute for Medical and Dental Training can offer financing for your tuition through Health One. To learn more about financial assistants, click here.
For additional information, call us today, 732-203-0700 or visit our school profile page to learn more about us.