Benefits of a Career as a Dental Assistant
- Responsibilities. Working hand in hand with other dental professionals is one major benefit of a career as a dental...
- Salary. Dental assistants do not work in this career just for the money but it is a major bonus. The U.S. Bureau of...
- Patients. Those who choose to work in healthcare will not argue about the impact they will...
What are the benefits of becoming a dental assistant?
What are the benefits of becoming a Dental Assistant? Exploring this field opens up a variety of career options. While many work in a dentist's office, assistants can work in a more specialized environment including orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics and oral surgery. The need for instructors is a current demand as well.
Why is dental assistant a good job?
Dental Assistant
- Job Description. The duties of a dental assistant are among the most comprehensive and varied in the dental office. ...
- Career Advantages. Variety: Dental assisting is a challenging and rewarding career, demanding versatility and a willingness to assume responsibility for many different tasks.
- Opportunities. ...
- Earning Potential. ...
How much does a dental assistant get paid?
This average depends on the location of the job as well as the amount of experience the employee has. For a dental assistant with less than one year of experience, the average hourly pay is $15.71 per hour, whereas someone with more than 10 years of experience will make an average of $22.30 per hour.
Why to become a dental assistant?
- Ensure that patients are comfortable in the dental chair
- Prepare patients and the work area for treatments and procedures
- Sterilize dental instruments
- Hand instruments to dentists during procedures
- Dry patients’ mouths using suction hoses and other equipment
- Instruct patients in proper oral hygiene
What is the highest pay for a dental assistant?
Dental Assistants made a median salary of $41,180 in 2020. The best-paid 25 percent made $49,810 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $34,470.
Do dental assistants get 401k?
According to the same survey, CDA certificants receive numerous other benefits, including paid holidays, paid vacation, 401(k) or pension plans, free dental care, and paid sick leave.
What is the lowest paid dental assistant?
Take a look below at the states where dental assistant salaries are the lowest.Utah average dental assistant salary: $31,280.West Virginia average dental assistant salary: $31,410.Louisiana average dental assistant salary: $32,340.Mississippi average dental assistant salary: $32,900.More items...•
Do dental assistants get benefits Canada?
The CDAA Benefits Program covers individuals and their eligible dependents (spouse and dependent children under 21, or under 26 if enrolled in full-time education). It includes: Basic and optional life insurance coverage.
How much do dental assistants make?
The average salary for a dental assistant is R 12 815 per month in Pretoria, Gauteng.
What are the disadvantages of being a dentist?
Cons:Education. Get ready for many years of school. ... Costs. Dental school is expensive. ... Costs, again. High practice overhead. ... High Responsibility. You are in charge of someone's health. ... Stress. With the high responsibility comes the high stress. ... Call. ... Challenging Patients. ... Unpredictability.More items...
How do I ask a dental assistant for a raise?
Many dental assistants want to ask for a raise, but this can be a difficult conversation to have with your employer....5 Steps to Asking For a RaiseKnow Your State Requirements. ... Earn Credentials. ... Demonstrate Your Value. ... Do Your Salary Research. ... Don't Be Afraid to Ask.
What is the job outlook for a dental assistant?
18% (2014)Dental assistant / Projected 10-year growth
What education is required to be a dental assistant?
Postsecondary nondegree awardDental assistant / Entry level education
How much does a dental assistant make an hour?
The average salary for a dental assistant is $19.73 per hour in the United States. 81.2k salaries reported, updated at June 11, 2022.
How much does a Level 2 dental assistant make in Ontario?
ONTARIO DENTAL ASSISTANT WAGE GUIDEAverage Wage Across All Years of ExperienceCertified Dental Assistant (Chairside)$27.15Certified Dental Assistant II (Intra-oral)$27.25Certified Dental Receptionist$27.90Certified Dental Treatment Coordinator$30.00
How much money does a dental assistant make in Canada?
Dental assistants (NOC 3411) usually earn between $18.00/hour and $32.00/hour in Canada.
What is the job of a dental assistant?
A big part of any great dental assistant’s responsibilities is to provide quality patient care, through both emotional support and gentle dental assistance, to put their minds at ease.
How many dental assistant jobs will be created in 2028?
By 2028, the projected growth rate for dental assistants is 11%, more than twice the average of other professions (bls.gov). In fact, nearly 40,000 new dental assistant jobs are expected by then (bls.gov).
Is dental assisting a career?
Dental assisting is a rewarding profession, both personally and professionally, that serves an essential purpose in dental offices everywhere. In recent years, dental assisting has become an increasingly popular career choice for men and women everywhere.
How much does a dental assistant make an hour?
Dental assistants who hold DANB’s CDA certification reported earning just over $2 more per hour compared to other dental assistants’ pay. Dental assistants who hold CDA certification earned a median hourly wage of $22.09 compared to the national median rate of $19.80 per hour.*.
What is a dental assistant CDA?
For dental assistants, earning Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) leads to higher pay, greater job satisfaction, and other personal and professional benefits, according to DANB’s 2020-2021 Dental Assistants Salary and Satisfaction Survey.
What are the benefits of CDA certification?
They pointed to many personal benefits from earning CDA certification, including pride, increased knowledge, standing out when applying for jobs, higher pay and greater confidence.
Working with People
Dental assistants get to know a lot of different people, from patients to dentists and other professionals in the practice. You also spend your days comforting people and helping them feel better.
Quick Entry to the Workforce
The Dental Assistant Training Program at FCC can be completed in as few as 10 months, meaning that you can enter the workforce faster and begin building your career.
Bonus Benefit: Career Advancement Opportunities
While a career as a dental assistant is rewarding and exciting and often a lifetime choice, it is also a potential stepping stone to other careers down the road.
What does a dental assistant do?
Dental assistants do more than help dentists work on teeth—though that’s a big part of the job! In many dental offices, a dental assistant’s job duties include answering phones, scheduling patient appointments, and handling patient billing and payment.
What is the job growth rate for dental assistants?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 19 percent job growth rate for dental assistants through 2026. Nationally, the job growth rate for all occupations is expected to be 7 percent. [14]
How long does it take to become a dental assistant?
A dental assistant program (like the one offered at MTI) can take as little as 9 months, but a doctoral or professional degree in dentistry can take 8 years or more. [20]
Can a dental assistant work full time?
Dental assistants get some exercise at work, for example by walking around the office and standing frequently. [10] Flexible Work Hours: Dental assistants can work full or part time.
Is dental assistant a good job?
Are you considering becoming a dental assistant? There are some great benefits of being a dental assistant. The job outlook is set to be much faster than average, and U.S. News and World Report ranked dental assisting as the 25 th Best Health Care Support Job. [1] [2]
Why do you want to be a dental assistant?
Not only do they help patients look and feel their best with great oral health; they also help ensure patients are comfortable during visits. Plus, dental assistants get to work alongside dentists and hygienists.
Do dental assistants work part time?
More than one-third of Dental Assistants work part-time which is especially appealing if you have young children or other demands on your time. 4. Dental Assistants Are In Demand. If you become a Dental Assistant, there are many good job opportunities available to you.
Do dental assistants get paid sick leave?
It’s no surprise that if you work in a dental office, you may get dental benefits. However, many Dental Assistants also receive medical insurance and paid sick leave. If becoming a Dental Assistant sounds like a good career move for you, check out the opportunities at Porter ...
What benefits do CDA certificants get?
According to the same survey, CDA certificants receive numerous other benefits, including paid holidays, paid vacation, 401 (k) or pension plans, free dental care, and paid sick leave. So becoming a DANB CDA certificant will help you get the benefits you deserve. Added benefits show that an employer cares about staff members, ...
Do dental assistants offer benefits?
Dental employees will find the best candidates for their positions by offering competitive benefits packages. Many dental assistants, especially new, inexperienced interviewers and nervous job seekers, often fail to negotiate or request benefits when interviewing for a new job. Although not all dental practices offer benefits outside ...
What is a dental assistant?
If you’re an individual that appreciates varied and challenging tasks, then a dental assistant position just may be for you. Dental assistants have a great deal of responsibility on the job, and no day is ever the same. For example, dental assistants are responsible for tasks like assisting with treatment procedures, developing dental radiographs, asking patient medical history and taking blood pressure, serving as an infection control officer, providing patients instructions on proper oral care, helping provide direct dental patient care, performing office management tasks, and so much more. These responsibilities and additional education opportunities also provide you with a great deal of mobility in the career.
Why do dental assistants have back pain?
Because dental assistants often need to work with x-ray machines or sit in awkward and difficult positions while treating patients, they are more prone to suffering from backache, headaches , numbness in the arm and wrist, and neck pain. To combat this issue though, most dental assistants aim to keep a fit an active lifestyle which includes exercise and stretching. In addition, there are also other resources that help alleviate pain.
How many dental assistants were there in 2012?
In 2012, there were over 300,000 dental assistants in the United States, an employment number that is expected to rise by nearly 75,000 workers in the coming years.
What is the most popular job in dentistry?
There are many available careers in the dental industry, but perhaps one of the most popular positions is that of a dental assistant. Most individuals that go into this field do get some sort of specialized education through a program or community college. For many, being a dental hygienist is perfect career choice.
Is a dental assistant a good career?
The career of a dental assistant is excellent for individuals that are people oriented. If you love meeting patients, working with their needs, and helping them achieve better oral health, then you might just have found the perfect career for yourself.
Can a dental assistant handle puss?
Alright, if you can’t handle blood and puss, then chances are you will not be able to handle being a dental assistant. Dental assistants have the disadvantage of being responsible for cleaning up a patient’s blood and puss. This is perhaps one of the most inconvenient aspects of the job, but if you can handle it and it isn’t a problem for you, ...
Is being a dental hygienist a good career?
For many, being a dental hygienist is perfect career choice. However, no job is without its disadvantages. If you are considering becoming a dental assistant, the below advantages and disadvantages will better inform you as to what you can expect in terms of this career and whether or not it is the best choice for you.
How much does a dental assistant make?
And the truth is median dental assisting salaries can have a big range across the U.S. — anywhere from $13 to more than $25 per hour.
Can dental practices increase compensation?
Although general dental practices are the most common, consider exploring other types of practices. You may find that learning additional skills can lead to an increase in compensation. For example, looking for a position at a specialty practice may be a good move.
What makes a good dental assistant?
9. Compassion and empathy. An excellent dental assistant needs to care for each patient and make them feel comfortable during their appointment. A patient who is nervous about the dental procedure can highly appreciate an assistant who comforts them while describing what will happen in clear and simple terms. 10.
What is dental assistant?
Dental assisting is a profession that needs integrity, personal responsibility, dedication and a commitment to continuous learning. A dental assistant studies dentistry techniques and performs general office duties, including a range of patient care and laboratory duties.
Why do dental assistants need to work with their hands?
Dental assistants need to work with their hands to help dentists or dental hygienists during procedures. Having excellent dexterity can allow you to use dental tools and equipment during exams. This skill may also help you with administrative tasks such as typing.
What is the job of a dentist?
Working with patients to make them comfortable in the dental chair and prepare them for procedures and treatments. Working with patients on payment and billing. Assisting dentists by providing them with equipment during procedures. Preparing the work area for patient's treatment by arranging equipment and materials.
Why is interpersonal skills important in dental assistants?
Interpersonal skills allow people to interact with others. This is an essential quality if you want to work in a dental assisting field. Dental assistants operate closely with dentists and patients. Sometimes, patients might be in pain or stressed, so you may need to be sensitive to the emotions of those around you.
What do you need to know to become a dental assistant?
Knowledge of computers and average keyboarding speed are some essentials for succeeding as a dental assistant. It enhances your work when maintaining a patient's records, transcribing notes or insurance claims.
Why is adaptability important in dentistry?
Adaptable communication is essential to ensure dental office care quality. You may need to tell patients what to expect throughout their appointment. Also, you may act as a link between patients and a dentist, so your communication skills should be exceptional. Read more: Interpersonal Skills: Definitions and Examples.
Working with People
Work/Life Balance
- This is often a tricky goal for working professionals, but dental assistants report that this is one of the best features of their jobs. Most dental offices are open during normal business hours and no late nights.
Quick Entry to The Workforce
- The Dental Assistant Training Program at FCC can be completed in as few as 10 months, meaning that you can enter the workforce faster and begin building your career. And taking a formalized training program from an accredited institutionprovides not only a distinctive mark of quality on your resume but ensures that you are learning standardized techniques and theories t…
Bonus Benefit: Career Advancement Opportunities
- While a career as a dental assistant is rewarding and exciting and often a lifetime choice, it is also a potential stepping stone to other careers down the road. The ongoing hands-on experience in the office, need to stay on top of developments in the field, and exposure to other dental positions, may spark an interest in continuing to develop your...