Dental Assistant : The whole tooth

Dental Assistant

Becoming a Dental Assistant is a realistic way for high school graduates and above to gain entry into the dental field and be a valuable resource for dentists and dental clinics.. They aren't to be confused with Dental Hygienists who are a step higher on the skill and training ladder and command higher salaries. Dental Assistant, though, is an interesting, challenging and monetarily rewarding career choice for a ambitious high school graduate looking for a fairly quick way to enter the skilled work force without a burdensome level of formal training.

The duties of a Dental Assistant vary from dentist to dentist and state to state with some states explicitly defining the scope of the job, while others leave most of defining up to the dentist. Generally, the assistant does just what the name implies -- assists the dentist. Cleaning instruments, developing x-rays, mixing dental compounds, and sometimes performing routine clerical tasks. Assistants also are on hand at chair side, passing instruments and materials to the dentist and operating the suctioning hose that keep the patients mouth dry. In some offices, the assistant may have the duty of operating the X-ray equipment.

There are a host of reasons for choosing a career as a Dental Assistant. Entry level pay, while not breathtaking, is attractive. A freshly trained assistant can expect a starting wage in the area of $12.50-$14.00 per hour. After a few years experience and perhaps some follow-on training, an assistant should be seeing a wage ceiling of $16.00-$18.00 per hour. In many cases, the dentist or dental clinic will provide additional benefits such as health insurance, paid vacations and holidays and, in some cases, retirement plans. Dental Assistants generally normal, 5 day a week, 8 hour days in a pleasant, clean atmosphere -- that's a real bonus as many jobs in the medical field entail shift hours and work on weekends and holidays.

Some assistants get their training on the job, working side-by-side with dentists and hygienists. Assistants apt to gain quicker entry into the field with some post secondary school training from a community or junior colleges or a licensed technical school. No matter what route one chooses to gain entry to the field, a minimum of a high school diploma is absolutely required. High school students interested in the field, would do well to schedule classes in biology, chemistry and health related subjects while in school. A good high school background will increase one's chances of getting selected for on the job training and in successfully completing formal Dental Assistant training. The licensure and registration and certification of Dental Assistants vary from state to state. Some states require completion of state authorized courses of anywhere from 10 to 12 months. Some grant registration and certification with very little or no formal training requirements.

There is a somewhat limited opportunity for career advancement for Dental Assistants. Assistants who find the work interesting and rewarding and like the dental environment should probably explore educational and training programs leading to certification as a Dental Hygienist.

Dental Assistant

Related Posts