Oftentimes, dental assistants are regarded only as mere helpers of the dentists. They are given more tasks in the dental office today and it has resulted to an even greater dental assistant salary for them. Deciding to be a dental assistant may even be one of the best moves you could take to guarantee yourself a good future. Most students today choose a profession like the dental assistant since the responsibilities that comes with the job is undemanding and stress-free. It is not surprising to see this job as one of the most well-sought job by those aspiring to work in this industry.
Looking into the daily life of a dental assistant, their basic duties usually comprise of providing assistance to both the dentists and the patients. They expose dental diagnostic x-rays, impressions, and prepare the patients. As part of their laboratory duties, they are responsible for sterilizing and organizing the needed instruments as well as in keeping the whole laboratory clean and disinfected. Some of them are even allowed to clean their patient’s teeth with the use of dental instruments. Dental assistants are multi-skilled members of the medical industry which is why they are provided with a greater dental assistant salary today.
Starting a career in dental assisting is fairly easy as there is no formal training required in some states. Education and training is available in three levels. You can take an one year certificate program, associate’s program, or a bachelor’s program. Programs credited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) hold great reputation compared to those who are not, and so it is highly suggested for you to enroll to them. Upon employment, it is important that you consider whether your state requires you to take written and practical examinations before you can get your license. Specialization may also be obtained after having to complete the examinations given by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Your dental assistant salary would also be then heavily influenced by the additional education you may obtain in order to be certified in the field.
The dental assistant salary that they make is not fixed and it is not the same for everyone in the profession. Such variety depends on certain factors such as their educational status, job experiences, employers, working conditions and settings. There are other determinants that are also considered when it comes to the demand for the services of dental assistants, which is included in the grounds why such variations in the salary exist. The annual salary for dental assistants in 2009 is $32,380 on the average. The middle 50% typically receive an annual salary ranging from $26,980-$38,960. Those who are with the highest ten percent are expected to earn more than $46,150 and those who belong to the lower ten percent may earn less than $22,270.
The opportunities and dental assistant salary entailed in this job has made it very interesting to those who are yet to choose their careers. There is an expected growth of about 36% in the dental assistant profession through 2008-2018. According to the National Employment Matrix, which further expanded the data given by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 400,900 jobs that will be waiting for the dental assistants by the year 2018 in contrast with the 295,300 jobs given to them last 2008.
With a decent dental assistant income and good job opportunities in career advancements, this occupation is indeed one of the best options one could consider. You may be earning the same as a regular dental assistant even if you have not gone through any further training. All you need to do to accomplish your goals in this job is to make good with whatever chances given to you with the appropriate knowledge to go well with diligence and perseverance.
