Outlook 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 dental assistant will grow alongside the continuing growth of the field of dentistry. In fact, in 2010 the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that in the next seven years the field of dental assisting will grow by 36%.
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. Community colleges and vocational school are the traditional providers of this course. However, dental auxiliary courses are also now made available in universities. Depending on which program you choose, the courses duration is usually about 1-2 years. Training program includes discussion on concepts of dental lab procedures, radiology, office management, chair-side assisting, infection control and emergency management.
The Commission on Dental Accreditation is the main accrediting body of over 200 dental school operating in the United States. So when youre scouting for schools and training facilities ask if they are accredited by this agency. Online campuses are also a good option especially if you intend to study and work at the same time. 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 worked as a dental assistant for 2 years can also apply for such a certificate. At present, the certificate is recognized and required in 38 states across the United States.
Dental assistant can earn a median wage of $14 per hour which is almost the same for other unlicensed assistant personnel working in the healthcare industry but without the high degree of physical labor inherent in the latter. Also, dental assistants usually work for only 3 ½ days in a week, so having a second job or a small business is quite feasible. 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 patients teeth should come before everything else.
