When you are choosing a career, there are so many options. It can sometimes be overwhelming. Suppose you already know that your preferences lie somewhere in the medical or dental field, but you don’t have time or money for expensive, fancy universities. In that case, this might be a career of interest for you. The job of a dental assistant is on the rise. If you are interested, or even just curious about it - continue reading this article.
What Is A Dental Assistant?
Dental assistants are seen as crucial members of the team that provide a variety of services. The most important job of a dental assistant is to help dentists during procedures (crowns, fillings, etc.) and to help prepare patients for these procedures. Setting up the room, sterilizing instruments, and other dental hygiene tasks are also included.
Here is a list of usual dental assistants' responsibilities:
- Preparing patients;
- Assisting in medical emergencies;
- Assisting in dental procedures;
- Setting up instrument trays, sterilizing, preparing materials;
- Taking care of patient’s records;
- Caring for X-ray equipment;
- Ordering dental supplies;
- Collecting patient’s medical and dental history;
- Providing patients information about oral health and dental hygiene.
- Scheduling appointments.
How Much Does A Dental Assistant Make?
If you are new to the profession, money is a hot topic. The known fact is that dental assisting salaries are very different across the world. The same applies to other states in the United States since Salaries for dental assistants in the U.S. can vary from $13 per hour to more than $25. The average is $19.27 per hour ($40,080 per year), but it all depends on location and employer. You are more likely to get a better salary if you have more years of experience.
Still, compared to other jobs in similar fields, income is very good. Dental assistants usually earn more than pharmacy technicians, nursing assistants, or other medical assistants. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are the top-paying states in the U.S.:
- Alaska, California $25.00
- Vermont $22.62
- Ohio $22.50
- DC, New Hampshire $22.00
- Maryland $21.50
- Arizona, Illinois, New York, New Jersey $21.00
- Connecticut $20.99
- Massachusetts $20.72
- Delaware $20.50
- Virginia $20.23
How To Become A Dental Assistant?
Whether you are going for a diploma, degree, or certificate, your education can take somewhere from nine months to two years. Even if your employer doesn’t require formal training, it’s in your best interest to be qualified. Working as a dental assistant gives you a great experience, and it’s a good starting point if you have ambitions to become a dental hygienist or a dentist in the future.
Most Common Benefits
Most dental assistants work full-time, which means they have some benefits along with the salary. Here is a list of the most common benefits, but be aware that they can vary by the employer:
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Paid time off
- Paid sick time
- Life insurance
- Employee discount
- Paid jury duty
To be a successful dental assistant, you need to have proper training and administrator skills. As a dental assistant, you are the first point of contact for every patient; therefore, good communication skills are also necessary. Make sure you show compassion and understanding.
If you love working with people and giving support to others, this could be the right career for you. Remember that you would be the second pair of hands to the dentist. Thanks to your professionalism and knowledge, the dental office will be running smoothly.
