Advantages of a Dental Assisting Career

There are several advantages that come with a dental assistant job. Medical assisting is one of the fastest-growing career fields in the country. If you value considerable job opportunities, a measure of flexibility in your working schedule, and prime working conditions, dental assisting could be the right occupation for you.

Because most dentists employ at least two assistants, employment possibilities are considerable. Dental assistants might work with pediatric dentists, general dentists, periodontists, oral surgeons, endodontists, and in many places of business. Some assistants work for solo dental practices, group or specialty practices, or even hospital dental clinics. Dental assistants might find work in dental school clinics, where they help dental students learn their craft, and in public health dentistry, where they help entire communities learn about oral health.

For those who haven’t envisioned themselves in a medical office setting, consider some of the other options dental assistants can pursue. Insurance companies can hire dental assistants to process dental insurance claims. Educational institutions hire dental assistants to teach others about the profession, and some dental assistants even work as dental product sales representatives.

Variety is a key element of dental assisting. Because of the nature of the work, the job of a dental assistant can vary greatly from state to state and even from one dental practice to another. Dental assistants must be versatile individuals, the American Dental Association has suggested, and be willing to take on an array of tasks.

Presently, medical assisting is a field with substantial job prospects. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has estimated that employment will increase 36 percent during the 2008-2018 decade. Because dental assistants are in strong demand, the profession offers good flexibility in terms of the hours an assistant might work. Many full-time and part-time positions are available. Most full-time dental assistants receive benefits, including dental care, paid vacation and holidays, sick leave, and help with continuing education.

With the great variety of benefits, workplace settings, and responsibilities dental assistants must assume, the field offers great potential for building a person’s personal satisfaction with his or her work. Additionally, the opportunity to help the large numbers of people who come through a dental office can do a great deal toward bringing personal fulfillment in this type of career.

Last Updated: 09/18/2014

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