Landing the Right Job as a Dental Assistant
Dental assisting is a very fast growing career field and the demand for dental assistants is expected to skyrocket in the next ten years. Like any hot field, there is also a growing number of hopefuls entering the job pool of dental assistants. Recent graduates will find a number of available opportunities and it may be overwhelming to know where to start looking and the best strategy for finding the most coveted jobs in the field.
The job placement assistance offered by schools is a great place to start. Nearly every school provides this service to its graduates. It is a particularly good route for students who graduate from prestigious dental assisting schools because many employers will go to the schools with the best reputations directly to seek candidates. Because dental assistant schools are often staffed with dental professionals, students can be introduced to a wealth of contacts in the field through their school. Some schools even have guarantees that, for example, they will place you in a job within six months of graduation.
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Starting Work As A Dental Assistant
After passing the state exam, most grads are very eager to begin working. In order to reduce the amount of time between becoming officially certified and beginning to work, you can begin researching job opportunities to get a feel for what is available and the best sources for job openings in your area. You can also download applications and begin to fill the rest of the information out before taking the exam. Also, it is helpful to have a resume prepared in advance so that you only need to fill in the information about your exam and can begin sending in applications right away once you receive a passing score.
Another way to improve job prospects is to have experience. Many training programs provide hands-on experience, which is very attractive to employers. However, working in a dental office gives an even better edge. Many dentists will hire assisting students to work in their offices doing basic work or shadowing an established dental assistant, and this can really make your resume stand out. Specialization in particular fields such as oral surgery or x-ray technology can also be a big help, as can knowledge of the major digital software programs commonly used in dental offices. Being bilingual is also a huge advantage in many areas.
Job Prospects And Compensation For Dental Assistants
Right now there are ample opportunities for dental assistants and the demand is growing. In particular, there is an increasing trend among the aging population to keep their original teeth, which requires more professional care than those who opt for dentures. Further, many old-fashioned dentists who preferred to work alone are retiring from the business and being replaced by younger dentists who believe in the merits of having dental assistants. Lately there has been an increased societal interest in dental care and maintenance, which means people are more conscientious about visiting the dentist. Additionally, dental insurance is becoming more widely available. All of these factors contribute to the growing need for trained dental assistants and make the job prospects for graduates in this field excellent.
The starting pay range for dental assistants is between $10-20 per hour, with the average being somewhere around $14. This amounts to $20-45,000 per year. The job also carries benefits such as medical and dental insurance as well as paid vacation.
Dental assistants are in high demand and the position can also become a stepping stone to other positions in dental offices such as hygienists. There are plenty of positions available to satisfy any desired career track, and savvy graduates will have no trouble ensuring quick employment shortly after completing educational and licensing requirements.
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