Career Tips
Becoming a Dental Assistant - Is It Right For You?
If you are interested in the dental field but do not want to make the time commitment to dentist training, becoming a dental assistant could be a good fit for you. This is a popular career field which you can start quickly. Let's take a look at this exciting career opportunity.
What Does a Dental Assistant Do?
A dental assistant is an individual who works closely with a dentist in a dental office. This individual will assist the dentist with procedures, exam room prep, patient prep, and administrative tasks. Some tasks may include: making appointments, setting up exam rooms, working with patients before their procedures, answering calls, scheduling appointments, and performing other simple office tasks.
Training
Becoming a dental assistant has a quick and simple training process. Most dental assistance programs can be started at community colleges. Most programs will last from 12-24 months. This is great news for those who are anxious to get their careers started with a quick training program.
In most regions, it is required that a dental assistant be certified as well. You will be able to get information on certification processes at the facility you are trained at.
How Much Does A Dental Assistant Make?
A dental assistant can enjoy a steady salary. Depending on the amount of training and experience you have, you could look to make between $25,000 and $45,000 a year. There is the opportunity of moving up in this industry through furthering your training. Some dental assistants choose to move on to regular dental training to become a dentist.
If you are interested in the dental field and would like to start your career quickly, becoming a dental assistant could be the right choice for you.
