Dental assisting is an increasingly popular career field with a bright future. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates there are approximately 280,000 dental assistant jobs throughout the United States, with 65 percent of these being full-time. The BLS also reports that job prospects in this field are expected to be “excellent,” with more than 80,000 new dental assistant positions expected to have been created between 2006 and 2016.
Why consider a dental assisting career? Here are some key reasons for choosing this career path:
• Flexibility. As noted above, about a half to two-thirds of dental assistant jobs are full-time with 35- to 40-hour work weeks. The rest are part-time positions or have variable hours. Some dental offices are open evenings and weekends; you can choose the office and schedule that best fits your income and personal needs.
• Work environment. The vast majority of dental assistants work in dentist’s offices or dental clinics. These facilities tend to be very professional, well-lighted and clean. The work itself can be varied. Common responsibilities include preparing and setting out instruments for examinations, preparing patients for various procedures, removing sutures, applying topical anesthetics and perhaps even performing administrative and billing functions.
• Qualifications. Most states require dental assistants to be licensed and registered. This usually requires that you pass a written or practical examination. Professional training in this specialty can usually be done in less than a year at any number of public or private schools.
• Income Potential. According to the BLS’ most recent data (May 2008), the median hourly income for dental assistants nationwide is approximately $14.53, with half making more than that and half making less. The middle 50 percent earn between $11.94 and $17.44 per hour, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $9.87/hour and the highest 10% earning more than $20.69.
Many other factors can affect earning power in this field. The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), the industry’s largest certification and testing agency, reports that hourly rates can vary by type of practice, office/practice setting and experience. For example, dental assistants working in periodontic offices make an average of $19.00/hour while those in general dentistry make an average $17.75/hour. Those working for a public health department may make only about $13.90/hour while those employed by a college can make $20.00/hour. Dental assistants just starting out average $15.00/hour nationally while those with 20 or more years of experience tend to make $19.00-$19.70/hour.
Note that income potential varies significantly from state to state and from city to city depending on local economic and employment conditions, as well as the number of hours you choose to work and the type of facility where you choose to practice. For more information, please consult the Bureau of Labor Statistics and your local state labor department Web site.
• Job Prospects. Again, according to the BLS, employment opportunities for dental assistants are expected to increase much faster than average over the next six years. On a national level, employment for dental assistants is expected to have increased 29 percent between 2006 and 2016. Statewide 2006-2016 growth projections in the dental assisting field currently ranges from a low of 11% in Hawaii to a high of 51% in Idaho and Nebraska. (Occupational growth rates are projections only, and will vary from community to community.)
• Opportunities for Advancement. Dental assisting can be the first step on an upward career path to the more specialized—and higher paying—dental hygienist field.
Dental Assisting Training Courses Offered at Everest College
Everest College is one of America’s leading providers of dental assisting training.
Because Everest has dozens of urban campuses conveniently located throughout the United States, men and women interested in pursuing this exciting and rewarding career can likely find a campus conveniently close to their home or work. Everest’s courses are designed to prepare students for the licensing or certification exams most states require in less than a year. Everest’s Career Placement teams work to prepare each graduate for their job search and interface directly with major health care employers to help fill new job openings. All Everest campuses also provide financial aid services for those who qualify.
People interested in training in dental assisting should contact Everest today for information on class schedules.
