5 Reasons to Choose a Career as a Dental Assistant
Why Being a Dental Assistant is an Excellent Career Choice
Are you looking for a career that offers stability, growth opportunities, and the chance to make a difference in people’s lives? If so, becoming a dental assistant may be the perfect choice for you. Here are five reasons:
Job Security and Growth Opportunities
One of the most significant advantages of choosing dental assisting as your career is job security. The demand for dental assistants is on the rise due to an aging population and increased awareness of oral health. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 7% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
Moreover, there are many opportunities for advancement in this field. With additional training and education, you can become an expanded functions dental assistant (EFDA) or even pursue further education and become a dentist.
Competitive Salary and Benefits
Dental assisting also offers competitive salaries and benefits packages. According to BLS data from May 2020, the median annual wage for dental assistants was $41,180 per year or $19.79 per hour.
Many employers also offer benefits such as health insurance coverage, paid time off, retirement plans with employer contributions like 401(K), continuing education opportunities at no cost or reduced rates.
Flexibility in Work Schedule
Another advantage of being a dental assistant is flexibility in work schedules. Many offices offer part-time positions that allow employees more time with their families or to pursue other interests outside work hours.
Additionally, some offices may have extended hours during evenings or weekends which can provide more flexibility when scheduling appointments with patients who have busy schedules themselves.
Opportunity To Help Others
As a dental assistant working alongside dentists and hygienists on a daily basis provides ample opportunity to help others improve their oral health while providing support throughout procedures like cleanings, fillings, extractions, etc. You will be able to not only assist but also educate patients on proper oral hygiene practices which can lead to healthier lifestyles overall!
Hands-On Experience
Dental assisting provides hands-on experience working directly with patients while performing various tasks such as taking X-rays, impressions, sterilizing instruments, preparing materials, etc. This experience will prepare you well if you decide later on to pursue further studies towards becoming a dentist, hygienist, orthodontist, etc.
Furthermore, acting as a dental assistant allows one to gain valuable skills outside the clinical setting such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, attention to detail, multitasking, organization and adaptability, among others!
A Rewarding Career
Finally, being able to see firsthand how your efforts contribute to improving a patient’s quality of life makes this career rewarding! Whether it’s helping someone overcome fear and anxiety associated with visiting the dentist, making a smile brighter and healthier, or seeing children excited about their first visit, these moments create a sense of fulfillment, knowing that you made a difference in someone else’s life!
In conclusion, choosing a career path as a Dental Assistant offers numerous benefits, including job security, growth opportunities, competitive salary, flexible schedule, hands-on experience, and rewarding nature of the work itself! So if you’re looking for a stable and fulfilling future, consider a Dental Assistant School near Jersey City NJ today!