Choosing a rewarding career is undoubtedly one of the most difficult decisions you can make. Sure, purchasing a home or deciding whom to marry might seem like more prominent factors, but think about how much time you will spend at work. Selecting the wrong field or job to go into can lead to self-loathing or feelings of burnout and needing a change later in life. Many individuals will change their career path at least once in their life, and undoubtedly sometimes more.
The healthcare field has always been a popular option for young adults and older adults looking to change. But why? This also includes dental assistance because there is always a higher demand for healthcare workers. Have you considered dental assisting as a career option but were wondering if it is right for you? Choosing the right school can help put your best foot forward. We recommend institutes such as The Dental Assisting School of Georgia to help those looking to get into the dental assisting field. Check out what makes going into the dental field a rewarding career.
Excellent Pay
Sure, having a job means socializing and giving you something to do every day, but is that why everyone desires to be employed? Not. Having a career comes down to getting paid. While money doesn’t buy happiness, it allows for maintaining a living standard, including having a place to live and food on the table. One reason to choose dental assisting is for the paycheck. As a dental assistant, you’ll always be in demand and, therefore, will command a higher salary. The expected growth of dental assisting is about 19%, much higher than average.
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS, reported that in 2017, dental assistant salaries averaged out to be $18.09 an hour, or roughly $37,000 yearly. Compared to the data for medical assisting, dental assisting has the leg up at a moderate $15.61 an hour. If you’re considering a career in dental assisting and are in Dublin, CA, explore opportunities with a dentist in Dublin, CA, who can provide valuable insights and guidance for your career path.
Flexible Schedules
For adults who are transitioning into a new career, dental assisting offers a flexible schedule that is more appealing. Having children can make it challenging to split time at a desk job, with no hopes of being able to get off work for important events like your child’s games or to take them to the doctor. When working in a dental office, you are more than just a worker; you are like family. Most practices offer a flexible schedule for days off and sick time, making managing home life more manageable.
For most dental offices, weekends, evenings, and holidays are times they are closed. This means you could spend the time off doing as you like or spending it with the family. Time off is a huge consideration, especially for adults choosing a different career path, and what makes dental assisting appealing.
Dental Assisting as a Stepping Stone
Some individuals who go into dental assisting will benefit from educational opportunities. Many dental offices help with education expenses if a person wants to become a dental hygienist. If you are considering doing more in the dental field, this would be an excellent question to ask a potential employer. Dental assisting is a fantastic way to get your foot in the door of the healthcare field and provides a great path to furthering the pursuit of climbing the ladder.
Becoming a dental assistant isn’t as tricky as it sounds. In fact, in most cases, you need only to apply to a dental office. You aren’t required to have a degree to be one; however, having experience in an office setting will help land you the job. Some states require some schooling and passing of an exam, but it varies by state.
Different Experiences
Take a look at people’s smiles around you. Not a single one is the same. One refreshing reason to choose dental assisting is for the experience. Each patient you help with will need unique treatments. A person who gets bored quickly with day-in and day-out activities will never tire of dental assisting because no two-person situations are the same. In the dental field, there is always something to learn as well.
Is Dental Assisting Right For You?
Choosing the right career path means committing to and sticking to a particular field. Dental assisting might be a good fit if you have a genuine interest in teeth, their conditions, and oral health. Your responsibilities as a dental assistant vary from office to office, but most are very similar.
Some of the duties you could be responsible for include:
- Taking X-Rays
- Recordkeeping
- Scheduling Appointments
- Patient Care
- Prepares and Sterilizes Equipment