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In the current job market, career paths that are stable, provide good income, are essential services (and therefore not likely to see a decline in customers) and offer a clear career path are greatly in-demand. With the overall jobs market in a state of flux and uncertainty, starting a career in health care is a way to check off all of those boxes.<\/span><\/p>\n Of course, the healthcare industry is one in which qualifications are incredibly important, and the perception is that getting those qualifications is time consuming and expensive. That\u2019s why the role of the dental assistant is seeing a spike in interest, as a stepping stone into a long and healthy career in dentistry.<\/span><\/p>\n A dental assistant has a varied job. They\u2019ll review the day\u2019s schedule at a practice, prepare rooms for procedures, assist the dentist with X-rays and laboratory tests, and ensure that patients are looked after and comfortable when they arrive for their procedure. They will also assist with procedures with handing the dentist the right instruments, and manipulating the suction hose, where necessary, to keep the patient\u2019s mouth dry.<\/span><\/p>\n Typically, after a procedure, the dental assistant will be the one to provide the patient with the debrief, answering their questions and providing them with the instructions they need for post-procedure care.<\/span><\/p>\n As befits the broad scope of the job, dental assistants need a wide range of personal and professional skills. It\u2019s important to be detail-orientated, have strong communication skills, and be active, as the environment will be a hands-on one. It\u2019s also important to recognise that a trip to the dentist is rarely a comfortable one for patients, and have the empathy and skills to be able create a calming environment.<\/span><\/p>\n A dental assistant can expect to make around $60,000 per year, ranging from $53,000 to $71,000, depending on experience and qualifications. It\u2019s a job area where <\/span>almost 50 per cent<\/span><\/a> (46 per cent) are employed full-time for an average 40 hours per week, which in this environment represents a stability that those in many other job fields can only dream of. There\u2019s also expected strong growth in the sector, having lifted from 17,100 in 2014 to 31,900 in 2019, and demand continues to grow.<\/span><\/p>\n Dental assistants also enjoy strong career path opportunities, which can extend beyond the realm of dentistry. An experienced dental assistant might be promoted to office manager or supervisor, or become the administrator of a new practice that they might set up with a dentist. Otherwise, the eye for detail and understanding of technical terminology leads many dental assistants into insurance claims processing, or they might use their understanding of dentistry and their people skills to enter sales. Those that end up selling dental products as a sales representative can enjoy highly lucrative careers.<\/span><\/p>\n The other great benefit of being a dental assistant is that it can open doors for further training and opportunities. Being involved in the medical industry, for example, can allow you to continue studying while also getting to work more quickly. With a Diploma in dental assistance takes 24 weeks to complete, professionals can get to work quickly while taking additional courses to help them move further up the qualifications chain.<\/span><\/p>\nWhat is a dental assistant?<\/b><\/h2>\n
The benefits of being a dental assistant<\/strong><\/h2>\n