New Year New Career: Clinical Dental Assistant
If you want to work in the dental profession but don’t have a college degree, becoming a clinical dental assistant is a great place to start. More so, this is a solid career choice overall. The role of dental assistant is vital to any dental office and job demand is only growing. In fact, U.S. News and World Report included dental assistants on its “Best Health Care Support Jobs” and “The 100 Best Jobs” lists.
As a clinical dental assistant, you will work with patients every day. You will also gain experience by helping dentists and dental hygienists with a variety of tasks. This is an ideal stepping stone to becoming a dental hygienist or dental office manager. If you’re ready to jump into the dental profession in 2019, here’s why you should start training to become a clinical dental assistant:
A dental assistant doesn’t need a college degree to get started.
Unlike a dental hygienist, clinical dental assistants are unique in that they don’t need a two- or four-year degree. In six-months, you can train online to gain the knowledge you need to start an externship. After going through externship program at a dental office, you will have the hands-on experience needed to land an entry-level position.
This level of professional training sets you apart from other applicants. It shows potential employers that you are serious about your career and are willing to put in the time to learn.
There’s good salary potential as you grow in your career.
Even though a college education isn’t required, a dental assistant can earn a good salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary in the profession is $37,630. Moreover, top earners are making over $53,000.
You also have the ability to work either the public or private sector, which can dictate how much you earn. Private sector could be working at an independent private practices or healthcare group. Public sector ranges from county public health systems to the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Public sector dental assistant jobs tend to pay slightly more. However, salaries in the public sector range depending on the area of the country and type of facility you work in.
With experience and certification, you could find yourself earning a higher salary.
Job outlook for dental assistants is positive.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 19 percent growth in the profession. That growth equates to 64,600 new jobs nationwide by 2026. This growth is much faster than the average for all professions.
One primary reason for this growth is an aging population in the United States. With more studies finding that oral health is extremely important for seniors, the demand for more dental assistants increases.
Dental assistants enjoy their work.
Because more Americans work into their mid-sixties, you definitely want to choose a job you like. You want one that is fulfilling as well as enjoyable. Dental assistants report high satisfaction with their jobs.
These positions also have above average flexibility lending to a great work-life balance, high potential for upward mobility, and average levels of stress in the job. This combination makes for a solid career where helping people will also help you love what you do.
Dental assistants can use their position as a stepping stone.
Though many people will make a lifelong career as a clinical dental assistant, others will choose to use this career as a stepping stone.
This position is ideal if you want to continue your education and become a dental hygienist or if you want to gain enough experience to become a dental office manager.
With the new year approaching, make your move and start your clinical dental assistant training. There are a lot of ways to get to the career of your dreams, but it’s up to you to take action and make those dreams a reality. Make a resolution to do it in 2019.
To find out how you can train to become a clinical dental assistant and start an externship, click the link below:
Learn About Our Clinical Dental Assistant Program
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