Dental assistants play a crucial role in all dental care teams. They do everything from taking care of patients to managing the office. Their job is very important for making sure that a dentist office runs smoothly. In this information piece we will talk about what dental assistants do, how they work, how to become one, and the job outlook based off of recent data.
Quick Facts about Dental Assistants (2023):
- Median Pay: $46,540 per year, $22.38 per hour
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Work Experience in a Related Occupation: None
- On-the-job Training: None
- Number of Jobs (2022): 371,000
- Job Outlook (2022-2032): 7% growth (Faster than average)
- Employment Change (2022-2032): 25,700 new jobs
Roles and Responsibilities:
Dental assistants perform a variety of duties that are essential to dental care delivery:
- Patient Care: They ensure patients are comfortable in the dental chair, prepare them and the work area for treatments and procedures, and instruct patients in proper oral hygiene.
- Administrative Duties: Dental assistants are responsible for scheduling appointments, maintaining dental records, and handling billing and payment processes.
- Clinical Support: They assist dentists during procedures by handing over instruments and managing equipment like suction hoses and dental curing lights.
Work Environment:
- The vast majority (90%) of dental assistants work in dentists’ offices.
- Most dental assistants are employed full-time.
- They are required to wear safety gear and follow basic protocols to protect themselves and patients from infectious diseases.
How to Become a Dental Assistant:
- Educational Pathways: Some states require dental assistants to graduate from an accredited program and pass an exam, while others have no formal educational requirements, offering on-the-job training instead.
- Accredited Courses: Accredited courses typically include teaching students about dental care and the tools used by dentists as well as hands-on dental experience. These programs might last from about 4 weeks (like CE Certifiedd) to two years depending on the program.
- Licensure and Certification: Depending on the state, some dental assistants might need to be licensed or certified to perform expanded duties like radiography or infection control. CE Certified Dental Assisting Program ensures all their students have the correct licensure and certification requirements for their state.
Pay Scale and Employment Outlook:
- Median Annual Wage (2023): $46,540
- Dental assistants in government roles earn slightly more, with a median wage of $49,650.
- Employment of dental assistants is expected to grow by 7% from 2022 to 2032, indicating a faster growth rate compared to the average for all occupations.
The CE Certified Advantage:
At CE Certified Dental Assisting Program, we ensure our students are prepared for a successful career as a dental assistant. Our program offers the best:
- Comprehensive Education: Accredited courses that include both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
- Certification Preparation: Training that prepares you for necessary certifications and state exams.
- Career Readiness: Skills that are directly applicable to the dental office environment, enhancing your employability and job readiness.
After our program our students enjoy a rewarding career path with stable job prospects and the opportunity to make a significant impact on patient care.
For more information on how to start your career as a dental assistant, visit www.cecertifiedd.com or contact our admissions team to learn more about our offerings. Data for this article was sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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