Would it surprise you to learn that the field of dental assisting has been around since the late 1800’s? Early pioneer in the dental field, Dr. C. Edmund Kells, was the first to seek assistance (of his wife) in his dental practice to help with a variety of things. As his practice grew, he went on to hire the first recognized dental assistant in modern history, and the world of dental assisting was born! Clearly the profession, and Dr. Kells, could see the monumental benefits to be gained by having a trusty dental assistant by your side.
Fast forward to the present where dental assistants play a pivotal role in successful dental practices everywhere. And fortunately, the dentists and patients are not the only ones to benefit from the hard work and dedication of those who choose a career in dental assisting. There are a myriad of benefits associated with becoming a dental assistant as well. If you’re considering pursuing a career in dental assisting, these 6 benefits might just tip the scales.
Top 6 Benefits to Becoming a Dental Assistant
1. Jobs for dental assistants are in-demand
What’s not to love about a career that’s not only in-demand in the present, but has strong job prospects for the foreseeable future? So strong, in fact, that the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the industry will add more than 30,000 new dental assisting jobs by 2031. But that’s not all. There are also around 56,400 openings expected annually for dental assistants to replace workers who retire or may transfer to a different occupation.
2. Solid earning potential
Dental assistants in the highest 10 percent earned almost $60,000 in 2021! But the average median wage came in at almost $39,000. And when you factor in the relatively short amount of time training to be a dental assistant takes, it’s an even more attractive option!
3. Speaking of training
This is another huge benefit to pursuing a career in dental assisting. Most diploma and certificate training programs for dental assistants can be completed in less than a year, which could make entry into the workforce a faster process.
4. Most dental practices have normal business hours
If having a regular schedule with no nights or weekends appeals to you, guess what? Most dental practices are open during regular business hours. That means you get to enjoy the beauty of that perfect work/life balance that goes along with it.
5. Future growth potential
While it may be quick to complete your training to become a dental assistant, it doesn’t have to be the last step on your career journey. You can choose to continue on with more advanced training and become a dental hygienist, a dental practice manager, or even work in insurance billing and coding. But starting out as a dental assistant is a great way to learn about the industry and to see what else you might be interested in down the road.
6. It’s a rewarding career you can be proud of
Just like other roles in healthcare that are all about making people feel better, dental assistants play an important role in patient care. You’ll be helping people keep their smiles radiant and healthy and that is a pretty amazing feeling, and a job you can be proud of!
There’s also the added benefit of no day being exactly like the one before and working with people from all walks of life. Plus, you’ll be part of a talented team of professionals who all have the same goal, to keep people smiling!
If you’d like to learn more about how to become a dental assistant, check out the Dental Assisting Program at MedQuest College. With a comprehensive 10-month program designed to prepare students to perform the responsibilities of an Expanded Duties Dental Assistant (EDDA), MedQuest is a great place to launch your future in the world of dental assisting. Contact us today for more!