Why Is Dental Assisting Pandemic-Proof?
Demand
Dental assisting is pandemic-proof. Dental assistants are still being hired, even with the pandemic! In other words, they are in demand. The demand for dental assistants is higher than normal. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities are projected to grow 11% from 2018 to 2028. Therefore, roughly 38,700 jobs should open up.
There is an increase in demand due to the aging population and ongoing research linking oral health and general health. As a result, the workload of dentists will increase, therefore creating a need to hire more dental assistants to help perform routine tasks.
Importance of Dental Care is Better Understood
Dental care goes beyond just brushing and flossing your teeth every day. According to Mayo Clinic, the health of your gums and teeth can link to other health conditions such as endocarditis, cardiovascular disease, pregnancy and birth complications, and pneumonia. Oral health can affect diabetes, HIV/AIDS, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. However, regular visits to the dentist could help prevent and control these diseases.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry provides dental services to improve the appearance of teeth, gums, or overall smiles. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the field of cosmetic dentistry will continue to thrive and grow. As a result of this growth, there is a demand for dental assistants.
What are Dental Assistants?
Dental assistants are a vital part of dental care teams. As a dental assistant, you have roles such as:
- Preparing patients for dental work
- Infection control
- Setting up instrument trays and preparing materials
- Assisting with dental procedures
There are many career advantages and opportunities of being a dental assistant. Advantages include variety, flexibility, and working conditions.
- Variety: As a dental assistant you have many different tasks that require versatility.
- Flexibility: Since dental assistants are in demand, career options are part-time and full-time.
- Working conditions: Dental assistants work in dental offices that are usually interesting, pleasant, people-oriented environments to work in.
Employment opportunities in the dental field are excellent and diverse. There are a variety of different practical settings you could work in. For example:
- Solo/private dental practices
- Group practices
- Hospital dental clinics
- Insurance companies
- Educational institutions
- Public health facilities
Become Pandemic-Proof with MedQuest College’s Dental Assisting Program
MedQuest College has a 10-month diploma program for dental assistants. MedQuest dental assistants are highly trained and skilled to perform a larger range of tasks. The expanded duties and responsibilities are:
- Operate dental X-ray equipment to provide the dentist with dental radiographs
- Create dental models that will be used to make patient impressions
- Apply sealants, fluoride varnish, and condensing amalgam and composite
- Fill cavities by placing and condensing amalgam and composite fillings
- Fabrication and place temporary crowns
- Record patient medical history, blood pressure, and pulse
MedQuest is taking the proper precautions and measures to ensure student safety, such as proper PPE, social distancing, hand sanitizer in every classroom, no more than 10 students in the lab at a time, and temperature/health screenings of instructors and students every day.
If you enjoy the healthcare field and especially caring for patients, consider applying to MedQuest College’s dental assistant school. MedQuest College is currently enrolling students for the expanded duties dental assisting program with classes starting soon! Currently, lectures are being taught virtually however, hands-on learning is taught on campus in our dental assisting lab.
Want to learn more about becoming a dental assistant at MedQuest College? View MedQuest’s blog over dental assistants or request more information!
Other MedQuest Careers that are Pandemic-Proof
Practical Nursing (LPN)
MedQuest College has a 12-month Practical Nursing Program that trains students to work with RNs to provide patient care. To learn more about this program and LPN roles, check out MedQuest’s blog, “What is an LPN?” for more information!
LPNs have shown to be pandemic proof due to the need for them in the healthcare field. LPNs remain in demand in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home care and many other environments. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs is expected to increase by 11% from 2018 to 2028. As the baby boomer population ages, so does the demand of LPNs and other healthcare specialists.
Medical Assisting
MedQuest College has a 10-month Medical Assistant Program. Medical assistants are a vital part of the healthcare team. They provide direct care to patients and support physicians and other medical professionals.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is expected to grow 23% from 2018 to 2028. There is an increased demand for preventative medical services, which are provided by physicians. Physicians rely on their medical assistants to help with clinical and clerical duties.