Overview on the Job Outlook and Salary of a Dental Assistant
Over the past few years making a career as a dental assistant has gained enormous popularity in the United States. In fact, it has emerged as one of the few professions in the health care industry that has pulled the interests of many people in last few years. The tasks of a dental assistant include patient care, as well as office and laboratory responsibilities. While the specific duties of a dental assistant differ depending on the work setting, training and experience level, all dental assistants primarily work closely with dentists to make sure that each dental process gets completed effectively.
Job Description
The main responsibility of dental assistants is to help dentist execute different dental procedures. In most of the cases, responsibilities generally revolve around managing tasks that require to be done proceeding to a dental procedure, such as a filling, crown, ties or tooth extraction. Adding to this, it is also the responsibility of assistant to clean the chair and equipment so that it is ready for the patient. The other responsibilities also include: sterilizing, washing instruments and apparatus and informing patients about postoperative and basic dental health.
Apart from all this, dental assistant who works in the office is equally responsible for scheduling and reminding patients of appointments, checking patients in, managing bills and payments, and ordering dental materials. It is important to understand that the profile of a dental assistant is not similar to a hygienist. It differs significantly from hygienists. In fact, hygienists are licensed professionals with clinical duties.
Job Prospect
The job outlook for dental assistant is excellent and in next few years the field is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2016. As per the recent observations, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that this profession will be the third fastest growing occupation. It is projected to be one of the fastest growing jobs over the next several years. Several job openings will arise due to the growth of employment and the need to replace transferring assistants, retiring assistants or others. Definitely, this is great news, especially for those who are just entering or looking forward making career in this field. While assistants can choose to complete dental assistant training programs, this is one occupation for which on-the-job training is common.
Decent Salary
In terms of salary, this profession also offers a decent income. As a general benchmark, these are the most recent salary figures for dental assistants in the United States:
- 50% of dental assistants earn between $29,785 and $36,564 per year.
- The top 10% of dental assistants earn over $39,400 per year.
- Dental assistant hourly rates generally start at $11.55 straight out of school and can exceed $20 with experience.
Though, the pay for dental assistants varies based on experience and qualifications. The compensation levels for dental assistants also fluctuate from state to state. This is primarily due to the differences in cost of living and other local factors. Another factor that influences dental assistant salaries is industries like Dental Laboratory, Orthodontics, Cosmetic and Dental Prosthetic Service. As per the current scenario, comparing Dental Assistant Salary by Industry shows that assistants who work in cosmetic dentistry tend to earn higher salaries.
The salary of a dental assistant also depends mainly upon the responsibilities associated with the specific position. In some states, dental assistant earn salaries equal to other health care personnel with similar training and experience such as medical assistants, physical therapy assistants and occupational therapy assistants. Though assistants can also expect to see an increase in their dental assistant salaries as greater experience is acquired.
Today selecting a profession as a dental assistant has actually generated tremendous scope for professional development. If you have the qualities required to be a dental assistant and want a decent paying job, getting a degree or certificate in dental assisting is surely one if the best ways to secure your future in this profession.
Questions and Answers
Article Tags:
dental assistants
,career as dental assistants
,career in health care
,healthcare schools
,health care degree
,health care programs
,healthcare courses
,health care institutes
Dental assistant is among the few professions that offer a lot of opportunities regardless of the economic scenario. It offers good earning opportunities, a clean work environment and the ability to help others. The profession is simply innovative and continues to introduce new technology.
If you're a full-time parent or professional looking for a new career, two upward trends may provide food for thought: health care careers and online health programs.
Any counsel on robustness career? Im a 27 year mother of two, I want to start a healt career this fall semester, what would be the best profession? Medical Assitant Lisenced Practical Nurse Dental Assitant Im not looking to earn the big bucks, my husband is an Engineer and I want to do something money wise too for our family. Thanks for the warning.
Education is only wealth which can never be robbed.It builds the character of the individual, provides strength of mind and increase knowledge,enhance the ability of individual to face challenges, and form.The teaching method in India is appreciated very well by people of India. This method has helped lots of students in pursing medial education successfully. The bend of both theoretical and practical approach used in the teaching methods is the main reason for the success of students.
After you finish your initial school education, you may want to try your career options with the health care industry. There are numerous exciting career prospects for students wanting to pursue education in the health care segment. And one of the most promising professions is that of a medical assistant. Nowadays, you can apply in any of the top 2000 ranked universities in U.S to opt for a learning program related to the healthcare field.
If you are unemployed and wanted to find a good job, then the shortest route possible is approaching a placement agency.
Time management is an act or process of planning and exercising conscious control over the amount of time spent on specific activities, especially to increase effectiveness, efficiency or productivity.Time management can be effectively done by using various tools and techniques.
Glass ceiling is legitimate and find a solution. This is one of the biggest mistakes that many commit. Sexual discrimination is extremely much legitimate and don't permit this only thing to hold you back and accomplish your ambitions especially in this ever-changing age of modernization.
Microsoft IT jobs are not easy to come buy, the nature of the company, requires the best there is and this is why you have to get outstanding skills and qualifications to even be considered.
The health care industry is continuously growing and there's no sign of it slowing down soon. The growth can also be seen on the allied health care services closely tied up to medicine. The reason for this growth is the continued demand for health care. It was further fueled in the past decade by the fact that the world population is aging and is therefore requiring more health care services.
Ranthambore resorts provide great accommodation for travelers in a variety that consists of luxurious and budget hotels located near Ranthambore National Park. Travelers always have a choice in selecting their accommodation through the following hotels in Ranthambore.
Kuari Pass Trek is one of the most magnificent circuits midst of the astounding Himalayan mountain ranges, which is a well-loved adventure spot in Indian Himalaya, inviting tons of adventure enthusiasts each year. It provides trekkers excellent sights of flowery green meadows, well - preserved forests, fascinating local communities and astounding scenery of the eastern part of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges.
Goa is an astonishingly beautiful place in India, which is gifted with immaculate beaches that are considered as finest ones in the world. It holds the strikingly stunning wildlife sanctuaries, which have been declared as India's bio-diversity hot spot. Not only this, Goa also has immense historical, cultural and regional beauty that a vacationer would thoroughly enjoy during his/her Goa tour.
Look for the picture perfect views of Kullu Manali valley and experience the heavenly glimpses of its lush green surroundings. The fun filled adventurous activities of the region in Himachal Pradesh are worth noticing and experiencing.
Know about some of the finest Bandipur resorts and lodges in India, which are situated in the proximity of Bandipur National Park. Avail the accommodation services provided by the resorts, which offers the most luxurious and comfortable stay to the tourists.
Discuss this Article
