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Dental Assistant Career
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Dental Assistant Job Description
A dental assistant works as an associate to a dentist and performs different functions which include providing patient care services, managing the dental office and perform laboratory functions. However, their job description is fairly different from that of a dental hygienist, who has a license to work.
Most of the dental assistants work in dentist offices. As per an estimate, there were about 295,000 dental assistants in 2008. While most of them are employed with dentists, a few are employed by Federal or Local governments.
Dental Assistant Skills/Duties
It is important for Dental assistants to be reliable and work well as a part of a team.
A good manual dexterity is expected from all the dental assistants. For some dental assistants performing specialized tasks including radiology procedures, it is mandatory to complete the Radiation Health and Safety Exam offered by the Dental Assisting National Board. Alternatively, they can pass the any state approved program on radiology.
Dental assistants may also have to take up roles as office managers or instructors. Some may prefer to work as sales representatives, focusing on sales of dental materials and products.
High level of communication skills and ability to manage time effectively are essential parts of dental assistant’s duties. Additionally, a dental assistant may also have to oversee the maintenance of equipments and selection of right equipments for efficient functioning.
Dental Assistant Education and Training
• Normally, a dental assistant would gain the skills and learning on the job, though there are some who undergo dental assisting training programs at some of the community or junior colleges. It is important to have inclination towards chemistry, biology and health during high school to develop a career in this domain.
• In addition a dental assistant needs to have the knowledge of basic principles of dentistry, consumer and personal service along with knowledge about administrative and clerical work. Managing files and records, transcription, designing forms, etc are an integral part of the job responsibility.
• Further, the basic knowledge of chemistry is important, as a dental assistant will interact with chemicals. It is important to know the production techniques, danger signs and disposal methods of chemicals and other degenerative substances.
Dental Assistant Job Outlook
As per the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, this job is projected to grow faster, through late part of this decade. The job outlook for a dental assistant is excellent.
As per the State University.com, employment opportunities in this segment are growing rapidly due to advances in the domain of dental care and expanding population needs coupled with growing awareness about the importance of dental care. Increasing availability of dental insurance is projected to give a greater thrust to this job opportunity.
Dental Assistant Salary
As per various estimates, the median hourly earning of dental assistances range between $ 13 to $ 15. As per the latest estimates, earnings of a dental assistant are approximately to the tune of $ 32,800 per annum.
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