6 answers
1
Question
Asked
327 views
How do I know what to choose?
I'm not sure If I want to be a medical assistant then move my way up to see if the medical field is for me, or be a dental assistant.
Login to comment
6 answers
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
9
Answers
Updated
Charlotte’s Answer
Hi Melissa,
Both paths have their pros and cons, so the best thing you can do is shadow. If you want a more broad medical experience before committing to a career in healthcare go for medical assistant. However, if you are more interested in a focuses, stable career with set hours try dental assistant.
Both paths have their pros and cons, so the best thing you can do is shadow. If you want a more broad medical experience before committing to a career in healthcare go for medical assistant. However, if you are more interested in a focuses, stable career with set hours try dental assistant.
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Melissa,
You got some good advice already. I am not going to repeat it. I would also recommend that you think about what your final goal is. You said you want to work your way up. If you were free to decide, would you want to be a nurse, a physician, a dentist, a sonographer, a dental hygienist, etc?
Have a look at all the programs offerend at med schools and Community Colleges and pick something that allows you to add more qualifications later and move up. Like someone said before, starting as a medical assistant probably gives you more opportunities than starting as a dental assistant. But if you have a love for dental then that's preferable for you.
I hope this helps for now! All the best to you!
KP
You got some good advice already. I am not going to repeat it. I would also recommend that you think about what your final goal is. You said you want to work your way up. If you were free to decide, would you want to be a nurse, a physician, a dentist, a sonographer, a dental hygienist, etc?
Have a look at all the programs offerend at med schools and Community Colleges and pick something that allows you to add more qualifications later and move up. Like someone said before, starting as a medical assistant probably gives you more opportunities than starting as a dental assistant. But if you have a love for dental then that's preferable for you.
I hope this helps for now! All the best to you!
KP
Updated
Divya’s Answer
Hi Melissa!
If you're unsure about your career path, shadowing is a smart move! Start by reaching out to dental and medical assistants, as well as dentists and physicians, to ask about shadowing opportunities. This will help you decide which field you prefer. Once you know, you can join training or schooling programs to secure your position and make job hunting easier. Begin by asking your own dentist and doctor if they offer shadowing or if they can connect you with someone who does. You can also call or email local offices to explore more options!
If you're unsure about your career path, shadowing is a smart move! Start by reaching out to dental and medical assistants, as well as dentists and physicians, to ask about shadowing opportunities. This will help you decide which field you prefer. Once you know, you can join training or schooling programs to secure your position and make job hunting easier. Begin by asking your own dentist and doctor if they offer shadowing or if they can connect you with someone who does. You can also call or email local offices to explore more options!
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Hi Melissa!
When choosing between two career paths, I think it could be a great idea to sit down with people from each of those professions and talk to them about it. They can give you a perspective on their careers and the paths they took to get there. You can ask your friends or family of they know anyone or call a local medical/dental office to see if they would be willing to sit and chat with you. It's fantastic that you are thinking about this, so take the opportunity to network with people and get to know about the professions more.
When choosing between two career paths, I think it could be a great idea to sit down with people from each of those professions and talk to them about it. They can give you a perspective on their careers and the paths they took to get there. You can ask your friends or family of they know anyone or call a local medical/dental office to see if they would be willing to sit and chat with you. It's fantastic that you are thinking about this, so take the opportunity to network with people and get to know about the professions more.
Updated
James’s Answer
I don't think there is one correct answer to your question. Both dental and medical assistants can have enjoyable careers. In my experience medical assistants have a few more options to get further education to become nurses or physicians or physician assistants. Most dentists go straight into that, not starting as dental assistants.
I am biased, being a physician, but I think there are more varied experiences for medical assistants, as one can work in primary care or in specialty clinics. You may find you like to work for an OB or a neurosurgeon...
Do what you can to shadow MAs and DAs in various settings, or at least ask questions about their experience in their roles to help guide you.
I am biased, being a physician, but I think there are more varied experiences for medical assistants, as one can work in primary care or in specialty clinics. You may find you like to work for an OB or a neurosurgeon...
Do what you can to shadow MAs and DAs in various settings, or at least ask questions about their experience in their roles to help guide you.
Updated
Alison’s Answer
Hi Melissa! I completely agree with the idea of doing more shadowing and spending time in different fields. Most professionals in both dental and medical fields love having students come and observe. This is how I discovered that Family Medicine was the perfect career for me.