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what kind of opportunities does being a dental assistant give you?
what should I expect after becoming a dental assistant and what kind of opportunities does it open up for me
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Michelle’s Answer
This is such a wonderful question and shows that you are carefully thinking about a career with insight and forethought !
If you were to become a Dental Assistant, that would be your job. That is to say, you would become familiar with how a dental office is run, interact with patients and order different dental exams. The only way that I can think of as an advance for a Dental Assistant would be in salary increase. What I mean by that is that if you are working for one dental office as an assistant and find another job at a different dental office as an assistant that pays more, than that would be the only advancement I can think of.
You cannot switch into or be "promoted" to a Dental Hygienist with the background of being an assistant. That is something completely different with a completely different track of education and hands on training. As a Hygienist, you would work more hands on with patients, assess test results, take and read x-rays, educate patients on good dental care, consultations with the dentist on gum diseases, and administering anesthetics. So for this type of work, it's not so much that a Dental Assistant would have the opportunity to get a job doing that, you would have to go back to a school for a specialized diploma or certificate program which takes about 9 months. The length of time for study depends on which State you live in. Your experience as an assistant may be helpful, too.
If you become a Dental Assistant and want to go further, it would be a complete change in career that entails new study, new certification.
I hope that this has shed some light on what you can expect. Best wishes in all you do !
If you were to become a Dental Assistant, that would be your job. That is to say, you would become familiar with how a dental office is run, interact with patients and order different dental exams. The only way that I can think of as an advance for a Dental Assistant would be in salary increase. What I mean by that is that if you are working for one dental office as an assistant and find another job at a different dental office as an assistant that pays more, than that would be the only advancement I can think of.
You cannot switch into or be "promoted" to a Dental Hygienist with the background of being an assistant. That is something completely different with a completely different track of education and hands on training. As a Hygienist, you would work more hands on with patients, assess test results, take and read x-rays, educate patients on good dental care, consultations with the dentist on gum diseases, and administering anesthetics. So for this type of work, it's not so much that a Dental Assistant would have the opportunity to get a job doing that, you would have to go back to a school for a specialized diploma or certificate program which takes about 9 months. The length of time for study depends on which State you live in. Your experience as an assistant may be helpful, too.
If you become a Dental Assistant and want to go further, it would be a complete change in career that entails new study, new certification.
I hope that this has shed some light on what you can expect. Best wishes in all you do !
Updated
lisa’s Answer
I find dentistry to be very expansive and not just in your ability to provide expanded dental assisting functions. But expansive in regard to several options of the field and countess opportunity to advance and grow in your skill set. I find hands on experience the best way. However, you have an unlimited amount of specialty to choose from. General dentistry which encompasses all realms of dentistry from tooth restorations, crowns and bridges, implants abutments, and bleaching. Some dentists even offer orthodontic services in their practice. There's oral surgery which involves extractions, implant placements and removal of impacted third molars. Periodontists which specialize in the gingiva tissue deep dental cleanings, and crown lengthening amongst a few. Pediatrics working with children. Prosthodontics specializing in patients with dentures and partials. There are even opportunities to work in a dental lab as a technician with possible training. The abilities are endless, and you are always learning new technology so that's a new applied skill to gain. As it has been mentioned pay rate can vary by experience or skill set. The most I have heard registered dental assistants make is $30 per hour. The highest position for assistants is a registered dental assistant and then move into a hygienist. However, certifications in my state upon many years of experience you can have corona polishing, and nitrous gas. Though basic dental programs offer radiology in their course, Osha and chairside which may have some nitrous gas background. In the state of Florida there is even work being done with PRP (platelet rich plasma) which can be put in a patients socket after extractions for healing very cool process. In addition, you can learn phlebotomy which you can place needles when patients have to undergo intravenous sedation.
It's absolutely a great industry to be in. I have always had a love and passion for it. The best part is the interaction with patients.
I learned dentistry isn't just dental work alone there are times you build long sustaining relationships and rapport. I have had patients trust me with very personal situations in their life and I feel blessed to have been able to be a confidant and a source of healing. I have also helped patients enjoy being in the dental chair, helped them to relax, and some that would have the whole operatory in laughter. Great experiences!
If you have a passion to give and serve its definitely the right line of work for you. I hope this inspires you and you can make a better decision as to how to move forward in dental or another field. All the best to you!
It's absolutely a great industry to be in. I have always had a love and passion for it. The best part is the interaction with patients.
I learned dentistry isn't just dental work alone there are times you build long sustaining relationships and rapport. I have had patients trust me with very personal situations in their life and I feel blessed to have been able to be a confidant and a source of healing. I have also helped patients enjoy being in the dental chair, helped them to relax, and some that would have the whole operatory in laughter. Great experiences!
If you have a passion to give and serve its definitely the right line of work for you. I hope this inspires you and you can make a better decision as to how to move forward in dental or another field. All the best to you!
Updated
Emma’s Answer
Being a dental assistant presents numerous opportunities within the dental healthcare field. It serves as an entry point, providing valuable experience and exposure to dental procedures, instruments, and patient care. Dental assistants enjoy career stability and flexibility, with options for part-time or full-time work. Advancement opportunities include specialization in areas like orthodontics or oral surgery, and continuing education and certifications can enhance prospects. This career offers direct patient interaction, a diverse range of tasks, and the chance to build a strong professional network. Dental assistants contribute to oral health, find their work fulfilling, and develop transferable skills for potential advancement within healthcare or administrative roles.