Dental assistant jobs are becoming increasingly popular among young adults these days probably because of its modest entry requirements and relatively good pay. Median dental assistant salary is around dollar 27,000 to dollar 39,000 which rivals that of healthcare-related jobs which are more labor intensive, such as that of orderlies and nursing aides. With seniority and further education, it is also possible for a dental assistant’s salary to reach as much as forty-six thousand dollars.

Compared to other unlicensed assistive personnel in other healthcare settings, dental assistants work in comfortable clinics, have predictable work hours, simple, and relatively non-physically demanding responsibilities. Dental assistants are tasked with various patient care, office, and laboratory duties. Their job description includes scheduling and confirming appointments, receiving patients, keeping treatment records, receiving payments, and ordering dental supplies.

They prepare the dentist’s instruments and equipment, and work alongside the licensed professional serving as a second pair of hands during treatments and procedures. In other jurisdictions, these unlicensed assistive personnel assume more complex tasks, such as dental cleaning, but usually this would necessitate fulfilling certain requisites such as finishing an accredited training program and having years of experience. These personnel are vital to any dental office as they ensure that things run smoothly.

In most States, no formal education or training is required for entry level positions. Traditionally, dental assistants learn through on-the-job training. Nowadays, more and more dental clinics have become more partial to getting those that have at least completed a certification program. Dental assistant schools in the country provide certificate or diploma programs which typically takes 6 months to a year to finish. There are also dental assistant schools that have programs leading to an associate degree, which you may want to consider if you intend on taking expanded roles in the future. After graduating from these programs, you may be required to sit the exam provided by the Dental Assisting National Board. Passing such test will bestow on you the Certified Dental Assistant status. PThis credential is required in at least 37 states.

Based on a study done by the Bureau of Labor Statistics there are already about 300,000 employed in such an occupation in 2008 alone and this is expected to grow to 400,000 by 2018. That reflects more than thirty percent growth rate, which is better compared to other occupations. From 2008-2018, dental assistant jobs will continue to be available as there are still vacancies to fill, as older assistants leave their positions for higher ones, or leave the occupation to pursue another one.