Have you ever wondered, "Is dental assisting a good career?" If you answered "yes," you're not alone. A career as a dental assistant can be both fulfilling and dynamic, providing numerous opportunities to make a positive impact on patient's lives while enjoying a stable and rewarding profession. As integral members of the dental team, dental assistants play a crucial role in ensuring smooth and efficient dental procedures.
If you're considering this career path, it's essential to explore the various benefits and opportunities that come with it. Here's a comprehensive look at why dental assisting is an excellent career choice.
1. Fast-Track Your Career with Quick Training
One of the most attractive aspects of a dental assistant career is the relatively short training period. Unlike many other healthcare professions that require years of education, you can become a dental assistant in as little as 10 months. Enrolling in a quality dental assistant program ensures you receive the education and hands-on experience necessary to excel in this field.
A robust dental assistant curriculum typically covers essential topics, including:
- Dental Office Emergencies and Compliance
- Dental Radiography
- Dental Specialties
- Operatory Dentistry
- Laboratory Procedures
- Dental Anatomy and Orthodontics
- Dental Health
- Modern Concepts in Dental Assisting
- Administrative Dentistry
- Dental Assistant Externship
With these courses, you’ll be well-prepared to handle various dental procedures, utilize dental equipment properly, and ensure patient safety and comfort. The externship component of these programs gives you the practical experience needed to be job-ready upon graduation.
NCC’s Dental Assistant Program offers a comprehensive curriculum and valuable externship in a 9-month program. To learn more about the classes offered in NCC’s Dental Assistant program check out NCC’s Dental Assistant Classes.
2. Make a Difference: A Rewarding Career Helping People
Dental assisting is a career that offers the unique opportunity to help people every day. Whether you’re alleviating patients' fears about dental procedures or ensuring they feel comfortable during their visits, your role as a dental assistant is crucial in enhancing patient experiences.
You’ll have the chance to educate patients on oral hygiene, support them through procedures, and provide reassurance in a potentially stressful environment. Many dental assistants find this aspect of their job incredibly fulfilling, as they can see the direct impact of their work on patients' well-being.
NCC’s Dental Assistant Program emphasizes patient care and communication skills, preparing you to effectively manage patient interactions and provide exceptional support.
3. Enjoy Flexibility and Variety in Your Career
A dental assistant career offers considerable flexibility in terms of work environments and hours. You can choose to work in various settings, such as dental offices, family practices, pediatric dental clinics, government agencies, or even mobile dental units. This flexibility allows you to find a work environment that best suits your preferences and lifestyle.
Additionally, dental assistants often enjoy regular business hours, which is particularly beneficial for those seeking work-life balance. Whether you prefer full-time or part-time work, the dental field offers opportunities to accommodate your scheduling needs.
NCC’s Dental Assistant Program provides guidance on career placement, helping you find the right job in a setting that matches your goals. Learn more about NCC’s Career Services.
4. Secure Your Future with a Strong Job Outlook
The demand for dental assistants is on the rise, making it a stable and secure career choice, especially in California. The Occupational Information Network (O*NET) projects a 7% growth rate nationally for dental assistant positions from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. In California, this growth rate is even more impressive, with a projected 21% increase.
This significant growth in California is driven by ongoing research linking oral health to overall health, which increases the demand for preventative dental services. As a result, dental assistants are becoming more essential in helping to deliver these critical services.
With approximately 44,000 job openings for dental assistants each year nationally, and a higher demand in California, the opportunities for employment are abundant. Many of these openings are due to the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or retire.
Choosing a career in dental assisting in California not only provides job security but also offers the satisfaction of working in a field that is essential to the health and well-being of the community.
For more information check out our blog Dental Assistant Salary in California which includes a focus on Los Angeles, where NCC is located.
5. Unlock Opportunities for Career Growth
While dental assisting is an excellent entry-level career, it also offers opportunities for advancement within the dental field. With experience and additional training, dental assistants can move into roles such as office managers, and dental sales representatives, or even pursue further education to become dental hygienists or dentists.
Advancing in your career often involves gaining more specialized knowledge and skills. Dental assistants with advanced certifications and expanded functions are more likely to qualify for higher-paying positions and roles with more responsibilities.
Furthermore, obtaining specialized training in fields such as orthodontics, periodontics, or dental radiology can lead to even more advanced roles within dental practices. These specializations often result in higher salaries and greater job satisfaction, as you can take on more complex and rewarding responsibilities.
NCC’s Dental Assistant Program offers valuable certifications in Radiation Safety, Infection Control, and Coronal Polishing, all approved by the Dental Board of California. These certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and make you more competitive in the job market.
Start Your Dental Assistant Career with NCC
Choosing a career in dental assisting offers numerous benefits, from quick and comprehensive training to a rewarding work environment and a positive job outlook. If you're ready to embark on this exciting career path, consider applying to NCC’s Dental Assistant Program. With a well-rounded curriculum, hands-on experience, and strong career support, NCC prepares you to succeed as a dental assistant.
Take the first step towards your new career today. Explore NCC’s Dental Assistant Program to learn more and get started on your journey to becoming a dental assistant.
