Is a Dental Assisting Career Worth It?

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If taking care of teeth and helping people achieve their best smile is your dream, but you’re unsure of where to start, a position as a Dental Assistant may be the best career for you. It’s a career that is fast-paced and very rewarding. If you're interested in becoming a Dental Assistant, consider enrolling in UEI College's Dental Assisting Program today!

What is a Dental Assistant?

Dental Assistants are the glue that holds a dental office together. They help with each part of a dental office, ensuring patients feel comfortable and get the best care possible. Depending on the size or specialty of the office, a Dental Assistant may work solely in the front of the office, completing administrative tasks, or they may be on their feet all day in the back office, assisting the dentist and preparing exam rooms.

 

A Dental Assistant is exactly as the name suggests- an assistant who assists dentists, hygienists, and other staff members in a dental office or clinic. They take care of the day-to-day tasks that keep the office clean and sterilized, keep records up to date, and make patients feel welcome. It’s a rewarding career for anyone who enjoys helping people.

Is it Worth it to Become a Dental Assistant?

Becoming a Dental Assistant is exciting and rewarding, but there are some things you should know. Here are a few pros and cons of being a Dental Assistant:

 

Here are some of the PROs of Becoming a Dental Assistant:

 

1. Quick training.

Training to become a Dental Assistant can be completed in as few as 10 months, setting you up for a career you can be proud of. This makes becoming a Dental Assistant a great option for anyone looking to begin a new career.

 

2. Opportunities.

There are opportunities for Dental Assistants. With the proper training, you can work in endodontics, orthodontics, pediatric, family dentistry, or even oral surgery. Proper dental hygiene is always going to be needed, and professionals with the skills and training to help people will be needed to help others with their oral hygiene.

 

3. Convenient Hours.

Most Dental Assistants work typical business hours but depending on the office, you may be asked to work evenings or weekends. This career typically has consistent hours you can count on on a full-time or part-time basis.

 

4. Connect with patients.

Maybe one of the greatest parts of being a Dental Assistant is playing a role in helping patients smile. Dental Assistants are the ones to greet patients, lead them to the exam chair and ensure their procedure runs smoothly. If you enjoy getting to know people and helping them feel comfortable, this is a great opportunity for you.

 

5. Lots of variety.

Dental Assistants in all aspects of a dental office. They may be the ones to schedule appointments, greet patients as they come in, update records, restock exam rooms, complete x-rays, and even assist chairside during procedures. This job requires a basic working knowledge of proper dental hygiene and all dental procedures. If you’re fascinated by teeth and the human body, you’ll find something new to learn each day.

 

6. Great Stepping Stone.

The profession is also a great stepping stone into the dental field. As your training progresses, you may find one part of the office that you’d like to explore more. Dental Assistants may also choose to become certified in some specialty areas that can add to their resume and further their opportunities.

Here are some of the CONs of Becoming a Dental Assistant?

1. A Bit Stressful.

Some may find all the variety of a Dental Assistant’s role to be stressful. It does require great flexibility and a desire to step in and help where ever needed. Each day is unique as a Dental Assistant, and while that excites some people, it may not be a good fit for everyone.

 

2. People skills.

A Dental Assistant works directly with patients, and the dentists in their office, to ensure the business is running smoothly. This position is a great fit for people who love to get to know people and build relationships. It is not a good career for people who struggle to deliver good customer service.

What Is it Like Being a Dental Assistant?

Being a Dental Assistant is engaging and challenging each day. You may not know the exact situations you’ll be walking into, dealing with a variety of patient personalities, but you are responsible for ensuring each patient receives the best care. Dental Assistants prepare the office for each patient, stocking supplies, sterilizing equipment, and managing records throughout the day.

Should I Become a Dental Assistant?

If you enjoy working with people and are fascinated by dental care, then becoming a Dental Assistant is the right career path for you. As a Dental Assistant, you’ll play a vital role in helping people feel comfortable and confident visiting their dentist.

Consider Enrolling at UEI College To Become a Dental Assistant!

Don’t let anything stop you from achieving the career you’ve been dreaming of! The Dental Assisting Program at UEI College is a great way to enter this challenging field. Our smaller class sizes and peer support will ensure you have all the resources you need to be successful. Our classes combine online learning with hands-on lab experiences that allow you to work on your skills.

 

At the end of your Dental Assistant Training Program, we’ll assist you with locating an entry-level position at a dental office in your community to put your knowledge to the test with real patients under the supervision of someone in the field.

 

Don’t have your high school diploma yet? Call us to find out how we can help with that as well! Our Dental Assistant Program is short-term, allowing you to earn your Dental Assistant Diploma in as little as 10 Months!

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