1. How to get the education
You can get hands on dental training through many different avenues. There are academic programs at community colleges, technical institutes, vocational schools, universities, and dental schools. Best of all, most of these programs don’t take much time to complete. The average time frame to graduate a dental program is nine to eleven months. Here at, American Institute of Dental Assisting, the program is 13 weeks long and is hands on training with live patients.
In addition to that, we all know not everyone has the same schedule in life. You may be busier in life right now and can’t devote your full-time attention to school. There are options to accommodate you, with some dental colleges offering part-time education programs and online education. So whether you’re a parent, or work full-time, there are schools that will work with you to fit dental assistant training courses in your schedule.
2. What employment at a dental practice is like
Once you get the education and the certification, you’ll be ready to apply to dental practices, have a good interview, and get the job. But what will employment at a dental practice be like? As a dental assistant, you’ll be giving the dentist assistance in treatments and procedures. You’ll also be responsible for discussing post-surgery instructions with a patient, and making sure the dental instruments and equipment are prepared and sterilized. In some states, depending on requirements, you’ll also be responsible for taking dental radiographs and developing them. As a dental assistant, there will be no shortage of unique and interesting work to do.
3. Opportunities for career growth
You might really enjoy your job as a dental assistant and decide to do that job until you retire. That’s completely fine. About 89% of people who received DANB certificates reported having a high job satisfaction. But you should also know you have other options to advance your career. With DANB certification and formal training, you have the opportunity to be a dental office manager, work in dental product sales, or even be an educator. Whatever you prefer, there are many fulfilling opportunities you can pursue in the dental field.
Employment at a dental practice is a challenging and rewarding career option. When you’re ready to start your education as a dental assistant, you can choose the schedule that works best for you. With an education that doesn’t take very long, you’ll be able to start working in the dental field in no time.