Are you considering a career as a dental assistant? Then you need to read this!
Dental assisting is an important part of the Canadian healthcare industry, providing a wide range of employment opportunities for individuals interested in healthcare and patient care.
As the population continues to grow and age, the demand for dental services is expected to increase, which will likely create new job opportunities for dental assistants. But, the question is, ‘is dental assisting a good job?’
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of becoming a dental assistant, and help you decide if this career is right for you. So, stay in the loop!
What is dental assistant?
A dental assistant is a healthcare professional who works along with the dentists and dental hygienists to provide patient care, administrative support, and laboratory assistance in a dental office or clinic. Dental assistants perform a variety of tasks, such as taking patient medical histories, preparing patients for dental procedures, sterilizing instruments and equipment, assisting the dentist during procedures, taking and developing X-rays, scheduling appointments, and maintaining patient records.
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Get the skills towards a career in Dental AssistingThis program helps to prepare students to provide the services of a certified dental assistant as outlined in the BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCHOP)* Bylaws under the Health Professions Act of British Columbia.
Duties of a dental assistant:
Dental assistants play a crucial role in assisting dentists. Some of their common duties include:
- Prepare treatment rooms for patient care
- Assist the dentist during dental procedures
- Take patient medical and dental histories
- Sterilize instruments and equipment
- Take and develop dental radiographs (X-rays)
- Schedule patient appointments
- Maintain patient records
- Provide patient education on oral hygiene and care
- Perform basic laboratory tasks, such as mixing dental materials
- Order and maintain dental supplies and inventory
- Perform office administrative tasks, such as billing and insurance claims processing
- Follow safety and infection control procedures
- Handle patient communication and correspondence
Benefits of becoming a dental assistant:
Here are the benefits of becoming a dental assistant:
- Job stability
- Quick training
- Variety of work
- Career advancement
- Competitive salary and benefits
- Opportunity to help others.
Drawbacks of becoming a dental assistant:
Here are some possible drawbacks of being a dental assistant:
- Exposure to bodily fluids and potential occupational hazards
- Repetitive tasks and long periods of standing
- Work may involve some patient anxiety or discomfort
- Limited career growth opportunities without additional education or training
- Occasional exposure to stressful or difficult patient interactions
- May be required to work evenings, weekends, or holidays
Is dental assistant a good career choice?
Yes, dental assisting can be a good career choice for many people, depending on their interests, skills, and goals.
Dental assisting offers job stability, competitive salaries and benefits, and opportunities for career advancement. It can also be a rewarding and fulfilling career, as dental assistants have the opportunity to help patients improve their oral health and overall well-being.
In addition to this, if earning and packages are considered, it can be a good career choice as it offers competitive salaries and benefits. However, the exact salary and benefits for dental assistants can vary depending on location, employer, experience, and education level.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 8.4% employment growth for dental assistants between 2021 and 2031.
Therefore, it is a growing career path and can be a solid career choice with good earning potential and benefits.
Dental Assistant Salary:
According to Indeed, the average salary for a dental assistant is $25.31 per hour in Canada which equates to $257 per day and $82,692 per year!
Work environment of dental assisting jobs
The work environment for dental assistants is generally clean, well-lit, and comfortable, with modern equipment and technology.
The work may involve some exposure to bodily fluids, but dental offices follow strict infection control protocols to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.
In addition to this, dental assistants typically work alongside dentists and dental hygienists as part of a dental care team, and may interact with patients of all ages and backgrounds. The work can be fast-paced and require attention to detail, as dental assistants must ensure that equipment and instruments are sterilized and prepared properly, and that patients are comfortable and well-informed.
Therefore, the work environment for dental assistants is professional, collaborative, and focused on providing high-quality oral healthcare services to patients.
Conclusion:
To sum up, dental assisting is an important profession and a good career choice in Canada, supporting the delivery of oral healthcare services, promoting patient comfort and safety, and providing employment opportunities for individuals interested in healthcare and patient care!
We hope this article has provided helpful information to support your decision-making process.
