Considering Doing a Dental Assistant Course? Ask Yourself These Questions

Posted on 26 September, 2022 by Katy John

Dental assisting is a great career for those who want to work in the healthcare industry but don't want to be a dentist or nurse. It's a growing field with plenty of job opportunities and a relatively short training period compared to other health professions. If you're thinking about becoming a dental assistant, you may wonder how to become one and if it's worth it. This blog post will cover a few questions you should ask yourself before deciding to become a dental assistant.

What Are My Professional Goals?

As a starting point, think about what you hope to achieve in your career and write down your goals. Once you have your goals mapped out, consider how you will achieve them. What steps do you need to take? What kind of experience do you need?

It's also important to stay realistic when setting goals. Don't put too much pressure on yourself or set goals that are impossible to achieve. Start small and work your way up. Remember, it's okay to change your goals as you go – as long as you're still moving forward, you're on the right track.

As a Dental Assistant, what am I expected to do?

As a dental assistant, you can expect to perform various duties within the dental office. You will be responsible for sterilizing equipment, preparing patients for dental procedures, taking x-rays, and assisting the dentist during procedures. To become a dental assistant, you must complete an accredited dental assistant program.

The best programs will prepare you for the state licensure exam (if any) and provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the field. Many people find that working as a dental assistant is very rewarding. Not only do you get to help people improve their oral health, but you also get to work in a fun and fast-paced environment.

What are the Career Prospects for Dental Assistants?

The career prospects for dental assistants are excellent. With the right training and education, dental assistants can find good-paying jobs in different settings like dental schools, public or private dental clinics, nursing homes, or even in local and state public health departments. The best dental assistant programs will provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their careers.

Many dental assistants pursue careers as dental hygienists or dentists, while others find work in other medical fields. With the aging population and the increasing emphasis on preventive care, the demand for qualified dental assistants is expected to grow in the coming years.

How much money can I earn as a dental assistant?

As a dental assistant, you can expect to earn a good income and have a stable career. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for dental assistants was $38,660 in 2021.

However, there is a lot of variation in how much money dental assistants can earn, depending on factors such as their experience level, the type of dental practice they work in, and the geographic region they work in. Generally speaking, dental assistants with more experience and who work in higher-paying geographic areas tend to earn more than those with less experience or who work in lower-paying areas.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working as a dental assistant?

The most rewarding aspect of working as a dental assistant is seeing your positive impact on the patients' lives. When you help someone achieve better oral health, you can see firsthand the difference it makes in their life. They may have more confidence, less pain, and improved overall health.

If you're considering a career in dental assisting, know that you can make a real difference in the lives of others. It is a challenging and rewarding field that offers opportunities for growth and development.

Become a Dental Assistant in 10 Weeks

Are you interested in becoming a dental assistant but don't have the time or money for a long, drawn-out training program? If so, Illinois Dental Careers might be the perfect solution for you.

Our 10-week program offers the lowest tuition prices in the state, and our flexible training schedule means you can complete the 20 modules of 2.5 hours each at your own pace. Plus, our hands-on approach to learning means you'll be ready to hit the ground running as soon as you graduate.

Contact Illinois Health Careers today to learn more about our program and how we can help you start your new career.