Dental assisting can be a rewarding job. However, is it a good career? To answer it, you need to define what makes a career good.
For many, it is about having a job that you enjoy most. If you do not like what you do, you are not motivated each day to go to work.
For some, it is about salary. They do not mind how boring or unsatisfactory their job is as long as it is paying them good.
If you wish to pursue a career as a dental assistant, you need to have an inclination to work with people or you must love teeth.
However, if you would rather spend your entire day, staring at your computer, then dental assisting is not a good choice for you.
Whether or not it is a good career, you need to think about the things that you love most.
What Can You Earn as a Dental Assistant?
In 2017, the recorded median salary is $37,630. The highest is $46,000 while the lowest is $31,160.
What is Your Day Like Being a Dental Assistant?
Some days are stressful; other days are not. That is also the same for every career.
You may find an awesome boss (the dentist) or you will be hired by a horrible dentist.
The pay can be great, especially if it includes a lot of benefits and fun stuff. It is not a dead end job, though. The reason for this is that you can work as a dental assistant while you are studying to become a dental hygienist or even a dentist.
However, the excellent nature of this job will depend on whom you are working for and the kind of things that you love to do most.
You need to look around to avoid yourself working with a boss who pays cheap.
What are the Duties of a Dental Assistant?
As a dental assistant, your job is more than just helping the dentists in working on their patients’ teeth. It may be the biggest part of your job.
However, you will have other duties as well, including scheduling appointments for patients and answering phone calls. You may also handle patient payment.
Furthermore, it is also your duty to prepare the room for the patient and sterilize the dental equipment.
It is hands-on work and you need to be quick when working.
What are the Pros and Cons of a Dental Assisting Job?
One of the many benefits of working as a dental assistant is that you can perform a lot of things in one day. In other words, this career is not boring.
It can be personally satisfying if you like helping other people in achieving healthy oral health.
Furthermore, this job requires active work. It is ideal if you do not like sitting all day. Keep in mind that sitting for hours can lead to heart disease and other medical conditions. Because you perform a lot of duties, you get a lot of exercises at work.
As for the disadvantage, the job can be stressful. It will always be a busy day and the tasks can sometimes be challenging.
