Dental assistant career growth is trending in the right direction. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 19% increase in employment opportunities for dental assistants from 2019 to 2029.
With the demand for dental care increasing, there has never been a better time to pursue a career in this field.
But, with so many different paths to take, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why it’s important to have a well-defined career path. By following these tips, you can set yourself up for success and achieve your career goals in the dental assisting field.
The first step in your dental assistant career path is completing your high school education. While you’re in high school, you can take an interest in science courses and be sure to complete your education and receive a high school diploma.
In addition to providing you with a solid foundation of knowledge, a high school education can also help you develop important skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication.
After completing high school, you’re on to the next step toward your dental assistant career. You should start exploring options like those available at Howard Healthcare Academy.
We have dental assistant certifications and additional voluntary courses available to help you grow and progress in your career.
When choosing an online course, it’s important to consider your career goals and the specific areas you want to specialize in. You should also consider the reputation of the course provider, the cost of the program, and the length of the course.
A dental assistant certificate program provides hands-on training in areas such as chairside assisting, laboratory procedures, and patient care. These programs typically take one year or less to complete. You can take this career step to being a dental assistant at Howard Healthcare Academy.
Once you’ve completed your dental assistant certificate, you may choose to pursue postgraduate certifications. These certifications can help you stand out from other dental assistants, and may also increase your earning potential.
Some popular postgraduate certifications for dental assistants include the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), the Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA), the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), and Orthodontic Assisting.
The highest level of dental assistant is the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). This certification demonstrates a dental assistant’s proficiency in a variety of areas, including chairside assisting, patient care, and laboratory procedures.
In order to become a CDA, you must pass a certification exam and meet other eligibility requirements, such as completing a dental assistant certificate program and working a certain number of hours in the field.
This shows you that there is a lot of dental assistant career advancement. You don’t simply complete your coursework and start working towards a dead end. There are a lot of opportunities upon graduation.
There are several ways for dental assistants to grow their careers, including pursuing additional certifications, gaining experience, and advancing to leadership positions.
One popular way to advance in the field is to become a dental office manager. This position typically involves overseeing the day-to-day operations of a dental practice, including managing staff, overseeing patient care, and handling administrative tasks.
If you plan a career change from dental assistant, you could work towards becoming a dental hygienist as well. Their job involves cleaning and preventive procedures on the patient. This will require additional education.
Dental assistants can earn a competitive salary, with the average annual salary in the United States being around $41,000. However, the amount of money a dental assistant can make varies depending on several factors, such as location, experience, and certifications.
California is one of the highest-paying states for dental assistants so this is a great opportunity for you to start an exciting new career.
Mapping out your dental assistant career path is an important step in achieving your career goals. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can set yourself up for success and take control of your future.
Learn more about our Dental Assistant course at Howard Academy.
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