Why Becoming a Dental Assistant Can Be One of the More Fun Jobs That Pays Well

What Does a Dental Assistant Do?

Dental assistants in Phoenix work closely with the dentist and are essential dental team members. They perform various tasks and provide multiple services to help ensure dental procedures run smoothly and efficiently. The everyday responsibilities of a dental assistant vary; however, their duties typically include scheduling patient appointments, sterilizing and preparing instruments and equipment, taking impressions of teeth, managing patient records, and providing patient care and dental chair-side support.

6 Reasons Why Dental Assistants Enjoy Their Career

A dental assistant career is not only a fun job that pays well but also an enriching and fulfilling career that offers a wide range of benefits.

1. Finding Fulfillment in Helping Others

Becoming a dental assistant can be an excellent career choice for those who enjoy helping others. Dental assistants are vital to delivering exceptional patient care, as they work closely with patients to ensure they receive proper care and treatment. They see that patients are comfortable during procedures and answer any questions they may have.

Dental assistants also educate patients about proper oral hygiene and dental care techniques. For instance, they may instruct patients on proper brushing and flossing or explain why routine checkups and cleanings are necessary. Ultimately, dental assistants can have a significant impact on the overall health and well-being of patients.

2. Every Day is Different

There is plenty of variety in the everyday work that dental assistants do. Dental assistants work with many patients and assist with various dental procedures and treatments. Their workload can vary significantly daily, making each day unique, which helps keep the job fresh and exciting because no two workdays are the same. Becoming a dental assistant can be a fantastic career choice for those who don't like repetitive work and need various tasks and responsibilities to help keep the job exciting and challenging.

3. Promising Job Opportunities Ahead

Per the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for dental assistants is expected to expand 8 percent from 2021 to 2031. About 56,400 dental assistant job openings are projected each year, many resulting from the need to replace workers that retire or change their occupations. (1)

The demand for dental assistants will continue increasing for several reasons:

• First and foremost, as the population grows, the need for dental services will continue to grow. Dentists will continue to employ dental assistants to help ensure offices run smoothly and efficiently.
• Secondly, ongoing research linking oral and general health puts an increased focus on preventative care. The demand for preventative dental services will grow as more people seek regular dental checkups and cleanings.
• Lastly, dental assistants perform many routine tasks that dentists would otherwise have to do themselves. They provide tons of chair-side support and assistance, allowing dentists to focus on the treatments and procedures at hand.

Dental assistants are an essential part of a cost-effective dental practice. Besides being one of the more fun jobs that pay well, a dental assistant career offers excellent job security and stability with many promising job opportunities.

4. Career Advancement Opportunities

Dental assisting is a fulfilling and rewarding career with many career growth and advancement opportunities. Dental assistants can pursue further education, certification, and training to advance their careers to become dental hygienists, dental therapists, or even dentists. Career advancement can result in higher salaries and more significant job opportunities too.

5. Flexible Schedules & Adequate Work-Life Balance

Dental assistants typically work full-time; however, many can work flexible schedules, such as part-time. Dental offices usually have different operation hours depending on location, the dental office's needs, and its patients.

Some dental offices in Phoenix may be open on weekends or have extended hours to accommodate patients with busy schedules. While some dental assistants may work a traditional 9-5 schedule, others may work evenings, weekends, or part-time hours. A flexible schedule can benefit individuals looking for work-life balance, who don't want to work a 9-5 job, or who have other commitments, such as caring for children or pursuing additional education.

6. Always Learning Something New

Dental professionals must stay up-to-date with the latest techniques, equipment, and procedures in the field. Working alongside dentists and other experienced dental professionals allows assistants to learn new procedures, use new equipment, and develop new skills. Dental assistants can grow in their profession regularly by reading industry publications, watching educational videos, and practicing new techniques on their own time to help continue to develop their skills and knowledge, stay current with industry trends, and provide the best possible care to patients.

Take the Next Step Toward a Rewarding Career Path!

Becoming a dental assistant can be a promising career choice. It offers a variety of benefits that make it an enjoyable job, from creating positive patient experiences to having the flexibility to manage work and life commitments. While there are some challenges to being a dental assistant, such as mastering new techniques and staying up-to-date on technology, the rewards outweigh the difficulties.

Ready to take the next step toward beginning this rewarding career path? Our 12-week dental assistant course at Phoenix Dental Assistant School has helped thousands of people start a new career in the dental field at a fraction of the cost of other schools, all while providing all the skills, training, and requirements needed to pursue a successful dental assistant career.

Interested in learning more? Take the next step toward a new career and apply at Phoenix Dental Assistant School today!