Where Will a Dental Assistant Career Take You?
Learn about your options once you decide to become a dental assistant.
Typical Work Environment
Most dental assistants work in privately owned dental offices; however, many dental assistant career professionals work in hospitals, schools and clinics. In any case, your work atmosphere is calm and clean and conducive to the service of the dental patient.
In a dental assistant career, you will work very closely with the dentist during procedures—handling instruments and following the dentist's lead.
Most dental assistants work a 4-day week. Vacation is generally paid and taken when the dentist is also on vacation. With these great hours and good benefits, a dental assistant career can offer you a comfortable work schedule.
Dental Assistant Career Options and Opportunity
Since many dentists typically hire two or more dental assistants, employment opportunities in this field are excellent. As a dental assistant, you have the choice to work in one of the following environments:
- Solo dental practices
- Group practices
Dental Assistant Career Specialties and Alternatives
In addition to traditional dental practices, dental assistants have the opportunity to work in specialty areas, such as:
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery: removal of teeth and correction of facial deformities
- Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics: straightening teeth with braces or other appliances
- Endodontics: root canal treatment
- Periodontics: treatment of gum problems
- Prosthodontics: replacement of lost teeth
- Pediatric dentistry: treatment of children
Dental Assistant Career Path
Experienced dental assistants may be promoted to an office manager or supervisor position. Other career paths for dental assistants include:
- Insurance claims processing
- Teaching
- Dental product sales representative
Education Guide
Training & Certification
Time to completion and testing breakdown
School Accreditation
How important is accreditation?
Dental Assistant Degree Types
Certificate or associate's degree?
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Many schools and organizations offer financial aid.
Student Interview
What dental assisting courses are like.
Dental Assistant Schools
Compare schools.
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Career Guide
About the Profession
Dental assisting job description.
Salary Information
Wages vary in different areas. The average hourly...
Work Environment
Dental assisting can be done in a variety of different...
Dental Assistant vs. Dental Hygienist
These two important careers are similar. However, educational requirements...
Top 5 Reasons to Become a Dental Hygienist
Learn why a dental hygienist career may be right for you.
Résumé Tips
Get tips for writing your dental assistant resume.
Professional Interview
First-hand account of what it's like to be a dental assistant.
Glossary of Professional Terms
The terms of the trade are easy once you understand..