Category Archives: Dental Assistance

Assessing The Dental Assistant Salary

There was a time when dentists had to do their job on their own. However, with more people giving emphasis on proper oral healthcare over the past years, they are more likely to visit dentists, compared to the time of your grandfather’s dentist. Today’s younger generations of dentists are also more open to hiring dental assistants to help them in their practice’s daily operation. With the growing need for dental assistants, there is also a steady improvement in dental assistant salary. That is rightfully so, because dental assistants are important members of every dentist’s support team.

These days, before a dentist gets to you, the dental assistant will be the one to prepare you for the dental procedure that you need. The dental assistant will prepare the equipment needed and will make sure everything has been sterilized. During the procedure, she will be the one to assist the dentist, handing the necessary equipment, making sure the patient’s mouth is dry by using suction hoses or other devices. Dental assistants are also expected to educate patients on the proper oral healthcare. Dental assistants that have been on the job longer (and hence are more experienced) are generally given higher dental assistant salary. However, even for entry-level positions, one’s dental assistant salary can still be quite competitive when compared to other healthcare professionals in the same job level position.

The average mean annual dental assistant salary, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is $34,000 as of May 2009. As of this time period also, there are 294,020 dental assistants working in the country. More than a third of them are receiving part time dental assistant salary, a common scenario for dental assistants who want to maximize the flexibility of their time schedule at work. These dental assistants work multiple jobs, depending on the time of their primary job, with weekend or evening schedules when time still permits. Most dental assistants work at dentist’s offices where they receive $34,000 in annual dental assistant salary.

When they work overtime, they are often given between $15 and $24 an hour. Their bonuses, if they qualify, can range from about $200 to over $900. Aside from the dental assistant salary, they also receive various additional benefits, depending on the work setting and whether it is full-time employment or not.

Although most dental assistants are trained on-the-job, it is highly recommended that you finish a nationally accredited dental assisting program and secure your certification later on. Certified Dental Assistants (CDA) don’t only receive higher dental assistant salary generally, but they may also receive paid vacations from their employers and other health benefits. In fact, according to a survey conducted by the Dental Assisting National Board, 86% of CDAs report receiving paid vacation benefits and more than half receive at least some form of health care benefit.

To undergo further training in order to have better chances of receiving higher dental assistant salary, you should sign-up and finish any of the 281 dental assisting programs that are approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation or CODA. You may also have to undergo certain hours of on-the-job training before you finish the said training program. To be a Certified Dental Assistant, you need to pass the Dental Assisting National Board certification exam as required by more than 37 States. However, just like in the dental assisting salary they receive, every State has its own sets of requirements to be considered as a certified dental assistant. It is best to contact your State’s board for these requirements which relate specifically to you.

All You Need to Know About Becoming a Dental Assistant

The job of a dental assistant is a lucrative one as there are many employment opportunities and the dental assistant salary is quite good too. This is why many people today are interested in becoming a dental assistant. This is one of the professional fields in the medical industry with less extensive educational requirements. For those who want to venture into the dental assistant profession, this article will help you understand everything you need to know about the nature if the job, salary, and the requirements needed.

A dental assistant works with a dentist or a dental hygienist, assisting them in performing a number of tasks. Aside from managing an office, they are more involved in patient care and laboratory works. The tasks of a dental assistant will differ from state to state and from dental office to dental office. Basically, dental assistant prepare the equipments and other instruments used in different procedures. They also prepare the patients for the treatments by providing them with instructions both pre and post-treatment care and on maintenance. They assist the dentist during both minor and major procedures and carry out other dental tasks. Aside from the laboratory and clinical work, the dental assistants also carry out administrative tasks like keeping patient records, checking inventories, communicating with insurance companies and provide billing information.

In becoming a dental assistant, a high school diploma or an approved GED equivalent is required prior to entering a formal dental assistant training. The high school education should focus on chemistry, biology, health, and office practices. Even though dental assistants may learn their skills through on-the-job training, receiving formal dental assisting programs from community colleges, technical institutes, and trade schools will make you more competitive in the job market. These programs usually take between 9 to 11 months to complete.

After completing the training, the final step to take is getting a certification. The licensing requirements may vary from one state to another. Basically, the certification can be obtained from the Dental assisting National Board (DANB) as they offer the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) program. The certification will be issued to those who have successfully passed the written exam provided by the DANB. Dental assistants who are eligible for the CDA should have completed a CODA-approved educational program, work experience of four years to part-time and two years to full-time professionals, an updated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate, and continuing education requirements.

Those who are certified typically earn a higher dental assistant salary than those who are uncertified. The average salary a dental assistant earns is approximately between $30,000 and $35,000 per annum. Those with formal education, certification, and experience may earn over $40,000 a year. Other than the salary, the job outlook for dental assistants is also excellent as it is projected to increase at a faster rate through 2018 as claimed by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Information Guideline on the Dental Assistant Profession

For those of you who are planning to pursue a career as a dental assistant, then it would be vital for you to research about the dental assistant career as well as the dental assistant salary. You will be very happy to know that aside from the good salary, it is also one of the fastest growing professions within the next several years. Through 2018, the need and the demand for dental assistant are expected to increase by more than 36%, something that is a very fast increase in the employment figures.

Dental assistants play a very important role in the dental office. The dental assistants are not only working alongside the dentists while assisting them in providing dental services to the patients, they also help the patients while making them feel more at ease while at the office. They are the Dentist’s extra pair of hands as they help prepare the patient for treatment, sterilize and organize instruments, pass instruments during dental procedures, take impressions, as well as fabricate provisional crowns. In some dental offices, a Certified Dental Assistant may perform both clerical and laboratory duties. Some of these tasks however may require formal training and certification. Those dental assistants having a certification may receive higher than average dental assistant salary.

To become a dental assistant, you may choose either a certificate course or a diploma. These two programs typically take 1 year to complete. Another great option is to obtain an associate’s degree, which is a two year course and is the best education to have in dental assisting. Although a degree is not required by most employers, having one can greatly help enhance your chances of getting employed and negotiate for a higher salary. Community colleges, vocational schools, and technical colleges, mostly offers both diploma and certificate courses in dental assisting. The dental assisting degree programs on the other hand are offered in junior and community colleges. In choosing the program, make sure that it is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. You can also voluntarily get your Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification after completing the training and passing the certification exam. There are states that require the certification prior to practicing in dental assisting.

Choosing the dental assistant as a career is one smart move, especially since the entry-level dental professionals are in high demands these days. From the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data that presents a 36% increase in the demand for dental assistants through 2018, the job outlook for dental assistants is excellent. Although these dental assistants may find employment in other health care facilities, most of them are employed in dental offices. They earn a respectable dental assistant salary and with the employment opportunities on the rise, this can be a very rewarding long-term profession for you.

Quality Dental Assistant Training to Ensure Better Patient Care

Maintenance of oral health has been always a part of our responsibilities concerning our physical wellbeing. However, with the growing population of people failing to see the importance of good dental health, there has also been an increasing need for the services of oral healthcare team composed of dentists, dental assistants and dental hygienists. The services of dental assistants, in particular, have been indispensible in order to ensure that the oral care being given to the patients is of high quality. These assistants not only lessen the load our dentists carry in their profession, but they also have become a significant part of good patient care administration.

Dental assistants are the ones expected to give their support to the dentists in performing various tasks. They may be tasked to remove oral sutures, make oral casts, place dental dams, process dental x-rays and do other clinical duties. They are the ones who prepare the patients after receiving them in their healthcare facility, making them comfortable in the dental chair. The sterilization and preparing of materials may also be left to the care of these assistants, while the dentist is busy attending to the physiological and psychological concerns of the patient before the procedure. Several administrative tasks such as scheduling patient appointments and receiving calls are also included in the list of their responsibilities.

Taking up formal education in dental assisting may be an ideal educational path to take before venturing into this occupation, but there are various dental offices that train their employees in the job. These trainees are usually preferred to have at least high school course work in health sciences, biology and other related key areas. They may expect to receive trainings from experienced dental assistants, which may take them a few months before they can fully function as assistants in the area with the right knowledge and skills. It is also possible for those interested to undergo formal education to get certification and degrees in dental assisting. For one-year programs, they may earn certificates after finishing courses focusing on oral health, medical science and practical clinical methods. Associate programs, which may be completed after two years, would let them earn a degree that necessitates them to enhance their learning on liberal arts and natural science courses.

Getting a dental assistant certification is one of the most effective means to help employers make a decision in hiring you. When it comes to certifications, however, it is better to become aware of the conditions required to be met before you could practice, since they usually vary from state to state. The Certified Dental Assistant Exam given by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) has three parts, including the General Chairside (GC), Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) and Infection Control (ICE). Obtaining a DANB certification, with such organization as one of the most well recognized in the field, is an advantage for your starting career in dental assisting. Employers may be able to safely presume you have possessed the competencies they need to work as dental assistants.

In Demand Jobs in the Field of Dental Assisting

Dentistry is a field that has always had some fear associated with it. However, with the recent advancements in the field of healthcare today, many patients now realize that going to the dentist does not necessarily mean that the visit should include pain. There is also that growing realization among the people about how the health of our teeth contributes to our overall health. Tooth infections and gum problems are common but dangerous conditions, especially if left for too long without giving it proper dental care. The daily brushing and flossing are not enough to assure us of being orally healthy. Regular dentist visit is a also a must to help maintain our overall health.

Every year, the number of people going into the dental profession is growing. Along with it is the need for more workers trained dental assisting. These days, the field of dental assisting is considered to be among the healthcare professions that has a positive outlook in the next several years.

Dental assistants are actually the one responsible for keeping a dental office running smoothly on all cylinders. They do not perform the same tasks as the dentist and dental hygienists, but they can perform both laboratory and office duties, as well as provide basic dental care to patients. Basically, they help make the job of the dentists and dental hygienist a lot easier and smoother. Dental assistants can find work in hospitals, educational service, and dental office. The dental assistants should possess great chair assisting skills as they are required to perform tasks such as preparing and maintaining dental instruments and equipments, recording patient’s health history, manage patients during dental procedures, and manage the dental inventory. Expanded functions that dental assistants in some states are allowed to perform may include applying cavity liners and bases. They may also be required to place and re move rubber dams, wedges, and matrices. Other duties may include carving and contouring amalgam restorations and placing sealant materials. However, when performing such duties, they must be supervised and directed by a licensed dentist or dental hygienist.

There are different paths one can take to become a dental assistant. Some dental assistant learn on the job, but most employers and state prefer to hire assistants with formal training. There are two-year dental assisting programs accredited by the American Dental Association that may either lead to certificate or associate’s degrees. There are also programs that offer 4-6 months of dental assisting programs, these are however not accredited. Most states require their dental assistants to be licensed or registered. The DANB or the Dental Assisting National Board provides the certification for the registration requirements in more than 30 states. Once registered or licensed, the dental assistants may be required to have continuing education for registration renewal.

Dental assisting is one interesting and lucrative career. This profession held about 295,300 jobs in 2008 and the employment outlook is expected to grow by 36% from 2008 through 2018. This is a faster than average rate for all the other occupations. As of May 2008, the median annual wages of dental assistants were $32,380. The job prospect should be excellent as there is a growing need for dentists needing the aid of qualified dental assistants. There are many opportunities for entry level positions, especially for those who have had formal training and are registered.

Ways on How to Further Improve Your Dental Assistant Salary

Dental assisting is just one of the many fast growing professions in the healthcare sector today. Aside from the great number of people entering the field every day, more of them are still needed to fill in the vacant dental assisting jobs in most dental facilities available. This profession can put you on a fast track and a lucrative career that will provide you and your family with a secure future. You can already start working as a dental assistant in as fast as less than a year. As soon as you have completed the dental assistant training program which includes both classroom lessons and clinical experiences, you can already seek employment and earn a decent amount of dental assistant salary even just at an entry level position.

Moreover, the amount of their salaries can be further improved if you just take into considerations several things that would help you earn on a higher range. You only need to keep yourself informed about the basic things that most employers are seeking for you to be able to lavish on having an increase in your dental assistant earnings.

Some States require their dental assistants to be licensed or certified by the Dental Assistant National Board (DANB). Even if it is not always required, being a Certified Dental Assistant will set you above all the other dental assistants looking for a job in the dental assisting field. If an employer were to choose between a non-certified and a certified dental assistant, almost always, the employer would prefer hiring the certified one as this will assure them that they are hiring a highly qualified assistant. This certification will also serve as the gauge as to the exact salary figure that the dental assistant deserves. The certification may be in the form of any of the different specializations in dental assisting.

Another thing that will further increase your potential earning is the amount of experience you possess by working in the field. A dental assistant with more experience are most likely given a higher salary than someone who has little to no experience at all. This experience may be taken in the form of internships and voluntary jobs on local dental offices. It is also a known fact that dental assisting jobs in bigger cities usually pay more due to the larger population and an increased need for dental assistants. If you want to find a job that pays better, then you must consider moving to a bigger city with many hospitals and dental clinics around so that you will have more employment opportunities. Living on a small town with only a few hospitals or dental office would mean lower salary rates and more unemployment chances.

Keeping all these in mind would help you increase your potential earnings as a dental assistant. But you should also keep in mind that more than the monetary gain, you should always put the salary second only to your interest in helping and being of service to the people.

What Dental Assistants Are Expected to Know as Part of the Dental Healthcare Team

When it comes to oral health, dentists are the primary personnel expected to work against various factors that imposes risks to our dental wellbeing. Among the members of a dental healthcare team, dental assistant holds a significant part in keeping quality conventional office duties and laboratory work, including good rendering of direct patient care. Under the direct supervision of licensed dentists, tasks being assigned to them may depend on the level of their education and expertise.

A high school diploma is one of the basic requirements needed in order to be accepted in dental assistant schools or programs. Those who are interested in pursuing their careers in this field would be in great advantage if they have taken courses in chemistry, office management and biology. Dental assistance programs include classroom lectures, dental assisting theory and skills as well as laboratory work. Depending on the state, this occupation usually does not require any formal education.

It is possible for non-registered dental assistants to handle several tasks under the direct supervision of a dentist. They are often involved in office management and appointment supervision. They are expected to provide good patient education pertaining to oral health care as well as operate some machines. They are the ones who usually prepare the needed dental instruments and equipments as well as provide assistance to the dentist while at work. They prepare the client for the procedure and keep track with the changes in his condition during the whole process. They are capable of doing simple procedures such as application of topical anesthetic to gums, removal of dressings and sutures as well as perform extra oral and intra oral photography. Measurements of instruments are also important, and their accuracy and functionality should be taken with great priority.

There are also dental assistants that can register through the California Dental Assistant Association. These dental assistants are expected to perform much complex and technical dental work. They can perform the chemical preparation of the teeth for bonding as well as place liners, bonding agents, periodontal dressings and bases. They can do mouth-mirror inspection of the oral cavity and take note of any inconsistency with the oral anatomy and physiology. They are trained to do placement, fabrication and finishing of direct provisional restorations as well as be dependable in tasks such as the application and activation of bleaching agents using non-laser light-curing devices. Placing dressings after extraction is one of their duties after the licensed dentist supervising them have inspected their work thoroughly.

Those who have graduated from dental assistance programs accredited by notable authorized organizations have higher chances at employment compared to those who have otherwise educational background. Most of them are trained on-the-job, wherein the licensed dentist responsible in supervising them enhances their performances in doing their tasks as well as the knowledge they need to support their skills. The job opportunities waiting for the dental assistants are projected to increase up to 36% through the year 2018, which exceeds the increasing rate of other professions in the field. Because of such demand, dental assistant salary is one of the reasons why aspirants are increasing in number. Averaging $32,768 each year, a dental assistant will surely see their work as a very rewarding job.

Work Forwards in a Dental Assisting Career

It is without doubt that the best professions to be in these days are within the healthcare sector. Healthcare today assumes more and more roles in the lives of many people as they are becoming more health conscious. As the healthcare sector provides a wide range of jobs, all of this is defined and characterized with care. This care may then come in many forms. Among the top in demand health care jobs in the United States that requires no formal training is a career in dental assisting. This is pretty much because everybody needs dental care from the dentist, and every dentist needs an assistant with them. This fast track profession only requires non-formal education such as an on-the-job-training to be able to earn a decent dental assistant salary.

Almost every dental clinic hires the help of dental assistants. You will find that there are a lot of dental assistant jobs available these days, this is probably why there is an increasing number of individuals who are becoming more interested in prospect of being a dental assistant. Dental assistant jobs are found everywhere, as they are needed by the dental clinics and dentists because of their quality skills in performing both paper works and assisting in dental procedures. Job openings for dental assistants are usually listed in local newspapers and online, for more choices. This positive outlook in the prospective employment for dental assistants and the possible income they may earn are probably the reasons why dental assisting often comes to the mind of those who want to have a good-paying job, with lesser risks.

While many are interested in joining this lucrative profession, some people are probably wondering about the significance of this profession in the first place. Let’s get to the basics in dental assisting to get a good understanding on how this job ever came about. The description itself says that a dental assistant is someone who provides assistance to the dentist in everything that’s within the context of the dental clinic and it includes equipment set-up, dealing with patient appointment and questions, and keeping track of the records in the dental clinic. As a conclusion, dental assistants prove to be a significant member of the dental team and a good secretary as well.

There are indeed a lot of dental assistant job openings these days, but most of them require a particular set of skills and training before they could consider an applicant for the job. If you are interested in becoming one, you should start looking into schools that provide training in this particular field. Most schools offering dental assistant programs usually include subject courses in dentistry, medicine, chemistry, clerical duties, and how to handle patients and their superiors. The education and training in dental assisting will only be able to consume at least one year of your time. Having completed the course, the next step for you to take is to be certified.

As discussed beforehand, dental assistant job openings are available almost everywhere. This particular field in the healthcare sector is getting more and more popular nowadays. Because of its growing popularity today, dental assisting jobs are now becoming competitive in the job market. Aside from those job openings found in advertisements on local newspapers, one very good and updated source is the internet. By searching online, you will not only be able to get job listings on your area, but you will also be provided with online access to job applications where you can directly e-mail your potential employers with your resume. Many employers today make use of job search engines in finding themselves potential dental assistants from all over the country. But in order to make yourself visible to the employer, you should first contact them, make yourself known, and submit to them your hard-earned resume. Online, you may even be able to find better career prospects in nearby cities.

As with other professions today, dental assistant job openings won’t diminish any time in the near future, especially now that the need for dental clinics and dental services are still high. This denotes that dental assistants are still going to be at its peak of demands. With this career, you will have better opportunities at career advancements and better job prospects that you would never regret going for this career.

Why Dental Assistant Jobs Are Popular

If you want a job that could give you security and a fairly high salary without the burden of heavy responsibilities then a career in dental assisting may be just right for you. With a just a few trainings and education, you will be able to earn well and have a chance to grow professionally. You will also have flexible working hours, as well as rewarding benefits. The job itself doesn’t pose any major obligations and pressure as you will be working with the dentist in the laboratory by assisting them to perform dental procedures and organize the equipments needed for a specific procedure. Dental assistants are basically regarded as the dentists’ extra pair of hands.

Dental assistants are expected to perform both laboratory and administrative duties. Their everyday laboratory tasks may include sterilizing of equipments, take and develop dental x-ray, apply topical anesthetics, and providing in-chair assistance. On a typical day, dental assistants may also perform administrative duties such as scheduling and confirming appointments, receive patients, bookkeeping, sending out bills, and receiving payments.

Most States in the U.S. do not require formal training from the dental assistants, but having completed formal training will give better career opportunities the dental assistant. There are over 281 approved dental assisting programs by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Most dental assisting programs only take about one year to be completed which can lead to a certificate or diploma. Two-year programs from community colleges may then lead to an associate’s degree.

The dental assistant salary may vary depending on factors such as the State, educational attainment, and work experience. However, these differences should still conform to the general benchmark of the U.S. to the dental assistants. The mean salary for dental assistants is about $16.35 per hour, or about $34,000 per year. The job outlook for dental assistants is also very promising with about 36% rate of growth from the year 2008 until 2018. The projected employment will then increase from 295,300 to about 400,900 within the same decade.

Everyone needs dental care, and this means that people will always be in need of dental assistants. This makes it a good career choice for those who want a steady employment and a secure financial future. With only just a few months to a few years of education and training, you will be able to enjoy the rewarding benefits of this profession. Success and advancements in this profession is also possible with professional attitude, and skills, and if coupled with extra training and courses.

Dental Assistants Giving To Families In Need

Jenny Fuller, Naomi Kurstin and Jack Miyato are average earners of a dental assistant salary. Other than having the same career, they have been friends for more than ten years now. They grew up in the same town and neighborhood in Michigan. They love to hang-out and they spend their Sunday volunteering in their local church. After graduating in high school the three high-spirited friends decided to take dental assisting since they find the said profession quite appealing. The three are now twenty-five years old and have been earning their dental assistant salary for three years now, all of them are working in California.

Despite the ugly situation of the United States economy the three young professionals decided to share their blessing to the needy and to other kids who aspire to be somebody when they grow up. Jenny Fuller is the mastermind of the plan which she called operation “Give love on Christmas Day” wherein they shelled in $500 each to buy different canned goods, pasta and simple basic needs to give out to very poor families in Michigan. Naomi said that it’s their way of sharing what they have received for the past three years. Jack also admitted that they have always wanted to reach out to families who can barely afford a decent meal in a day. The three best of friends decided that there’s no better way to celebrate their Christmas by making other people happy. Jenny said that they have very strong faith in God and the best way to thank God is to make other people strengthen their faith in God despite all the trials they are facing.

Jack happily said “we want these families to believe that God is good and he will never let them down. In a way the three of us want to act as the angels of God just this Christmas and put smiles on people’s faces. This time we are not helping a dentist or a dental hygienist create a great smile on patients instead we are making smiles that will truly last for a lifetime that will be treasured in our hearts forever.” Naomi added “Christmas for the three of us has never been this great and fulfilling. You should have seen the smiles of the kids when we gave them hugable toys and the eyes of those parents that looked so bright when we were handing them our gifts.”

The three dental assistants spent $1,500 to buy all they need to give to the families they have visited. They never thought that their $500 each can go a long way. All in all the three were able to help forty families and about fifty kids. Jenny even said that “this time I know our hard earned $500 from our dental assistant salary was really spent wisely”.