If you’re thinking about becoming a dental assistant, you should definitely read this blog post. We hope that once you're done reading, you will have a better understanding of what it takes to become a dental assistant and whether or not this is the right career for you.
Let's get right into it!
How Long Does it Take to Go From No Knowledge to Becoming Employable?
So you've been bitten by the dental assisting bug, huh? You're not alone- according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for dental assistants is expected to grow by 19% by 2026. But what does that mean for you and your timeline?
Here's a breakdown of what you can expect when making the switch to a career in dental assisting.
If you're starting from scratch with no prior knowledge or experience, it will take you longer to become an employable dental assistant than someone who has already completed a dental assistant program. However, that doesn't mean it's impossible! There are numerous programs available that can get you up to speed in as little as four months.
Once you have the necessary education and training under your belt, the next step is to obtain state licensure, if required. Depending on your state's requirements, this process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Once you're licensed and job-searching in earnest, it shouldn't take more than a few months to land your first gig.
From start to finish, you're looking at a timeline of anywhere from four months to two years before you're fully transitioned into a career as a dental assistant. And trust us - it'll be worth it. Dental assisting is a rewarding field with plenty of opportunity for growth.
Dental Assistants Gain Knowledge About Everyone's Positions in the Office
One of the best things about being a dental assistant is that you gain an understanding of everyone's role in the office. You will develop a deep appreciation for every team member and what they contribute to making the practice run smoothly. This knowledge can be helpful if you ever decide to move into another position within the dental field.
You also get to learn about a variety of topics related to dentistry that you may have never been exposed to before. For example, did you know that there are over 200 types of bacteria that live in your mouth? As a dental assistant, you'll learn about the different types of bacteria and how they can impact your oral health.
Being Compassionate & Caring is Essential
If you're not a people person, dental assisting may not be the right career for you. Dental assistants need to be compassionate and caring in order to build trust with patients. This is especially important for those who are nervous or anxious about visiting the dentist.
You'll also need to have excellent communication skills in order to effectively relay information between the patient and dentist. It's important that you're able to understand the patient's needs and concerns in order to provide the best possible care.
It's possible you could get away with just "doing a job" and not actually caring so much. But wouldn't you rather do something you have a passion for? Patients can pick up on the fact that you might not care, and they will be less likely to return to the practice in the future.
Are You Ready to Get Started?
We hope that this blog post has given you a better understanding of what it takes to become a dental assistant. It's a really rewarding field to be in.
After becoming educated and licensed, Stynt can help you find the perfect job. With thousands of dental practices in our network, we're sure to have the perfect fit for you.
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