Is dental assistant school the right next step in your career path? Whether you're a recent high school grad, are ready to return to the workplace after years caring for your children or aging parents, or just want a change, take a look at what you need to know about the dental field, training, and your job options.
Are Dental Assistants In Demand?
Before you choose a new career you want to know one thing—can you get a job after you complete a training program? If there's little to no growth in your potential future industry, you may end up exactly where you are right now. But if there are new job openings on the horizon, you may have your pick of places to work or have an edge when it comes to salary negotiations.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dental assistant jobs are growing at a faster than average rate of 11 percent. This could equal the addition of 36,900 jobs in the United States between 2020 and 2030. While the BLS's projected job outlook doesn't guarantee you'll find work immediately after graduation from a dental assistant program, it does show a positive trend that you may want to follow.
How Much Training Do Dental Assistants Need?
Unlike some jobs in retail or the food service industry, dental assistants need formal training before they can start their career path. A high school diploma (or an equivalency) is the first step to becoming a dental assistant. After you have a diploma or equivalency, you can apply to a dental assisting program at a dental assistant academy, healthcare-related career or vocational school, or a community college.
The amount of time you'll spend training or in school depends on the type of program you choose, the curriculum, and the degree. A certificate or diploma-level program could take as little as one year of full-time study to complete, according to the BLS. If you choose an associate's degree, it's likely you'll need to spend at least two years in school.
How Can Future Dental Assistants Learn More About School or Training Programs?
The answer to this question is easy—contact your nearest dental assistant academy or training program. The admissions staff can help you to learn more about the overall degree program, the type of certificate or diploma you will get, the cost of school, and job placement rates for recent graduates.
To find out more, contact a dental school such as Chairside Dental Academy.
Share10 March 2022
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