Dental assistants play an important role in dental offices. Not only do they help patients look and feel their best with great oral health; they also help ensure patients are comfortable during visits. Plus, dental assistants get to work alongside dentists and hygienists. Learn exactly why dental assisting is a good career.

1. Dental Assistants Interact with Patients

If you like interacting with people in a professional setting, becoming a dental assistant will give you plenty of opportunity to see patients from all walks of life. Not only will you meet and get to know dental clients and staff, but you can also be the person who offers comfort and assurance to someone who is nervous about being in the chair. Your soft skills as a dental assistant could truly make a difference in someone’s entire dental experience.

2. Dental Assistants Help Patients Stay Healthy

While your good interpersonal skills may quell someone’s fears, you’ll also need fine technical skills as a dental assistant to perform such tasks as taking oral impressions and radiographs, combating infection through proper equipment sterilization and assisting with the smooth management of the front office. As a dental assistant, you’ll teach patients the basics of good oral care and what to do after oral surgery or tooth restoration. According to the American Dental Association, “Dental assistants greatly increase the efficiency of the dentist in the delivery of quality oral health care.”

3. Enjoy a Flexible Schedule as a Dental Assistant

One of the perks of becoming a Dental Assistant is the flexible schedule you could create for yourself. Depending on your dentist office, you might work part-time or even divide your time between two dental practices. More than one-third of Dental Assistants work part-time which is especially appealing if you have young children or other demands on your time.

4. Dental Assistants Are In Demand

If you become a Dental Assistant, there are many good job opportunities available to you. The occupation is seeing above average job growth and is expected to grow by more than 30 percent through 2020. Additionally, there’s been a real uptick in group dental offices in recent years. The more dentist practices there are, the more opportunities there are for you!

5. Dental Assistants Receive Medical and Other Benefits

It’s no surprise that if you work in a dental office, you may get dental benefits. However, many Dental Assistants also receive medical insurance and paid sick leave.

If becoming a Dental Assistant sounds like a good career move for you, check out the opportunities at Porter and Chester Institute. Our Dental Assisting program will give you the skills you need to confidently work in today’s professional dental offices.