Job Outlook Excellent for Dental Assistants

by Alex A. Kecskes

Even in these hard times, people need dental work. And while you may not have the time or money to become a dentist, you may want to look into becoming a dental assistant.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for dental assistants is expected to grow 36 percent to 2018--much faster than the average for all occupations.

There are a number of reasons for the rising demand in dental assistants: The growing U.S. population, more older people who need dental care, and the increased emphasis on preventative dental care for all ages. Another factor is that retiring dentists who have been working solo will give way to younger ones who like the idea of having an assistant to help them with set ups and scheduling. Today's dental technology is also more advanced, which means dentists will need tech-savvy assistants to help them with complex procedures and equipment.

While entry-level positions will be plentiful, some dentists will want to hire experienced assistants. If you want to enter this profession, you should complete a dental-assisting program and look into your State's requirements for dental assistants.

Standards for dental assistants vary by State. Certification is available through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), and is recognized or required in 20 States. Other organizations offer registration, most often at the State level. You can qualify to take the DANB certification examination by graduating from an accredited training program, or by working two years full-time or four years part-time as a dental assistant.

For an added perspective, check out this informative video:

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