Dental Assistants
Dental assistants work closely under the supervision of dentists, basically becoming the dentist's second pair of hands. They perform routine duties that allow the dentist to focus on more complex procedures, and their tasks include patient care, laboratory procedures, and other office functions.
In most states, there are no formal education or training requirements to become an entry-level dental assistant. Most states also regulate the duties dental assistants are allowed to perform. On-the-job training may be required for dental assistants, even for those who are certified.
Without credentials other than a high school diploma, advancement opportunities are limited. Employment in dental assisting is expected to grow 36 percent in the next decade. Job prospects should be high as dentists continue to need the assistance of qualified dental assistants.
As a dental assistant, you can expect to:
- Advance to office managers, dental-assisting instructors, or dental hygienists..
- Work closely with patients and perform basic procedures
- Cleaning patients’ teeth and taking X-rays
