People who are more interested in having a career instead of just finding a job are being drawn towards working in the field of dentistry. Although the job market in many sectors is tightening up, there still continues to be many openings in the world of Dentistry. Some of these positions include:
Dental Assistant
Dental assistants are usually the first people see when the go to the dentist. They are responsible for helping to manage the paperwork side, by scheduling appointments and arranging follow-ups, but that is only a small fraction of what they do. They also assist the dentist on many procedures, are responsible for developing x-rays and taking mouth casts, and make sure that the office environment is safe and healthy for both employees and patients.
Dental Hygienist
Dental Hygienists are often looked at as the dentist’s right hand person. They take care of most of the preliminary cleaning practices, including plaque removal and applying fluorides. They are also responsible for taking x-rays and working alongside the dentist when performing fillings, removal and the like.
Dental Lab Technician
Dental Lab Technicians work more behind the scenes, but they are no less important. They are responsible for building full dentures and permanent crowns, as well as building removable partial dentures. They also work with orthodontic appliances for when a patient needs to have their teeth straightened. While there are many different fields that offer a career path, there are several reasons that set this particular line of work above most others.
Flexible Training
A person can qualify to be a Dental Hygienist or Dental Lab Technician in as little as two years, and many Dental Assistants are qualified to start working after only nine months. Just as importantly, the programs that are required for these positions tend to be flexible, allowing the students to continue working full-time while taking classes. One of the most common paths that students choose is to become certified as an assistant while working towards becoming a hygienist or technician. That way they can be working in a dental office while they finish their training at places like the Dental Career Academy.
Personal Satisfaction
Helping people and feeling a sense of satisfaction in their job is a main reason why many people go into these fields in the first place. There is a rewarding sense of accomplishment, knowing that they are providing a vital service for people. A lack of purpose is the number one reason most people cite when they decide to change career fields. It is then a matter of deciding which field is the right one.
Financial Security
Not only do all of these positions offer the personal satisfaction that comes from having a job that helps other, they are also financially rewarding as well. The starting salary for these positions is typically at or above the average starting salary for their region, and the possibility for advancement exists throughout the industry.
Flexible Scheduling
In addition to the earning potential, another major draw to working in this career field is the flexibility it offers. People can choose to work full time or part time, an especially enticing prospect for those with young children or elderly parents to look after. There is also the choice of what size office they wish to work in. Some people prefer a larger practice while others enjoy the feel of a small office with only one or two dentists.
Career Stability
These positions will always need to be filled, creating a secure career path that a person can stay on until they retire. As the population continues to grow, and as people live longer, healthier lives, the demand for dental professionals will only continue to increase. Instead of just settling for a job and a paycheck, a healthy dental career is the path to a rewarding and fulfilling future.
