Why Becoming a Dental Assistant is a Great Career Choice

By Dr. Jason Lewis 

Being a professional Dental Assistant is a great choice if you’re looking for a new career or just starting fresh out of school.  It’s a unique career in the fast-paced and rewarding health care field —no two days are ever the same!  If you’re interested in helping people, and making important personal connections on a daily basis, then becoming a Dental Assistant may be a great career move for you and Bartram Dental Assisting School housed at Bartram Dental can help you.  

Here are some reasons you may want to become a Dental Assistant:

1. WORK ENVIRONMENT

Can’t stand the thought of staring at a computer screen all day?  Dental Assistants enjoy the freedom to move around and interact with a lot of people – doctors, patients, administrators and technicians.  They perform a wide variety of tasks, so the day is never boring — from assisting dentists with procedures to processing X-rays. Still, there is time to sit and regroup while you maintain patient records and potentially schedule follow-up appointments.  Dental offices are clean, safe and upbeat work environments often possessing a great sense of “team.”

2. IT’S A SKILL THAT ALLOWS YOU TO WORK ANYWHERE IN THE USA

With a certificate from Bartram Dental Assisting School you can secure a great job anywhere in the country.  Dental Assistants are needed everywhere!  And because there are so many types of specialists in dentistry — from oral surgeons to orthodontists — there are plenty of “different” types of offices you could work in.  You will have lots of options!

3. “FULFILLING” CONNECTIONS WITH PATIENTS

Often, we find our jobs “unfulfilling” – leaving you feeling like you are not making much impact.  Working as a Dental Assistant you’ll quickly realize your importance.  Patients will rely on you for compassion, expertise and friendliness when they’re nervous.  A knowledgeable welcoming smile can make a huge difference in a patient’s dental office visit.

4. A DENTAL ASSISTANT CAREER IS GATEWAY TO OTHER CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Becoming a Dental Assistant is a great way to get your foot in the door of the broad-based dental industry.  If you decide to go in a different direction after a few years of working, you’ll be in a great position to become an office manager or dental assisting instructor.  You’ll also have an excellent foundation for continuing your education to become a dental hygienist or other health care professional.

5. THE JOB OUTLOOK?

There is a huge demand for Dental Assistants in the next decade.  The need for Dental Assistants is projected to grow 19% through 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.  Those with Dental Assisting certificates during the next several years can be very selective about where they work.  That translates into better pay, more benefits and more respect on the job.

6. FAST TRAINING

Dental Assisting certificate programs like ours at Bartram Dental Assisting School typically take only a few months.  The Certificate you will earn from us is recognized by the State of Florida and can be used anywhere in the USA.  

7. PAY AND BENEFITS

While the cost of your coursework is comparatively low, the income potential of a Dental Assistant can be considerable.  The median annual wage for Dental Assistant was $37,630 in 2017 nationally, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $53,130 per year across the US, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In Florida so far in 2021, Dental Assistants are earning an average annual salary $37,995 according to salary.com.  Most Dental Assistants also receive health insurance, paid holidays, free dental care and paid sick leave.

Bartram Dental Assisting School is your first step to an exciting new career as a professional Dental Assistant. Our School is operated by practicing dentists and experienced dental health professionals in the setting of an actual state-of-the-art dental office. You will gain exposure to a wide range of techniques, materials, and dental knowledge with a focus on the skills you’ll need to get a great job.

We are a recognized program by the Florida Department of Education (all programs have to be approved by the Florida Department of Education).  We provide an Expanded Functions certificate of completion, which is approved by the Florida Board of Dentistry.

Each of our dental assistant student also receives a custom personalized resume for post-graduation use.  We also coaching our students on interview preparation — questions you’ll be asked, what to wear, and social media issues, etc.  We also help with job placement.

If you are interested in becoming a professional Dental Assistant, please call the School at (904) 201-6000 or visit bartramdentalassisting.com.