According to the U.S. Department
of Labor:
Job prospects for dental assistants should be excellent. Employment
is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations
through the year 2012. In fact, this field is expected to
be one of the fastest growing occupations through the year
2012. In addition to job openings due to employment growth,
numerous job openings will arise out of the need to replace
assistants who transfer to other occupations, retire, or leave
the labor force for other reasons. Many opportunities are
for entry-level positions offering on-the-job training. Population
growth and greater retention of natural teeth by middle-aged
and older people will fuel demand for dental services. Older
dentists, who have been less likely to employ assistants,
are leaving the occupation and will be replaced by recent
graduates, who are more likely to use one or even two assistants.
Median hourly earnings of dental assistants were $13.10 in
2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $10.35 and $16.20
an hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $8.45, and
the highest 10 percent earned more than $19.41 an hour. Benefits
vary substantially by practice setting and may be contingent
upon full-time employment. According to the American Dental
Association (ADA), almost all full-time dental assistants
employed by private practitioners received paid vacation time.
The ADA also found that 9 out of 10 full-time and part-time
dental assistants received dental coverage.
The American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental
Accreditation approved 259 dental-assisting training programs
in 2002. Programs include classroom, laboratory, and preclinical
instruction in dental-assisting skills and related theory.
In addition, students gain practical experience in dental
schools, clinics, or dental offices. Most programs take 1
year or less to complete and lead to a certificate or diploma.
Two-year programs offered in community and junior colleges
lead to an associate degree.
Have you Considered Taking a Course Online?
Learn
more Here:
Start a rewarding career in a growing Health Care Field!
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*Highest
Level of Education:
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*Completed:
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Which Online Programs Should Contact You?
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Penn Foster Career School:
Diploma - Dental Assistant
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Professional Career Development:
Diploma - Dental Assistant
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