3 reasons to love dental assisting
If you were given just one word to describe dental assistants, “passionate” would be a fitting choice. Many dental assistants feel as if they’re following their calling. In fact, more than 75% of those in dental assisting say it’s a career and not just a job, according to DANB’s most recent Dental Assistants Salary and Satisfaction Survey.
These dental assistants remain dedicated to helping advance dentistry and deliver oral healthcare during a time when the role has never been more essential and the industry faces staffing shortages.
“I would not trade my dental assisting career for anything,” says Kelli, CDA.
“I have enjoyed many years in the profession and more than a decade of DANB certification. For those looking for a successful career, dental assisting has so much to offer. I hope that more people become interested in the field,” Gerrie, CDA, tells us.
What would you say? Below, we highlight some of the top reasons dental assistants say they love their career and the profession.
The rewards of helping others
Providing patient care is the cornerstone of the dental assistant role. Every day, dental assistants impact their patients’ lives, improving their smiles and their confidence while building lasting relationships. It’s one of the most rewarding aspects of the profession.
Lidia wholeheartedly believes patient care is at the center of all she does: “I was attracted to this very rewarding field because of all the opportunities to help patients — to help to relieve their pain, to help enhance their smiles, or simply to build great relationships with them. I have met many great patients in my career.”
Maggie agrees the main draw of the dental assisting profession is the opportunity she has to positively impact patients’ lives. Through helping patients not only access, but also understand, the importance of dentist-recommended treatment, Maggie has a hand in boosting both their oral health and self-esteem.
“I chose dental assisting because nothing beats the before-and-after comparison and the confidence that your patient feels when the dentist is finished with their treatment,” Maggie shares.
The variety of duties dental assistants perform
Many dental assistants say they are attracted to the profession because so many opportunities exist for career advancement.
For some, this includes taking on a supervising or lead dental assistant role in the office or performing expanded functions duties as allowed in their state. Consider that 56% of dental assistants surveyed by DANB hold an expanded functions credential.
Kalyn, CDA, has set a similar goal for herself, to benefit her own career, as well as her practice and patients. “By completing the EFDA program I’ve enrolled in, I will be able to bring a new skill set to my dentist’s practice and be able to mentor other dental assistants looking to grow in this rewarding and ever-changing field,” she says. “As an experienced member of a large practice, I am always taking on new roles to teach new dental assistants.”
Motivated and educated dental assistants can step into other dental office areas as well, such as becoming a lead dental assistant or overseeing dental infection prevention and control.
The ability to move into other areas of dentistry
While many dental assistants choose to spend the duration of their careers working chairside, others explore positions beyond assisting. These professionals may become dental assisting educators, practice managers, hygienists, or dentists, for example.
No matter where you would like to go professionally in the dental field, a dental assistant role is an excellent place to start.
“The best thing about being a dental assistant is the amazing growth opportunities I’ve had in the 30 years since my career began,” shares Jill, CDA, whose career began as a U.S. Navy dental technician. “I enjoyed dental assisting for many years, and then decided to become a practice manager at a Federally Qualified Health Center in 2001, which I’m still doing as of today.”
“I now manage a team of 70 people in a 24-chair practice, which is challenging and rewarding at the same time,” Jill continues. “I love my job and wouldn’t change it for the world!”
Yuliya, CDA, also has worked her way up in the dental field, now holding the position as lead assistant where she works. She’s motivated to continue growing and learning, through pursuing a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene with a focus on preventive care.
“My goal is to serve as a dental hygienist for my community,” Yuliya says. “I am committed to being a lifelong learner throughout my career. I hope to eventually become a dental hygienist or assistant instructor and provide dental education to students. I believe education can give a person wings to prosper.”
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