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. |
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