Considering a career as a dental assistant? Like all new jobs, you can’t fully understand what there is to love until you’re in your career. The AIDA team is passionate about dental assisting and we’re always excited to hear how happy our students are in their new field. What you’ll find rewarding is unique to you, but we thought we’d share our top 5 favorite things!
#1 Rewarding Career
From assisting with general dentistry to oral surgery and confidence-boosting smile transformations, you have a positive impact on your patient’s life. Dental health is directly related to whole-body health, so your role positively impacts their health too.
Many patients are nervous about going to the dentist. Since you’re the first face they see, you’re a calming and reassuring presence. You’ll quickly form genuine connections with your patients. From assisting during their visit to sharing their personalized dental care plan and answering patient questions.
#2 Team Environment
If you enjoy working as part of a truly cohesive team, dental assisting delivers! You’ll work closely with both the dental hygienist and the dentist to ensure smooth operations and quality patient care. Your role may also include some clerical duties, so you may work with the office manager and receptionist.
This isn’t to say that you don’t have autonomy, as you’ll make many of the purchasing decisions for your practice. Your role includes infection control, so you’ll likely be responsible for stocking new supplies. Your input on upgrades and time and cost-saving equipment will also be vital to your dental practice.
#3 Salary and Job Security
In Colorado, the median salary for dental assistants is the same as the national average at $22.42 per hour, or $43,046 per year. Top salaries in the state max out at almost $29 per hour. In terms of job security, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nationwide job growth is 7%, which is higher than the national average of closer to 5%.
As an entry-level assistant, you’ll start at the lower end of the pay scale.
According to Indeed, nationwide salary is as follows:
- $19.70 for entry-level candidates
- $21.47 for 1 to 2 years of experience
- $24.65 for 3 to 5 years of experience
- $25.76 for 6 to 9 years of experience
- $27.96 for 10+ years of experience
#4 Growth Opportunities
One way to accelerate your pay scale and command a higher salary at any time in your career is to continue your education. Each state’s Dental Board outlines what job duties dental assistants can perform and what training is required. In Colorado, there are two job titles: dental assisting (DA) and expanded duties dental assisting (EDDA).
As an entry-level candidate, you’ll start at the lower end of the pay scale, but EDDA training may bring you in at $1 more per hour. With tenure, EDDA training qualifies you for a wider range of positions and allows you to reach the top of the pay scale.
#5 High Quality of Life
Quality of life is another reason we love dental assisting. While dental practices are without a doubt fast-paced, stress is low. The ambiance is calm, and you won’t take your work home with you.
You’ll also have a set schedule, that is typically Monday through Friday and maybe a short day on alternating Saturdays. You’ll have holidays and 3-day weekends off.
Want to Learn More About Dental Assisting?
If you live in or around Colorado Springs, we invite you to schedule a tour at the American Institute of Dental Assisting. Our school empowers you to complete DA training in just 13 weeks and EDDA training in an additional 7 weeks.
Unlike many programs in the area, we offer hands-on training in a live dental clinic. We also offer evening and weekend classes so you can continue to work during the day. Reach out to schedule your tour!