A Day in the Life: Dental Assistant

What Does a Dental Assistant Do, Exactly?

You don't enjoy the thought of going to the dentist. You don't like the sound of the machines, you find scheduling an appointment to be inconvenient, and you're afraid the dentist might find a cavity. I'm here to help you overcome those fears. As a dental assistant, my job is to make you comfortable and ensure your visit goes smoothly.

I assist with all aspects of a dental office such as patient care, office administration, and laboratory functions. My daily duties include: sterilizing instruments, passing instruments to the dentist, educating patients, maintaining patients' records, scheduling appointments, comforting patients, taking x-rays, and more. From preparing the area to answering the patient's billing questions, I'm with the patient from beginning to end of the visit.¹

Career Opportunities in Dental Assisting

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted dental assistants will see an 11% increase in job opportunities between 2018 and 2028.¹ With additional training and/or education, dental assistants could even branch out into other careers within the field. Popular choices include office manager, dental sales representative, research associate, and dental hygienist.  

How to Become a Dental Assistant

At Rockford Career College, you could earn your dental assistant diploma in as little as ten months! Students are trained in chairside assisting procedures, infection control, treatment procedures, and front office procedures. They also complete an externship with a local employer, so they gain practical experience before they even graduate. Some graduates find employment at their externship sites while others take their new skills and knowledge with them as they travel across the country.

If you want to become a dental assistant, now is a great time to start. Call 888.680.6682 or submit the Request Information form online to learn more. The Rockford team is ready to assuage your fears about financial aid, class scheduling, and finding a job, just as dental assistants prepare their patients for what lies ahead.

Reference:
¹ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Dental Assistants, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm (visited August 13, 2020).

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