What Are the Advantages of a Dental Assisting Career?

• Variety: Dental assistants have one of the most diverse and interesting of all positions in a dental office. Dental assisting is a challenging and rewarding career, demanding versatility and a willingness to assume responsibility for many different tasks.
  
  
• Flexibility: Since dental assistants are in demand, career options include both full-time and part-time positions
  
  
• Excellent working conditions: Dental offices are interesting, pleasant, people-oriented environments in which to work.
  
  
• Personal satisfaction: Dental assisting involves people contact, and with this personal interaction comes the personal satisfaction of knowing you've really helped someone by helping to provide a valuable health service.

Dental assisting offers a variety of career options. As a certified and/or registered dental assistant, employment opportunities are available in all areas of the dental office or clinic. These positions include clinical assistant, infection control manager, practice manager, preventive assistant, and business/reception assistant. Besides the private dental practice, additional employment options include dental school clinics; hospital dental clinics; civil and military services. Opportunities may also be found with dental insurance companies, and dental products manufactures.

All states recognize the credential of Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). In addition to the CDA, some states have the classification or license of Registered Dental Assistant (RDA). Certification and licensing will be discussed more fully in the Preparation section. When reviewing the following descriptions, realize that many of these positions are utilized in the same professional setting.

Clinical Assistant/Preventive Assistant

The clinical (chairside) assistant works directly with the dentist to provide patient care for general or specialty dental services. Often the dental assistant performs the dual role of clinical and preventive assistant when involved in patient education activities that focus on oral hygiene and nutrition. The legally permitted functions that a dental assistant can perform vary by state. A group dental practice or large clinic setting often has several clinical dental assistants.

Infection Control Manager

All dental offices and clinics must adhere to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. The infection control manager maintains the dental office or clinic compliance program, and is involved in monitoring employee training sessions, keeping the necessary documentation records accurate and current, and making sure the office complies with adherence to OSHA standards.

Practice Manager (Office Manager)

The practice or office manager oversees the daily operations of a dental office or clinic, supervising the staff members responsible for the clinical and business areas of the practice. An accomplished clinical dental assistant will often move towards this position as it affords the opportunity to acquire additional business experience. Depending on the size of the practice or clinic, this position can be broad in scope with extensive supervisory responsibilities.

Business/Reception Assistant

This position often combines the responsibilities of appointment scheduling, dental insurance billing for third party payments, and accounts payable and receivable. A group dental practice or large clinic setting frequently has several staff members designated for the business needs. Many dental assistants choose to work in a dental practice that allows them to utilize both clinical and business skills.

Dental Insurance Companies

All insurance companies employ individuals to review and process dental claims. Experienced dental assistants are in demand for these positions. For those who desire to work in a corporate setting, rather than a private office, this can be an opportunity which may lead to further advancement within the company.

Dental Products Manufacturers

Dental products companies employ individuals to sell and market their products. This career option offers an interesting avenue of employment for the experienced dental assistant. A dental sales representative will have extensive contact with numerous general and specialty practices.