Job Spotlight: Dental Assistant

Explore a career as a dental assistant!

Despite already having experience with several jobs, many working adults are unable to answer the age-old question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

Our Job Spotlight monthly blog series is designed to help answer that question. In this series, we review all the basics of specific jobs, from pay and duties, to why people do the jobs they do.

Dental Assistant

In this month’s Job Spotlight, we’re learning what it means to be a dental assistant.

Required Education: A postsecondary nondegree award.

Pay

Although pay varies depending on a variety of factors (e.g. experience, industry, geographic area, etc.), dental assistants make an average of $41,180 a year.

What Dental Assistants Do:

Dental assistants deal with a variety of responsibilities, including:

  • Welcoming patients to the office
  • Assisting dentists during dental procedures
  • Providing general patient care
  • Taking dental x rays and performing other minor procedures
  • Scheduling appointments in person and over the phone
  • Keeping track of dental records

What Institutions Look for in Dental Assistants:

Every position is different, but many labs need the following skills and attributes:

  • Communication skills
  • Knowledge of advanced dental procedures
  • Ability to work the front desk
  • Ability to multitask

Not sure where to find a position like this?

We can help.

Headquartered in Oklahoma City, OK, Express Employment Professionals is a leading staffing provider in the U.S. and Canada. If you have any questions about dental assistant jobs in your area or job search in general, contact your local Express office,  download the ExpressJobs app from your mobile store, or fill out our online contact form.

Are you a dental assistant? What else should people know about your job? Let us know in the comments section below!

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