Welcome back to part 2 of our 8 Reasons Why You Should Change Your Career & Become a Dental Assistant. Last week we covered the first 4 reasons. Today, we will focus on the last 4 reasons you should start a career as a dental assistant.

1. There is an abundance of job opportunities available.

Dental assisting is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the U.S., and the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the number of dental assistant positions is set to grow 25 percent nationally between 2012 and 2022, much higher than the overall average for job growth. Dental assistants are needed now more than ever before, with an estimated 58,600 trained dental assistants needed by 2024. And, By the year 2026, employment opportunities for Dental Assistants will increase by nearly 20%. Not only are Dental Assisting positions easy to find, but a successful dental office also cannot function without a Dental Assistant, meaning those in the field will continue to be highly sought after for the foreseeable future.

1. The pay and benefits are great!

Because the cost of training is pretty low, a dental assistants’ salary is appealing. The average dental assistant salary in Texas in 2020 was around 30-48K. And, if you are looking for a dental assistant career in Waco, Texas, the average salary was 27-43K in 2020. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 18 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations.”

1. Being a dental assistant is rewarding and offers a great work environment.

There are so many reasons dental assistants love their job. However, most dental assistants say they get joy in helping others. Your job is to help patients feel welcome and comfortable. Being a dental assistant in Waco, Texas you will have the chance to make a positive difference in someone’s day. Plus, you’ll be helping people improve their health and wellness. Not only that but working in a dental office is dynamic — no two days are exactly the same and there’s always something to keep you busy. You’ll be working alongside healthcare professionals at a variety of levels and have so many opportunities to observe and learn. It’s a great office environment!

1. There are plenty of opportunities for career growth and development.

If you’re constantly looking to learn, expand your knowledge, and challenge yourself, you should know that many people use Dental Assisting as a starting point for other careers in the healthcare industry. You will always have the ability to grow with continuing education. However, if in the future you decide you want to broaden your responsibilities or shift focus entirely, you’re in a great position to do so! With further experience, training, and education, many dental assistants go on to become certified dental assistant specialists, dental hygienists, and even dental office managers. You will have plenty of opportunities for career advancement.If becoming a dental assistant is appealing to you, look no further. Here at Sanger Education Dental Assisting School, we offer a short 12-week, accelerated dental assistant training program in Waco, Texas. Click now to register for our upcoming dental assistant classes.