Do you have an interest in the dental field? If so, you might want to consider pursuing a career as a dental assistant. As a dental assistant, you can enjoy all of the excitement and activity that a career in dentistry has to offer while still making a comfortable living. Yet, you don’t have to spend nearly as much time in school as you would if you were to pursue a career as a dentist. In fact, most people are able to complete their dental assisting degree in less than a year.

While the exact duties of dental assistants vary from one office to the next, the general duties are generally pretty much the same. For example, the primary duty of the dental assistant is to help establish and build client relations while also handling administrative duties. Other duties typically include assisting the dentist with procedures and educating patients about proper oral hygiene.

Most dental assistants also enjoy working a regular nine to five schedule within an office setting. While most work within a general dentistry practice, others work in specialty areas such as in oral surgery, orthodontics or pediatric dentistry. Furthermore, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there will be plenty of employment opportunities available over the next several years. In fact, between 2006 and 2016, the Bureau projects a 29 percent growth rate to occur within the field. This is largely due to the fact that dentists are increasingly calling upon dental assistants to perform routine tasks so they can be freed up to perform more complex procedures.

As the demand for dental assistants has grown, so have the number of schools available with dental assisting programs. Many of these schools, such as Everest College, require students to complete learning modules that include theory, lecture and lab work before participating in an externship. Others, such as Remington College, provide on-campus and online learning opportunities with flexible scheduling.

Regardless of the school you choose to attend, a career as a dental assistant can be quite rewarding. Whether you are heading to school for the first time or you are looking for a career change, it is certainly a good option to consider.