They may also expose and process X-rays and perform laboratory duties. At times, there may be a need for dental assistants to assume secretarial and patient relation duties, such as scheduling appointments, making financial arrangements and offering individual health instruction. Dental assistants work in private dental offices, group practices, public and private hospitals, public health institutions, clinics, dental insurance agencies, and for dental product distributors. Dental assistants can continue to grow in their careers and become office managers, enter a dental sales position, or obtain a position at a research facility or insurance company. Career opportunities in the dental assisting field are good.
Benefits vary with the employer, yet the majority of offices provide some health insurance.
If you are not familiar with dental assisting careers, contact program coordinator Pam Hanson to arrange a job observation session. This session allows you to interact with professionals in the career. The National Dental Assisting Board gives special recognition to people who have achieved a high level of competence and ability through approved course work. Students can become certified dental assistants recognized by the American Dental Assistants Association.