What's the Career Outlook for a Dental Assistant?

Some work is merely a job; some work is an exciting career. If you are training to become a dental assistant, you are well on your way to a rewarding career. Independent measures of success in the field are readily available and can provide reassurance that a dental assistant training program was a wise move. Two basic measures of a career are return on investment (ROI) and predicted job growth.

Return on Investment (ROI)

The secret to paving a path to future financial success is to spend as little as possible on the investment and get the maximum return from that small, initial investment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tracks every job in the country, including dental assistants. It reliably and accurately measures the median annual salary for the profession. Its May, 2015 figures are strong:

• 2015 Median pay per hour—$17.30, or $10.05 above federal minimum wage
• 2015 Median annual salary—$35,980, or $3,770 above the median of all healthcare support positions

Job Growth

The BLS also tracks job growth by industry. Dental assistants are a vital part of any community. As our nation grows, the need for dental assistants increases. The BLS predicts job growth of 18% through 2024. The rate of growth for all occupations through 2024 is expected to hover around 7%, so demand for dental assistants will outpace this national growth rate by a factor of more than two.

This strong demand for the next eight years means the time you invest now in your education will help you get into an entry level position in plenty of time to take advantage of this substantial job growth.

Regional Differences

The ROI is good; the job prospects are great. What can we learn from regional demand? The BLS tracks that, too, and finds that some parts of the country provide richer rewards for dental assistants than others. This means the graduate of an associate degree program in dental assisting who is willing to relocate can tap local demand and earn higher pay, says the BLS:

• Peoria, Illinois—median annual salary is $45,730
• Southeast Minnesota—median annual pay of $49,070
• Central New Hampshire—median annual pay is $49,190
• San Rafael, California—median annual pay of $50,170

Whether you choose a rural area like New Hampshire, or a bustling metropolitan area like Peoria, you can enjoy a noticeable pay differential above the national average for dental assistants.

Job Security

Consider the aging baby boomer generation. Unlike earlier generations, they are holding on to their original teeth in greater numbers. They will turn to dentistry to preserve and protect their teeth, relying on dentists and orthodontists to provide crowns, caps, bridgework and fillings. They will conscientiously have their teeth cleaned to prevent gum disease and root damage. All of these services require the help of dental assistants.

This population bubble is not a one- or two-year phenomenon. Those baby boomers from 1946 through 1964 represent nearly 20 years of steady work. The total number of baby boomers, says the Population Reference Bureau, is 76.4 million people. Numbers like that mean strong job security for anyone working as a dental assistant.

Education First

Does this sound like a job where you could shine? If you're interested in a career as a dental assistant, consider ECPI University to earn the needed Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Science with a concentration in Dental Assisting. Contact an admissions advisor today for more information about this exciting career path.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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Gainful Employment Information – Dental Assisting - Associate’s

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