What are the pros and cons of being a dental assistant?

Pros:

• Short training time. Dental assistant programs take one to two years to complete. Those earning a certificate can enroll in an independent one-year program, while those choosing to earn an associate's degree should expect their training to last two years. Many candidates participate in an externship which places them in a working office prior to the end of their training.

• Low stress. Dental assistants experience much lower levels of stress than others working in medical professions. There are few surprises in the workday of a dental assistant. Appointments are scheduled so that you are seeing only several patients per hour. The tasks that you perform are very similar from day to day resulting in familiar working conditions.

• Salary. Earning potential for dental assistants range depending on years of experience. The average dental assistant earns $62,000 per year. This is $10,000 above the national average salary of those with an associate's degree. Experienced dental assistants working in the field for ten years earn an average of $86,000 annually.

Cons:

• Little autonomy. Dental assistants carry out tasks given by dentists. These tasks can be repetitive and are always dictated by a dental professional. There are very few opportunities to work independently as a dental assistant.

• Uncomfortable working conditions. Dental offices tend to be confined spaces with assistants and dentists working together. Dental assistants are exposed to various pathogens and unpleasant sights and odors while working in such close proximity to patients' mouths. You may also suffer discomfort in your back and neck from being in the same position for long periods of time.

• Minimal challenge. Many of the tasks carried out by a dental assistant are repetitive, so your daily routine may lack challenge. There is little room for advancement within the profession. Unless you are willing to take additional coursework and training to perhaps work in an oral surgery center, a career as a dental assistant is grounded in completing routine tasks.