Dental Assisting Careers
If you’re interested in working in patient care and have a passion for helping others, becoming a dental assistant could be a great option for you. With a diploma in Dental Assisting from Blue Cliff College, you could take on vital roles in dental offices, clinics, and hospitals—and all with under one year of training.
Dental assistants provide many services, from getting hands-on with patients in the treatment room to scheduling appointments, office management, and more. In this guide, we’ll dive into what it’s like to be a dental assistant, with information on training requirements, potential salaries, and beyond.
What Does a Dental Assistant's Job Involve?
Dental assistants are vital in keeping the dentist’s office running smoothly. They perform a wide variety of jobs—both in the exam room and behind the scenes. They prepare equipment, clean and organize tools, and assist dentists during procedures. They also help with many other tasks, like taking X-rays and ensuring patients are comfortable during their visit. Keeping the space clean and safe for patients and the dentist is a big part of the dental assistant’s job.
In addition to helping during procedures, dental assistants handle a variety of administrative tasks. They may schedule appointments, manage patient records, and ensure the office has enough supplies. They might also explain post-treatment care to patients so they know how to stay healthy and maintain good oral hygiene.
Are Dental Assistants the Same as Dental Hygienists?
No, dental assistants and dental hygienists are not the same. Both work in the dentist’s office but have distinct jobs and specialties.
Dental hygienists focus on cleaning teeth and educating patients about oral care. They’re trained to remove plaque, scale and polish teeth, and check for signs of gum disease. Hygienists work directly with patients, while dental assistants mainly help the dentist.
Where Do Dental Assistants Work?
The vast majority of dental assistants work in dental offices, but they can also be found in other places.
If you can think of a location where a dentist might work, you’ll probably find an assistant there as well. They may work in clinics, hospitals, or specialty dental centers. Dental assistants can also be in schools, teaching kids to care for their teeth. More unusual places that a dental assistant might work include in labs, helping to prepare dental materials like crowns or dentures. You might even find dental assistants on cruise ships. People get toothaches all over the world, after all!
How Much Can a Dental Assistant Earn?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), the average salary for dental assistants across the country is $47,350 per year, or $22.77 per hour.
The amount you could earn varies, depending on things like your level of experience and where you’re based. For example, a highly experienced assistant who works in a high-end cosmetic dental practice is likely to earn more than a newly-trained assistant in a quiet rural office.
Mississippi dental assistants earn slightly below the national average, at $18.08 per hour or $37,610 per year. Louisiana offers similar results at $18.41 per hour or $38,290 annually. However, with a comparatively low cost of living in both states, lower wages may not be as noticeable on a day-to-day basis.
The demand for dental assistants is on the rise, with job roles across the country expected to grow by 7% between 2022 and 2032. Predictions are even brighter for Mississippi, where the field is expected to grow by an estimated 11%.
Is a Dental Assisting Career Right for Me?
There are plenty of personality traits that might make you a perfect fit for becoming a dental assistant.
- Love to help others: being a dental assistant is an excellent option for those who enjoy looking after others. Dental assisting might be for you if you love caring for patients and making people feel safe and at ease.
- Detail-oriented: this is essential, as dental assistants must pay close attention to the small stuff. You’ll also book appointments and maintain client records, so organization is critical.
- Team player: If you enjoy working with others, you’ll thrive in a busy dental office. Every day brings something new, and you’ll constantly meet new people.
- Clean and tidy: dental assistants organize the office and clinic and sanitize the equipment. So, a high level of cleanliness is a must.
Like all jobs, being a dental assistant has its highs and lows. It can be physically tiring, with long hours spent standing and repeatedly passing items back and forth to the dentist as they work. Trying to reassure patients who are scared or in pain can also be emotionally draining, and your exposure to various chemicals and infections will increase, as in any medical setting.
Career Development Services at Blue Cliff College
At Blue Cliff College, we know there’s more to a successful dentistry career than just the skills you learn in class. That’s why, as well as teaching you the ins and outs of dental assisting as part of the diploma program, we offer free career advice to all our Louisiana and Mississippi students.
Our careers guidance staff is with you every step of the way, from those first days of enrollment to graduation. Our career development services help you maximize your employment opportunities by providing guidance and advice in areas like resume writing, interview techniques, and job market research.
While we encourage all our students to use the career guidance available, remember that Blue Cliff College is not a career placement service, and we cannot guarantee job placement for students upon graduation.
Starting Your Dental Assisting Career at Blue Cliff College
With over 30 years of educational experience, Blue Cliff College is the ideal place to start your new career path. Our Dental Assistant diploma program can be completed in as little as 11 months, with classes available during the daytime and evening.
Our diploma program combines hands-on learning with classroom study, ending with an externship. This experience places you in a real dentist’s office so that you can put your new skills to the test with the help and guidance of experienced professionals.
Blue Cliff’s student services also aid your progression away from the classroom, with focused career guidance and a variety of other resources available to all students.
