If you’ve been considering a career in dental assisting, you’re not alone! This field offers a fulfilling path for those who want to make a positive impact on oral health. Like any profession, dental assisting has its benefits and challenges. Below, we’ll explore the pros and cons of being a dental assistant to help you decide if this is the right career for you.
And if you’re ready to take the next step, American Career College’s Dental Assisting program offers a comprehensive pathway to help you get started.
The Pros of Being a Dental Assistant
- Accelerated Entry into a Rewarding Career
Dental assisting offers a relatively quick path to entering the healthcare field. At ACC, you can complete your training in just 10 months, combining online coursework with in-person learning two days a week. This allows you to start working in the field sooner than many other healthcare careers.
Consider enrolling in ACC’s Dental Assisting program for real-world training designed to get you job-ready in less than a year.
- Part-Time and Full-Time Options
In many cases, dental assistants are offered the choice of full-time or part-time employment — making it easy to balance work with family, personal commitments, or continuing education.
- Varied and Engaging Work
As a dental assistant, no two days are the same. Your duties might include preparing patients for procedures, assisting with X-rays, sterilizing instruments, and managing records. The variety of tasks helps keep the job engaging and dynamic.
- Pathways for Career Advancement
Dental assisting can be a steppingstone to further roles in the dental field. Many assistants advance to become dental hygienists, educators, or even dentists. ACC’s program equips you with the foundational skills and certifications needed to explore these options.
The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) offers various certification pathways that can lead to career advancement opportunities.
- Clean Work Environment
Dental offices are typically clean, organized, and designed to be as soothing as possible. For those who value a professional and calm setting, this can be a major perk.
- Making a Difference
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a dental assistant is helping patients maintain their oral health and confidence. From calming anxious patients to educating them on proper oral hygiene, you’ll feel good knowing you had a meaningful impact on their well-being.
The Cons of Being a Dental Assistant
- Physical Demands
Dental assistants spend much of their day on their feet, sometimes assisting in awkward positions during procedures. Over time, this can lead to discomfort or strain. Incorporating stretches and ergonomic practices can help manage these challenges.
The American Dental Association (ADA) provides comprehensive guidelines for ergonomic practices in dental settings.
- Exposure to Bodily Fluids and Pathogens
Handling saliva, blood, and other bodily fluids is part of the job. Strict adherence to safety protocols and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) can minimize risks.
- Limited Autonomy
As a dental assistant, you’ll work closely under the supervision of dentists and hygienists. If you prefer a high degree of independence, this may feel restrictive.
- Repetitive Tasks
While the job offers variety, some tasks — like sterilizing instruments or organizing records — can become repetitive. Balancing these with patient-facing duties helps keep the workday stimulating.
- Emotional Challenges
Interacting with anxious or distressed patients can be emotionally taxing. Empathy and strong communication skills are essential for managing these situations effectively.
Why Choose American Career College?
ACC’s Dental Assisting program is designed to provide you with hands-on experience and real-world skills. Here’s how we prepare you for success:
- Flexible Learning: Complete classes online and attend in-person training just two days a week.
- Real-World Preparation: Gain experience through a 160-hour externship in an actual dental office.
- Career Support: Our Career Services team helps connect you with job opportunities after graduation.
- Certification Preparation: Our program prepares you to earn your Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) credential, Coronal Polishing Certification, and Pit and Fissure Certification.
Is Dental Assisting Right for You?
A career in dental assisting offers stability, fulfillment, and opportunities for growth. If you’re passionate about helping others, enjoy variety in your workday, and want to enter the healthcare field quickly, this might be the perfect fit for you.
Take the first step today. Learn more about ACC’s Dental Assisting program or schedule a campus tour to see how we can help you start a career that makes a difference.
