Why Dental Assisting is One of the Best Entry-Level Jobs You Can Get in Atlanta, Georgia

Overview of Dental Assisting as a Career

A dental assisting career involves working alongside dentists and providing chair-side support. Dental assistants are essential to patient care while performing a wide range of tasks throughout the dental office. A typical workday for a dental assistant may include the following:

• Sterilizing instruments
• Taking X-rays
• Preparing treatment rooms
• Taking dental impressions
• Scheduling patient appointments
• Updating patient records
• Educating patients about oral healthcare tips
• Instructing patients on proper dental hygiene techniques

Education Requirements for Dental Assisting

Some states require individuals to graduate from an accredited dental assisting program with classroom and hands-on training to become dental assistants. These programs usually take about three months to one or two years to complete. Some states may require dental assistants to pass an exam and be licensed or registered. Minimal education requirements make dental assisting one of the best entry-level jobs considering aspiring dental assistants can enter the workforce relatively quickly without a significant financial investment.

Job Outlook for Dental Assisting

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects dental assistant employment will grow 8 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is quicker than the average for all occupations (1). About 56,400 dental assistant job openings are projected each year, many resulting from the need to replace workers that retire or change their professions. This means there will be plenty of entry-level job opportunities for individuals wanting to pursue a dental assisting career.

Dental Assisting Career Growth and Advancement Opportunities

Dental assisting is one of the best entry-level healthcare jobs because it offers many opportunities for growth and advancement within the field. Dental assistants can pursue additional training and education to specialize in a particular area, obtain certification, advance into management roles, or even pursue further education to become dental hygienists or dentists. Not to mention, pursuing further education can lead to significantly higher salaries and more job opportunities.

Qualifications and Skills Required for Dental Assisting in Atlanta

The qualifications and skills required for dental assisting in Atlanta, Georgia, may vary depending on the employer and the specific job requirements. There are no education or certification requirements for dental assisting in Atlanta; however, most employers prefer to hire dental assistants that have completed a dental assisting program and are certified or registered. Some dental assisting entry-level jobs in Atlanta do not require prior experience and will provide on-the-job training. Although dental assisting entry-level jobs with no experience in Atlanta may be more difficult to find, it is possible.

Essential Skills for a Dental Assistant

Dental assistants work closely with patients, dentists, and other staff members in the dental office. Their everyday duties also require exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, and they must work well in a team environment. Dental assistants are also responsible for managing patient records, scheduling appointments, sterilizing equipment, and preparing materials, so excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail are necessary.

Dental assistants are also responsible for providing chair-side support to dentists during procedures. This requires dental assistants to have strong technical skills, as they must prepare dental materials, sterilize equipment, and take X-rays and dental impressions.

Overall, most entry-level dental jobs in Atlanta require a combination of education, technical skills, interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail.

Benefits of Becoming a Dental Assistant in Atlanta

Pursuing a career as a dental assistant in Atlanta can offer numerous benefits. If you're looking for entry-level dental jobs in Atlanta, here are a few reasons to consider becoming a dental assistant.

1. Minimal Education Requirements to Get Started in Dental Field

Becoming a dental assistant in Atlanta requires minimal education requirements. Dental assistants can enter the workforce relatively quickly and find entry-level jobs, all without owning a ton of student loan debt.

2. Essential Service Providing Job Stability

Dental assisting is considered an essential healthcare service, providing job stability and security, even during economic downturns.

3. Entry Level Jobs With Competitive Pay

Dental assistants earn a competitive salary, often including benefits such as paid time off, retirement plans, and health insurance. Salary ranges can vary significantly depending on various factors, such as educational background, professional certifications, skills, and years of experience in the field.

Recent data says the median salary for dental assistants in the United States is $44,090 a year, or $22.05 an hour, which is a competitive salary for an entry-level job. (2) Dental assistants in Atlanta, Georgia, typically earn a median salary of around $43,305 annually, or $20.34 an hour. The lowest 10 percent of dental assistants in Atlanta make $33,087, and the top 10 percent $55,236; however, the salary range typically falls between $37,956 and $49,550. (3)

How to Find Dental Assistant Entry-Level Jobs That Pay Well in Atlanta

Finding a dental assistant entry-level job that pays well in Atlanta can be done.

Online Job Boards

Start your job search by using job posting sites like ZipRecruiter, Indeed, LinkedIn, or Monster to find entry-level dental jobs that pay well in Atlanta. You can filter job postings by location, position level, and salary, making it easier to find entry-level jobs in Atlanta that offer good pay.

Research Local Dental Practices

Another excellent way to find entry-level dental assistant jobs that pay well is to look up private dental practices that may be hiring in the Atlanta area. Most dental practices hire dental assistants, and many private dental practices offer competitive salaries.

Network with Professionals in the Dental Field

Networking with dental professionals is a great way to find potential job openings in the Atlanta area where you can begin your career as a dental assistant, without settling for low pay. The right dental assistant school will be able to help connect you to others in the industry and set you up for success.

Start Your Dental Assistant Career Today

Ready to take the next step toward beginning this rewarding career path? Our 12-week dental assistant course at Atlanta Dental Assistant School has helped thousands of students begin a new career in the dental field at a fraction of the cost of many other schools, all while providing all the skills, training, and requirements needed to pursue a successful dental assistant career.

Interested in learning more? Take the next step toward a new job and apply at Atlanta Dental Assistant School today.