Administrative Dental Assistant Career

Why Become an Administrative Dental Assistant?

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook produced by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, administrative dental assistant career prospects should be excellent. Employment growth will account for the majority of job openings along with the need to replace dental assistants who transfer to other occupations, retire, or leave the labor force for other reasons.

In choosing to work in an administrative dental assistant career, your job will encompass all of the business aspects related to running a dental practice. Some of the duties of the dental office assistant may include scheduling and confirming appointments, greeting patients, managing patient files, sending bills, receiving payments, and ordering office supplies and dental materials. With on-the-job training, those in an administrative dental assistant career may also assist in chairside duties such as preparing patients for treatment, obtaining dental records, sterilizing instruments, and preparing trays of instruments for dental procedures.

Administrative Dental Assistant Career Opportunities

While the majority of those in an administrative dental assistant career work in dental offices, including solo and group practices, others will find employment in managed care facilities and specialty practices working for periodontists, orthodontists, or oral surgeons. With additional education and training, employees in an administrative dental assistant career can move into positions such as office managers, dental-assisting instructors, or dental product sales representatives. Some dental assistants seek certification through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Graduates of Blackstone’s Dental Office Assistant program are eligible for this exam after working full-time for two years or part-time for four years as a dental assistant and obtaining certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Employment Outlook

Factors such as growth of the population and advancements in dental services causing people to keep their natural teeth longer will contribute to growth of the administrative dental assistant career. Younger dentists, who will be more likely to utilize assistants in their practices, will replace retiring dentists, which will also create more job opportunities. For many in an administrative dental assistant career, this entry level position provides experience and training which often leads to more highly skilled and higher paying jobs.

What You Can Earn in an Administrative Dental Assistant Career

As with many careers, the earning potential of those in an administrative dental assistant career varies depending on factors such as experience, skills, and geographic location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental office assistants earned up to $46,150 in 2008. Median salaries measured at $32,380 for the same year. Benefits vary and depend on whether the dental office assistant is part-time or full-time.

(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010-2011 Occupational Outlook Handbook)