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Doctors are not the only health professionals who have assistants in the form of nurses – dentists also have their own in the form of dental assistants. Dental assistants generally work under the direct supervision of the dentist, and help in providing quality dental service. In 2008 alone, about 295,000 dental assistant jobs were held based on the data recorded by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Adequate education and training is necessary to be qualified to apply for dental assistant jobs. Requirements vary by state, but most will require one to have a college degree or some form of “on-the-job” training, as well as a certification. Enrolling in a dental assisting program is recommended – just make sure that it has been accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.

After you complete your “on-the-job” training or graduate from an accredited dental assisting program, you must immediately acquire a license by passing a DANB-sanctioned (Dental Assisting National Board) exam as this is a primary requirement in applying for dental assistant jobs. You must also posses other qualities such as excellent physical fitness, good manual dexterity, and have the ability to work alongside other people.

Individuals can usually find dental assistant jobs at various dental offices, but employment can also be found in different branches of the government, mobile dental facilities, and the military as well. One can even get career advancement and become a dental hygienist or a dental assisting instructor by getting further education and gaining adequate working experience.

Based on the data gathered by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental assistant jobs have a projected growth rate of at least 20 percent between the years 2008 to 2018. Also during 2008, dental assistants had an average salary of .57 per hour and ,380 per year. Among the leading employers of dental assistants are the health care and social assistance field with an astounding employment rate of 96 percent.

The steady increase in dental assistant jobs may be due to the increasing duties and responsibilities of dentists. Because of this, dentists now require dental assistants to help them in other functions as they concentrate more on the critical and complex tasks they come across on a daily basis.