In the ever-changing world of healthcare, one profession that stands out as gratifying, promising, and always in demand is dental assisting. Over the years, the role of dental assistants has evolved from purely clinical tasks to encompass a wide range of duties and responsibilities, making them an indispensable asset for any dental office. Here’s a brief look at a few of the reasons for this profession seeing impressive growth, along with why you shouldn’t hesitate to make a career change!
1. Influx of Health-Focused Patients
For the longest time, people would only go to the dentist if they were experiencing some type of oral health issue. However, over the past few years, research indicates that there’s a strong link between dental health and the health of our bodies as well. One obvious link is the connection between gum disease and heart disease or other cardiovascular issues. This means that if we want to ensure we’re in tip-top shape, it means attending routine dental visits. As more and more people begin to prioritize their oral health the same way they focus on their overall wellness, more dental appointments will be made—and more dental assistants will be needed to help!
2. More Older Patients
These days, people are living longer than ever before; in the US, the current expected lifespan is nearly 80 years, and in other countries, it’s even higher! But of all the things you can do to improve your life expectancy, few are as important as going to the dentist. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy as you age lets you continue eating all the foods you love, and it also ensures you feel confident about your appearance. It also keeps nasty problems at bay that can negatively impact your wellness. As with the increase in health-conscious patients, the upsurge in older dental patients means an increased demand for qualified dental professionals like dental assistants.
3. More Dentists and Specializations
Over the next decade, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the overall employment of dentists to increase by over 20%. Simply put, with each passing year, more and more dentists are completing their education and entering the field, which means that the demand for dental assistants will increase correspondingly. These dentists also branch off to various fields and specializations, meaning that there’s a widespread web when it comes to oral healthcare.
Not to mention, as dental technology continues to advance and keep pace with the increasing number of dentists, these professionals will rely on their assistants even more to feel prepared and qualified to provide outstanding care!
About the NE Dental Academy
Our team here at the NE Dental Academy has helped countless aspiring dental assistant students over the years, and we’d love to help you take your first steps into the world of dental assisting. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to request additional enrollment information, feel free to visit us online or call us today for help! Telephone: (508) 392-5314.