While the dentist’s office may be a dreaded place for some, it is one of the most lucrative places for healthcare jobs right now. The amount of available dental assistant jobs will continue to grow at a faster-than-average rate through 2016, making this healthcare career something to smile at. If you think dental assisting may be the job for you, here is a compilation of some factors to consider.

Education and Certification
Dental assistants should have or be pursuing a high school diploma or GED. Once the course is completed, students will be prepared to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board as well as the Radiation Health and Safety exam and the DANB – Infection Control Exam. For students who are also interested in pursuing a dental hygienist program, this is a perfect course, as it will set them up for success.

Job Description
Dental assistants have a variety of responsibilities in their healthcare job, as they assist the dentist and patients in clinical and administrative duties. A few of their responsibilities include taking dental radiographs, sterilizing instruments and equipment, teaching oral hygiene to patients, and performing various office tasks. Since the job entails both administrative and clinical tasks, dental assistants need to be organized and flexible in their day-to-day routine.

Communication Skills
As a dental assistant, it is important to have strong communication skills. In this specific healthcare job, dental assistants work to assist the dentist in providing terrific oral health care to patients, using interpersonal communication skills. Since the dentist’s office is often a place of trepidation for many patients, it is vital that the dental assistant helps put the patient at ease while communicating clearly with the dentist.

Dental assisting can be one of the most satisfying healthcare jobs, and it can be pursued through an online healthcare education. If you think dental assisting may be the healthcare job for you, be sure to take the next step toward healthcare training online.