Iowa Dental Assistant Schools & Training Programs
About Dental Assistant Jobs
As dentists and dental offices expand their client portfolio, the hiring of dental assistants becomes an increasingly important aspect of growth. Chances are the last time you visited your dentist, the majority of your treatment was conducted by a dental assistant, with only a small amount of the procedure conducted or observed by the dentist themselves. Job prospects in this field are excellent. Dental assistant careers in Iowa begin by receiving the correct education at accredited Iowa dental assistant training schools.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Dental Assistant
Dental assistants must work closely with, and under the supervision of, dentists. A Dental assistant will perform several duties including patient care, clerical, and laboratory work. Prior to the procedure, they disinfect and sterilize devices and instruments. They prepare and organize the materials and instruments needed for each specific patient. As you may recall from experience, the dental assistant prepares the patient for treatment. They may apply anesthetics and process dental x-rays.
While the dentist performs the treatment, the dental assistant will perform essential duties working alongside the dentist. They are the extra set of educated hands for instruments, materials, and in keeping the mouth clear and dry by using suction hoses and other equipment.
Salary and Jobs
On average, dental assistants in Iowa can expect to earn $33,000 per year with some making as much as $50k. As with any profession, salary growth is commensurate with experience. It is important to establish yourself in the field for several years before applying for a better pay dental assistant position in your area.
Employment opportunities in this field are on the rise and do not reflect the economic woes found in other fields. A primary reason for this is that dental assistants cannot easily be replaced by computers. With human population growth comes more teeth, and dental assistant positions are expected to double in the next fifteen years.
Education
Iowa dentists typically now require applicants to be a Certified Dental Assistant and to have earned this credential through recognized Iowa dental assistant training schools. Several Iowa dental assistant training schools have been accredited by the Commission on Dental accreditation.
Schools in Iowa
Vatterott College |  |