South Carolina Dental Assistant Schools & Training Programs
About Dental Assistant Careers
When was the last time you visited the dentist? If you are a health-conscious individual your answer will be within the past twelve months. In addition to exercise, diet, and annual physicals, maintaining proper dental hygiene is integral to your overall well-being. Yet no dentist works alone in his efforts to create beautiful, healthy smiles; the best doctors have knowledgeable dental assistants at their side helping them with every move.
As with other medical assistant jobs dental assistants play a key role in every dentist’s office; they not only help the doctor on staff during each patient visit but also prepare for the visit as well as perform several functions while the doctor is attending to others. Individuals interested in becoming a dental assistant will want to become part of a team that often works in a fast-paced yet detail-oriented environment that demands focus and a caring touch.
Roles and Responsibilities
Within the dentist’s office there is very little that the dental assistant does not have a hand in. From disinfecting each piece of equipment prior to a patient’s arrival and preparing the paperwork for the doctor to removing sutures, applying topical ointments, and even coronal polishing in some states, a dental assistant is a key element to a productive and successful dental clinic.
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the job outlook for dental assistants is extremely promising with an expected growth of 36 percent from now until 2018. As more of the older population retain their natural teeth and younger generations are exposed to preventative oral programs that emphasize daily brushing and flossing habits, the need for dental assistants will grow to meet the demands of a larger population.
Dental Assistant Salaries in South Carolina
Not far from the national average, a dental assistant can expect to make $30,000 per year with more tenure bringing higher wages.
Schools in South Carolina
Kaplan College |  |