Common Careers in the Dental Industry

Are you among those who enjoy having your teeth cleaned? Are you the fastest user of dental floss, you know? If you said “yes,” working in the dental sector can be a fulfilling career move for you.

Dental careers come in a wide range and have a lot to offer. There might be a position in this industry that is a fantastic fit for you if you enjoy working in a fast-paced setting and getting satisfaction from assisting others.

Job Security as a Perk of Working in the Dental Industry

Business Wire projects that between 2021 and 2028, the worldwide dentistry market will expand by 6.4 percent. It is anticipated that by 2028, it will amount to $554.5 billion. 

There will always be a need for dental cleanliness and care, as well as dentists. This implies a lower-than-average unemployment rate and a constant supply of dental career possibilities.

Economic Stability

The dental industry is known for paying well and frequently offering advantageous medical benefit options. There is, however, more to be enthusiastic about.

Thanks to the variety of dental job prospects, you can climb the financial ladder if you so choose.

Possibility for Development

You could select one profession and excel at it for many years. Some people might want to investigate several facets of a particular sector. Fortunately, there are many possibilities in the dental industry to learn new things and develop new abilities. 2 Job Contentment

Both personal and professional happiness can come from knowing that you are making a difference. You are there to assist, whether you are the dentist, dental assistant, treatment coordinator, or receptionist.

Regardless of what you do, it will be appreciated.

Dental Careers and Pay

The employment choices in the dental industry are incredibly diverse. These are the most typical and in-demand dentistry professions.

Salary for Dentists: $139,870 annually

A dentist is tasked with diagnosing and administering various treatments for conditions affecting a person’s teeth, gums, and other related oral structures. Many dentists practice general dentistry, but some specialize in pediatric dentistry, endodontics, or oral surgery.

A dentist must possess at least two degrees. Before applying to dental school, they need to have a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, dentists need a license in the state where they want to work. 

Dental Assistant Compensation: $35,721 per year

While the dentist performs examinations and other dental operations, a dental assistant supports the patient and cares for them in the chair. These tasks include preparing and taking dental molds and X-rays, assisting with fillings, crowns, tooth extractions, and administrative tasks.

The training process to become a dental assistant is a little short. One can obtain a formal education through certificate programs at community colleges, technical institutions, universities, or dental schools. The program can be finished in less than a year on average. Dental hygienists earn $61,507 per year on average.

Under the dentist’s guidance, a dental hygienist offers preventive care. While responsibilities may vary from state to state, they typically involve cleaning teeth, inspecting the mouth for infections, damage, and gingivitis, and instructing patients on basic dental hygiene.

A dental hygienist needs to have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree and have graduated from an accredited dental hygiene program.

Office Receptionist Annual Rate: $30,264

You must greet each patient, schedule, reschedule, and cancel appointments, prepare and maintain patient charts for staff members, prepare forms, and communicate with insurance providers as part of your duties as the office receptionist.

Most often, a high school graduation or GED is necessary, along with virtual office, planning, and communication abilities. Some offices will also demand prior dental office experience in addition to these qualifications. 

Pay for a dental lab technician: $52,210 annually.

Dental technicians make and fix dental products such as crowns, bridges, implants, dentures, sports and night guards, and orthodontics. These are often generated following the creation of a model of the patient’s mouth or tooth.

To apply to a certified dental laboratory technician program, you almost certainly need a high school diploma. This is a two-year course at a community college, technical institute, university, or dental school. Additionally, there are specific four-year baccalaureate advanced programs. Salary for Dental Supply/Equipment Sales Representatives: $54,654 per year

A dental supplies sales representative can make a great living if they excel. This type of position typically pays a salary plus a commission. If you are intelligent, experienced, and well-organized, you could earn more than $100,000 annually.

Most dental supply businesses will demand a bachelor’s degree in science or marketing. Knowledge of medical terminology and computer proficiency are both advantages. 10 Coordinator of Dental Treatment Salary: $44,774 annually

A treatment coordinator ensures that a patient’s needs are met throughout their whole life cycle. Ensuring the diagnostic and treatment are finished and paid for falls under this category.

For this position, there is no official training program. However, there are other online courses relating to specific skills available. 

Salary for Remote Dental Billing Specialists: $45,861 annually

This position may be quite satisfying as more people choose to work from home. You must be conversant in all matters relating to dental insurance and at ease with medical and dental jargon. The pay is based on the number of hours you put in and how busy your employer’s office is. 

The American Dental Coders Association provides an entirely online certification course for instruction. The eight-week course has a $1,299 enrollment fee. Pay for Dental Office Manager: $51,780 annually.

An office manager manages most office operations. This involves overseeing internal office protocols, procedures, salaries, costs, budgets, billing, and dental support employees, among other things.

They also have everyday tasks, including assisting patients with their insurance and invoices.

Both high school graduation and prior office management experience are necessary. Your success depends on your soft skills, which include kindness, the capacity for multitasking, and effective communication.

Conclusion

Because of changes in patient demands and breakthroughs in treatments, the discipline of dentistry is constantly expanding. A career in dentistry can provide stability, an excellent salary, numerous prospects for professional development, and job satisfaction.

It takes time and some study to decide on a career path in the dental sector, but the work is worthwhile. Whatever your hobbies and professional objectives, there might be a job opening that will provide you with the challenge and fulfillment you are seeking.

Featured Image: Unsplash © Jonathon Borba