Are you looking for a job with strong employment prospects? Consider a dental hygiene career. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 36 percent job growth in this profession in the next several years. In general, individuals with training in dental careers can expect to face demand for their services. There are several dental professions to choose from:
Dentist
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dentists earned a median annual wage of $142,870 in 2008. But that is only after at least four years of dental school. Applying to a dental program includes:
- Undergraduate transcripts
- Filling out an application with fees
- Letters of Recommendation
- Standardized test (DAT) scores
- Personal statement
About 75 percent of dentists are private practitioners, so business savvy can be a plus. Dental professions are among the most stable and fastest-growing jobs.
Dental Hygienist
After graduating from a dental hygiene school, a dental hygienist can earn over $66,000 each year cleaning teeth and caring for patients. Most dental hygiene schools award an associate's degree, and positions can easily lead to advancement.
Dental Assistant
Not interested in attending dental school? Dental assisting can yield about $32,000 a year, and generally requires no certification, but some dental trade schools offer one-year dental assistant programs to teach the basics. Some duties you can look forward to:
- Cleaning and sterilizing tools
- Attending to patient needs
- Helping with operations
- Updating medical records
- Laboratory work
Dental Technician
Dental technicians work in the laboratory, dealing with dental appliances and x-ray development. The median annual wage in this field in 2008 was $34,170.
Dental work is a complex undertaking requiring various levels of skill sets. Look into dental programs to find one that fits you, and you could embark upon a sparkly new dental career.