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LOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
The outlook is good for careers in healthcare, and dentistry is an important part of healthcare. Projections indicate that there will continue to be a need for qualified dental assistants well into the new century. Employment opportunities in dental assisting continue to exist in southeastern Minnesota.
Placement of RCTC Dental Assisting graduates seeking employment has been good!
TYPES OF EMPLOYMENT SETTINGS:
A dental assistant may be employed in any of the following types of dental practices.
General Dentistry
Specialty Dental Practices:
- Pediatric Dental Practice
- Orthodontics
- Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgery
- Endodontics
- Prosthodontics
- Periodontics
There are also a variety of types of dental care delivery options for employment.
- Solo dental practices ( one dentist )
- Group dental practices ( two or more dentists )
- Hospital Dentistry
- Research Institutions
- Government Dental Facilities: Veteran's Hospitals, Prisons, Armed Forces
- Dental Schools
Some employment opportunities exist for dental product manufacturers and dental supply companies.
EMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION:
Salary ranges vary depending upon credentials, job description and geographic location. In this area, graduates entering the job market as a Certified and Licensed Dental Assistant have started in the range of $15.00 to $18.00 per hour (according to the most recent RCTC Dental Assisting graduate survey). The State average salary is $20.00 per hour for a Certified and Licensed Dental Assistant (according to the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc., 2008 Salary Survey).
Benefit packages vary from office to office. Common benefits may include:
- Paid vacation, sick days (well days), and holidays
- A uniform allowance
- Continuing dental education fees
- Dental benefits
- Health insurance or a cafeteria plan toward the purchase of insurance
- Profit sharing and incentive plans
- Bonuses
Updated: August 4, 2010 4:35 PM
