November 4, 2024 | Online
The healthcare industry in Canada has seen rapid growth in recent years, with the demand for skilled professionals at an all-time high. Among the various roles within this expanding field, dental assisting is becoming an increasingly attractive career choice for many. But is dental assisting a good career?
In this blog, we will explore the pros and cons of becoming a Dental Assistant in Canada, the education required, and what makes it a strong option in the current job market. By the end of this article, you will understand whether this career path is right for you.
What is a Dental Assistant?
A Dental Assistant play a crucial role in a dental office. They provide support to dentists and dental hygienists and help with patient care and administrative tasks. The role of a Dental Assistant involves:
- Preparing patients for treatments.
- Assisting during dental procedures.
- Taking and processing X-rays.
- Ensuring infection control measures are followed.
Dental Assistants also manage patient records and handle administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and processing insurance claims.
In Canada, Dental Assistants are typically required to complete an accredited program and pass the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) exam to become certified, depending on the province where they wish to practice. These professionals are integral to the smooth functioning of dental practice and play a key role in ensuring patients receive high-quality care.
Bonus Read: What Does a Dental Assistant Do?
Pros of Becoming a Dental Assistant
Choosing a career as a Dental Assistant in Canada comes with many advantages. With a growing demand for healthcare professionals, particularly in oral health, dental assisting offers a promising pathway for those seeking a stable, rewarding, and dynamic career. Below, we explore some of the key benefits that make dental assisting an attractive choice for prospective students and healthcare professionals alike.
1. Job Stability and Demand
Job stability is one of the most compelling reasons to pursue a career as a Dental Assistant in Canada. As the Canadian population ages, there is an increasing demand for dental services, which has created a strong need for trained Dental Assistants. According to recent statistics, job openings in dental assisting are expected to grow significantly over the next decade. With oral health and overall well-being becoming more widely understood, more people seek preventative dental care, ensuring a steady flow of patients to dental practices nationwide.
According to Job Bank Canada, the median wage for Dental Assistants in Canada is approximately $25.44 per hour. This rate can vary depending on the province, experience level, and specific dental practice, but it demonstrates solid earning potential for a role that requires less time to qualify than many other healthcare professions. *
2. Short Training Period
One major advantage of becoming a Dental Assistant is that the training period is short compared to other healthcare careers. Dental Assisting programs, such as the Dental Assisting Diploma offered by CDI College, can be completed in as little as one to two years. This brief period allows students to quickly enter the workforce and start earning a competitive wage.
Programs like CDI College's Dental Assisting Diploma are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) and prepare students for certification exams such as the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB). This streamlined process allows graduates to enter the workforce fully prepared, with hands-on experience gained through clinical practice.
3. Diverse Job Responsibilities
A career as a Dental Assistant offers a variety of daily tasks, from assisting during dental procedures to managing patient records and handling administrative work. Dental Assistants also perform lab duties such as mixing dental materials, ensuring that no two days are the same. This career can be an excellent fit for those who enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and like the idea of performing various duties.
4. Opportunities for Career Growth
While dental assistants may be considered entry-level positions in the dental field, they provide plenty of room for growth. Many Dental Assistants pursue further education and become Dental Hygienists or even Dental Office Managers. These positions offer higher earning potential and greater responsibilities within the dental practice. Additionally, certain provinces allow Dental Assistants to take on expanded duties, such as placing sealants or taking final impressions, making the job more dynamic and rewarding.
5. A Positive Work Environment
Working in a dental office provides a clean, comfortable, and professional environment. Dental practices are known for their high hygiene standards, and most Dental Assistants enjoy a predictable, structured workday, often working traditional 9-to-5 hours. This work-life balance can benefit those looking for a stable, consistent job without unpredictable hours or night shifts that are common in other healthcare settings.
Bonus Read: How Do I Become a Dental Assistant in Canada?
Cons of Becoming a Dental Assistant
1. Physical Demands
While the work environment may be clean and professional, Dental Assistants are often on their feet for extended periods. Assisting with dental procedures can require awkward body positions, and repetitive movements may lead to discomfort or even injury over time. Tasks such as handling dental tools and taking X-rays can also involve physical strain.
2. Exposure to Bodily Fluids and Infection Risks
Dental Assistants are frequently exposed to bodily fluids, such as saliva and blood, which may increase the risk of infection. While strict infection control procedures are in place to protect both patients and staff, this aspect of the job may be unsettling for some individuals.
3. Lower Job Autonomy
Dental Assistants typically work under the supervision of dentists and dental hygienists, which means there is less opportunity for independent decision-making. This may be a drawback for those who prefer an elevated level of autonomy in their work. However, experienced Dental Assistants may have more opportunities to take on advanced duties or move into management roles within a dental office.
Is Dental Assisting a Good Career?
When weighing the pros and cons, dental assistance offers many benefits that make it a viable and attractive career option in Canada. The combination of job stability, competitive wages, and opportunities for career growth makes it an excellent choice for those looking to enter the healthcare field quickly. The growing demand for dental services due to Canada's aging population and increased focus on oral health only strengthens the job prospects for aspiring Dental Assistants.
While the physical demands and exposure to bodily fluids may deter some, the positive work environment, job variety, and ability to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives make Dental Assisting a fulfilling career for many. With the proper training and certification, such as the Dental Assisting Diploma offered by CDI College, individuals can quickly launch a successful and stable career in this growing field.
Dental Assistant Diploma by CDI College
For those considering this career path, CDI College offers a Dental Assisting Diploma that prepares students for the National Dental Assisting Board Examination (NDAEB), mandatory for becoming a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) in provinces like British Columbia. The Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) accredited the program. It provides classroom instruction and 615 hours of clinical practice, including hands-on experience at a local dental clinic.
In addition to covering essential topics like chairside dental assisting, radiology, infection control, dental materials management, and dental office management, CDI College's program boasts an impressive 90% - 100% passing rate on the NDAEB exam, with a 100% passing rate in June 2024. This strong record of accomplishment of success reflects the program's dedication to preparing students for real-world dental practices. **
So, is dental assisting a promising career in Canada? Absolutely, for the right person. With growing demand for dental services, job stability, and competitive wages, Dental Assisting is a rewarding and practical option for those interested in healthcare. Although there are some challenges, such as physical demands and lower job autonomy, the benefits of job variety, career growth opportunities, and the ability to positively impact patients make it a fulfilling career choice. By completing an accredited program like CDI College's Dental Assisting Diploma, aspiring Dental Assistants can build a successful and lasting career in this in-demand field.
If you are looking for a career that offers stability, personal satisfaction, and the chance to grow, Dental Assisting might be the perfect fit.
** NDAEB Exam Report, June 2024.
