If you're interested in the dental field and enjoy working with people, dental assisting may be the perfect career for you. Dental assistants work alongside dentists, hygienists, and other dental professionals to provide quality oral healthcare services to patients.
As a dental assistant in Australia, you'll have the opportunity to work in a growing industry. The Australian government's Job Outlook website projects a strong outlook for dental assisting jobs, with an expected increase in employment opportunities through 2025.
According to Seek, the range of annual salary for dental assistants in Australia is between $55,000 and $65,000. However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and certification status.
To be a successful dental assistant in Australia, you'll need to possess certain personal qualities. For example, you'll need to have excellent communication skills to interact effectively with patients and other dental professionals.
You'll also need to be detail-oriented and organized, as dental assisting involves a lot of record-keeping and completing legal documentation such as tooth charting and oral screening. And since dental procedures can be stressful for some patients, you'll need to be patient and compassionate to help put them at ease.
Dental assistants have a wide range of job responsibilities in Australia, including:
- Assisting the dentist and hygienist during procedures
- Sterilizing instruments and equipment
- Preparing patients for procedures
- Educating patients about oral hygiene
- Scheduling appointments and managing patient records
While dental assisting can be a physically demanding job, it can also be very rewarding. Knowing that you're helping patients achieve and maintain good oral health can be a source of pride and satisfaction.
Conclusion
If you're considering a career in dental assisting in Australia, it's important to carefully consider the education and training required, the job outlook and salary potential, and your personal qualities and job responsibilities. With the right combination of skills and motivation, dental assisting can be a fulfilling and financially rewarding career path.