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Dental assistants have many daily work duties that often follow the same routine.
Some dental assistants may feel they have no upward career mobility since they are not dentists.
One thing that may affect dental assistants is burnout.
A study by the National Library of Medicine looked at burnout among dental assistants.
Researchers reported that among the dental assistants who responded to the survey, more than 30 percent of them reported that they experienced burnout.
The results also showed that 30 percent of the dental assistants experienced emotional exhaustion.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that the 2023 median pay for dental assistants was $46,540 a year.
Compare this to the median pay for dental hygienists, which was $87,530.
The average 2023 salary earned by dentists was $170,910.
There are several career options that allow dental assistants to leverage their existing skills to transition to a new career.
Make a smooth career transition by considering these top alternative careers for dental assistants.
List of Alternative Careers
Dental assistants have many transferable skills.
The part-time hours, the salary, the burnout, and the emotional exhaustion that dental assistants may have can lead them to pursue an alternative career.
1. Dental Hygienist
Description
Dental hygienists primarily work at a dental office or a dental clinic.
They have several duties, including educating patients about their oral health.
Taking X-rays, developing X-rays, and examining patients for signs of gingivitis or other oral diseases are some other duties.
Some other things that dental hygienists do include removing plaque, stains, and tarter from patients’ teeth.
They apply sealants and administer fluoride treatments to patients.
Transferable Skills
Dental assistants and dental hygienists educate patients about how to take care of their teeth or dentures.
They assist patients before, during, and after oral procedures.
Taking and reading X-rays is another transferable skill.
Working closely with dentists, scheduling patients for cleanings and procedures, and maintaining and organizing patient’s records are some other transferable skills.
Potential Requirements
Dental hygienists need to have an associate degree from an accredited dental hygienist program through the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
All states require dental hygienists to have a license.
Dental assistants who want to become dental hygienists need to check the license requirements for their state.
Benefits
Results of a recent study suggest that there is overall job satisfaction among dental hygienists.
Compare this to the high level of job dissatisfaction reported by dental assistants.
Dental hygienists earn more than dental assistants.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the 2023 average salary for dental assistants was $46,540, while it was $87,530 for dental hygienists.
2. Dental Laboratory Technician
Description
Dental assistants who still want to work within the dental field can become dental laboratory technicians.
Dental laboratory technicians use science and technology to manufacture crowns, bridges, dentures, and other types of dental prostheses.
They use specifications from dentists while working in controlled environments, to craft dental prostheses.
Transferable Skills
Using the knowledge and skills gained as a dental assistant helps new dental laboratory technicians have a smooth career change.
The knowledge and experience that dental assistants have of dental materials, dental procedures, and dental tools used in the dental office are some examples of transferable skills.
Potential Requirements
Dental laboratory technicians do not need to have a college degree.
They do need to complete a dental laboratory technician training program if they want to sit for a certification exam.
Benefits
Salary.com lists the average salary for dental laboratory technicians, as of December 1, 2024, at $50,026.
People who have more experience or more education earn a higher salary.
The average salary for dental laboratory technicians is more than that of dental assistants.
Diverse career opportunities, the hands-on nature of the job, and contributing to patient care are other benefits for dental laboratory assistants.
3. Sterile Processing Technician
Description
Dental assistants know the importance of sterilization and infection control.
They understand the importance of cleaning and decontaminating surgical tools and supplies.
Sterile processing technicians also understand the importance of these things.
They clean and sterilize medical equipment and supplies.
Transferable Skills
The knowledge of sterilization and disinfecting are important transferable skills for dental assistants who want to become sterile processing technicians.
Some other transferable skills include knowing how to organize tools used for procedures and setting up trays for various medical procedures.
Potential Requirements
Sterile processing technicians need to pass a certification exam for the best job opportunities.
The Certified Registered Central Service Technician is an entry-level certification.
Benefits
Several sources indicate that the job growth rate for sterile processing technicians is faster than average, compared to other occupations.
Sterile processing technicians have a vital, indirect role in patient care and safety.
4. Pharmacy Technician
Description
Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists dispense medications to customers and health professionals.
They enter patient information into a computer system, measure the correct medication dose, and organize the pharmacy inventory.
Transferable Skills
Pharmacy technicians are detail-oriented and have good organizational skills.
They also have good communication skills.
Dental assistants work under the supervision of dentists, while pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of pharmacists.
Potential Requirements
The requirements to become a pharmacy technician vary by state.
Dental assistants who want to become pharmacy technicians should check the requirements for the state where they want to work in their new career.
Benefits
The job outlook for pharmacy technicians is faster than average through at least 2033.
There will be an estimated 33,300 new pharmacy technician jobs during the same period.
Most pharmacy technicians work full-time hours, while dental assistants often work part-time hours.
5. Dental Sales Representative
Description
Dental sales representatives sell dental products to dental professionals.
They describe the products and demonstrate how to use them.
Dental sales representatives learn about the latest dental products and industry trends.
They also build client relationships.
Transferable Skills
Dental assistants have many transferable skills if they want to become dental sales representatives.
The knowledge of dental materials and equipment, the knowledge of dental procedures, and good communication skills are some transferable skills.
Potential Requirements
Dental sales representatives who have a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a similar area are likely to get the best job opportunities.
They need to have computer skills.
Many dental sales representatives travel for their jobs.
Benefits
Salary.com indicates that the average salary for dental sales representatives, as of December 1, 2024, is $55,972.
The salary may be higher, depending on the location and the experience of dental sales representatives.
Professional development opportunities and travel opportunities are some other benefits.
6. Surgical Assistant
Description
Surgical assistants prepare operating rooms for surgery.
They sterilize surgical equipment and make sure that operating rooms remain sterile.
They also select the proper reference X-rays for the procedure.
Surgical assistants hand instruments and supplies to surgeons and operate equipment during surgeries.
They may open or close patients’ surgical sites and apply bandages after surgery.
Transferable Skills
Dental assistants and surgical assistants need good organizational skills and good communication skills.
Dental assistants and surgical assistants clean, sterilize, and prepare tools and equipment for various procedures.
They get patients ready for procedures and assist them after their procedures.
Potential Requirements
Surgical assistants need to have a certificate or an associate degree from an accredited program.
Many surgical assistants complete a bachelor’s degree program.
They need to become certified through one of the credentialing agencies.
Benefits
The job growth for surgical assistants is faster than average, compared to other occupations.
The average salary for surgical assistants in 2023 was $60,370 a year.
Surgical assistants work in a variety of settings.
They usually work full-time jobs.
7. Dental Office Manager
Description
Dental office managers oversee the daily operation of the dental office.
The office manager’s responsibilities include managing staff and making sure that the practice abides by all state and local regulations.
Budgeting the dentist’s office finances, and hiring and training new staff members are some other duties of dental office managers.
Transferable Skills
Dental assistants have good knowledge of the day-to-day operations of dental offices.
They have good communication skills, organizational skills, and inventory management skills.
Dental office managers also need these skills.
Potential Requirements
Dental office managers are not required to have an advanced degree.
Some employers may require them to have a degree, so dental assistants need to know the requirements when they apply for a job.
Most dental office managers get their foot in the door in an entry-level position.
Gaining experience may increase their career opportunities.
Benefits
The average salary for dental office managers is $82,260.
Many dental office managers earn up to $102,476.
Dental office managers work in various settings, including private dental practices, clinics, and other settings.
Tips for Transitioning Careers
Making a smooth career change can help prevent the same things that cause dental assistants to want to transition to a new career.
Researching to determine their goals and the best career path to achieve those goals helps dental assistants have a smooth career transition.
Determining the skills that dental assistants have and identifying their transferable skills in resumes and interviews are important steps.
Learning the education requirements and completing the education or required training is important for a smooth transition.
Earning a certification may be required for some careers.
Networking with professionals in the new career field and learning about the industry helps dental assistants start their new careers.
Exploring freelance opportunities helps the transition to some careers.
Many careers offer volunteer, internship, or externship opportunities.
Some people do freelance work to gain more experience.
Conclusion
Dental assistants who want to transition to a new career where their hard-earned skills are valued have many alternative careers available to them.
Some careers may have additional education or training requirements.
Earning a certification may lead to better job opportunities.
Earning a higher average salary, experiencing higher job satisfaction and less burnout are some benefits for dental assistants who transition to a new career.
