Dentists aren’t exactly the most beloved professionals in the world, but they probably should be. Everyone needs to go to the dentist and most people wait until they are in significant pain before they do so. If people were more proactive about their dental health, they might look at dental professionals with less fear. Here’s another reason why people should rethink their attitudes toward dentistry: it’s a great career.
Did you know that there is a shortage of dental hygienists right now? It’s true, most dental offices in the United States have more dental jobs available than there are people to fill them. Dental hygienists in particular are in high demand. Depending on which state you live in, you could make anywhere between $50,000 and $100,000 per year for dental hygienist jobs. Dentists all over the country are desperate for dental hygienists and dental assistants. If you are looking for a career path that will provide a nice paycheck and a secure job in a growing industry, maybe it’s time to investigate a dental career.
If you are interested in a career as a dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant, you can find work as soon as you finish your training. Before you start down that road, you should think about what it takes to work in the various fields of the dental industry. Here are the five most important traits of a dental professional:
1. Patient and Empathetic. A lot of people wait until it is too late to see a dentist. They may already be in a tremendous amount of pain by the time they get to the dentist's office. Some people have a lot of anxiety about the dentist even if it’s just a routine checkup. It is incumbent on dentists, hygienists, and assistants to be patient with people who are frightened and be empathetic if they are in pain. Dental jobs require a person to be able to reassure a patient and explain procedures in detail to put their mind at ease.
2. Eye for Details and a Light Touch. People who want to get into dentistry need to be detail-oriented. The mouth is very complex and has a lot going on in a very small space. It’s imperative that dental professionals pay careful attention when working in a person’s mouth. They also need to have good dexterity; remember you're dealing with a very sensitive area and the slightest nudge can cause someone extreme discomfort.
3. Passionate and Knowledgeable. People who get dental assistant and dental hygienist jobs need to be passionate about dental health. Passion is necessary to want to go to work and do the best job you can every day. You also need to be passionate about good oral health practices. It’s important to be well-informed about all the latest treatments and technology available for your patients as well. A passion to keep learning about the industry and being able to use that knowledge to be the best dental professional can lead to a long-lasting career in dentistry.
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