Career
Path Forecast
 Employment
is expected to grow 36 percent from 2008 to 2018, which is much faster
than the average for all occupations. In fact, dental assistants are
expected to be among the fastest growing occupations over the 2008-2018
projection period.
Population growth, greater retention of natural teeth by middle-aged and
older people, and an increased focus on preventative dental care for
younger generations will fuel demand for dental services. Older
dentists, who have been less likely to employ assistants or have
employed fewer, are leaving the occupation and will be replaced by
recent graduates, who are more likely to use one or more assistants. In
addition, as dentists' workloads increase, they are expected to hire
more assistants to perform routine tasks, so that they may devote their
own time to more complex procedures.
Job prospects should be excellent, as dentists continue to need the aid
of qualified dental assistants. There will be many opportunities for
entry-level positions, but some dentists prefer to hire experienced
assistants, those who have completed a dental-assisting program, or have
met State requirements to take on expanded functions within the office.
In addition to job openings due to employment growth, some job openings
will arise out of the need to replace assistants who transfer to other
occupations, retire, or leave for other reasons.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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