Dental Assistant Salary In Ga
Are you considering a career as a dental assistant in Georgia? If so, you’re in luck. Dental assistants are vital members of the dental team, responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of the clinic by performing a wide range of patient care, clerical, and laboratory duties.
At Georgia Northwestern Technical College, the Dental Assisting Program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in this field. Whether it’s interacting with patients or handling specialized tasks, graduates of this program are confident and effective.
The program, offered at both the Gordon County and Polk County Campuses, is designed to prepare students for the demands of the dental assisting profession. The hands-on experience gained during training equips them with the necessary skills to excel in a variety of dental settings.
Dental assistants play a crucial role in the dental office. They are the first ones to greet patients in the morning, ensuring that all equipment is turned on and ready for the day ahead. They make patients comfortable in their chairs, review their health history forms, and ensure that the doctor has all the necessary equipment for procedures. During treatments, dental assistants sit chairside, passing and retrieving instruments.
April Cowan, the Program Director for the Dental Assisting Program at Georgia Northwestern Technical College, emphasizes the career potential for dental assistants. Upon completion of the program, students become expanded function dental assistants with radiology certification. They are eligible to sit for the national board examination, the highest credential a dental assistant can achieve. The job opportunities for dental assistants are vast, ranging from general chair side practices to specialized fields such as orthodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery.
Laura Graves, a former student at Georgia Northwestern, speaks highly of the program’s hands-on experience. The college’s dental assisting facilities are designed to mimic a real dental office, providing students with the equipment and materials they will encounter in their future careers. The career-focused instruction, combined with industry-standard dental chairs and X-ray machinery, prepares students to confidently handle sharp instruments and work with dental crowns.
According to the Department of Labor, the average annual starting salary for a dental assistant is $33,470. However, the earning potential goes beyond chairside assisting. Dental assistants can pursue various roles, such as clinical assistants, hygiene assistants, or even rovers who sterilize instruments and break down rooms. The flexibility and growth potential in this field make it an attractive career choice.
If you are self-driven, caring, and enjoy hands-on work, dental assisting may be a fulfilling career for you. Most dental assistants love the field because it allows them to actively engage with patients, providing tangible help and making a positive impact. So, if you’re interested in a stable career with growth potential, excellent pay, and flexible hours, consider becoming a dental assistant.
To learn more about Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s Dental Assisting program, visit our website or contact us for more information. Start your journey towards a rewarding career in dental assisting today!
