The job opportunities for trained dental assistants are quite good in today’s marketplace. In many parts of the country, there is an acute shortage of dental assistants. An examination of the classified ads online shows that the demand for dental assistants is quite strong in our area. The majority of these ads require experienced applicants.
Following your training in our 14-week course, you will have the confidence and skills necessary to apply for these positions. Part of your training will be preparation for a job interview. The course will help you plan for an interview including how to dress what to say, what type of questions to expect and what type of questions you should ask. Interview skills are essential because jobs are often lost during the first five minutes of the interview. We feel it is important to train you in this area, in addition to skill training, so that you will stand out from the rest of the competition.
The starting pay scale for experienced dental assistants is considerably higher than those with no experience. We are often asked what a graduate from our course can expect to make in their first job. The answer truly depends on where the office is located. Urban, metropolitan areas as a rule pay more than rural areas. Graduates of our course have been averaging $10 to $15 per hour (or more) to start. We will do our best to assist you in finding the kind of office and location you are looking for to suit your needs!
Another factor that is often overlooked is in the area of job satisfaction. As dental professionals, we have heard many times over the years from our staff and colleagues on how much happier they are working in the dental profession as compared to their previous jobs. One student from our sister school reported, “I literally feel rescued from a factory job I hated and a future I did not look forward to.” A parent of another one of the students thanked us personally for giving his daughter new direction and responsibility in her life. She had been a fast food server with a small child to raise and no particular goal or ambition in life. Since completing the course, she has worked in a dental office for two years now and loves it. Are you happy in your job? If not then do something about it!!
Our course is unique in that it is taught in an actual practicing dental office. You will learn the state-of-the-art methods in assisting. One of the most important and valuable parts of this program is the clinical hands-on training done during the week. If you cannot commit some of your time during the week, this program is not for you, as Dr. McKelvey works hard to make sure her students are the most well-trained, graduating assistants in the area.
Our staff has over 50 years combined experience in the dental profession and in teaching the art and science of dental assisting. We constantly update our course as techniques and the profession change.
Make A Decision That Could Change Your Life!
The course is given three times a year. The classes are taught on 12 Saturdays out of the 14-week period. This allows you to have a part-time job while you train for your new career in dental assisting. We also offer you opportunities to intern with real dentists in actual practicing offices during the course. Our students who make the effort to master the skills and study hard to gain the knowledge have had no problem obtaining positions in the dental profession as chair side assistants.
If you have additional questions, would like to schedule a tour of the class site, or are ready to enroll in the next class please call today! We look forward to helping you begin a new career!