Dental assisting is a rewarding and in-demand career that involves working closely with dentists and other oral health professionals to provide quality patient care. If you're interested in starting a career in dental assisting, Ivy Tech is a great place to begin. In this article, we'll explore the dental assisting program at Ivy Tech, including the benefits of the program, the skills and knowledge you'll gain, and the career opportunities available to graduates.
Why Choose Ivy Tech for Dental Assisting?
Ivy Tech is a reputable institution with a long history of providing high-quality education and training in a variety of fields, including dental assisting. The dental assisting program at Ivy Tech is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this rewarding career. Some of the benefits of choosing Ivy Tech for dental assisting include:
- Affordable tuition rates
- Small class sizes
- Experienced instructors
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Clinical experience
What You'll Learn in the Dental Assisting Program
The dental assisting program at Ivy Tech is a comprehensive program that covers all aspects of dental assisting. Some of the topics you'll study include:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Dental terminology
- Dental materials and equipment
- Patient assessment and communication
- Radiology and imaging
- Clinical procedures
You'll also gain hands-on experience in Ivy Tech's state-of-the-art dental clinic, where you'll work alongside experienced dentists and dental assistants to provide care to real patients.
Career Opportunities for Dental Assisting Graduates
Dental assisting is a high-demand career, and graduates of Ivy Tech's dental assisting program have a wide range of job opportunities available to them. Some of the career paths you can pursue with a degree in dental assisting include:
- Dental assistant
- Orthodontic assistant
- Dental hygienist
- Dental laboratory technician
- Dental office manager
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 11% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
Salary Potential for Dental Assisting Graduates
Dental assisting is a well-paying career, and graduates of Ivy Tech's dental assisting program can expect to earn a competitive salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for dental assistants was $41,180 in May 2020.
Here are some average salary ranges for dental assistants in different industries:
- Private dental practices: $40,000 - $60,000 per year
- Public health clinics: $35,000 - $55,000 per year
- Dental hospitals: $45,000 - $65,000 per year
- Orthodontic offices: $50,000 - $70,000 per year
Getting Started at Ivy Tech
If you're interested in starting a career in dental assisting, Ivy Tech is a great place to begin. Here are the steps to get started:
- Apply for admission to Ivy Tech
- Meet with an academic advisor to discuss your career goals and create a plan of study
- Complete the required coursework for the dental assisting program
- Gain hands-on experience in Ivy Tech's dental clinic
- Graduate and start your career as a dental assistant!
Gallery of Dental Assisting at Ivy Tech
FAQ Section
What is the average salary for a dental assistant in the United States?
+The median annual salary for dental assistants was $41,180 in May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What are the job responsibilities of a dental assistant?
+Dental assistants work closely with dentists and other oral health professionals to provide quality patient care. Their job responsibilities may include preparing patients for exams and procedures, taking x-rays, and assisting with dental procedures.
How long does it take to complete the dental assisting program at Ivy Tech?
+The dental assisting program at Ivy Tech is a two-year program that includes both classroom and clinical instruction.