Sometimes people want to change careers and wonder just exactly what jobs they might be qualified for. The right people with the right skills can often find new jobs that are somehow related to the job they are currently doing. This is especially true for dental assistants who have grown tired of clinical work and want to move on to other challenges in the dental field. Dental assistant instructor jobs are one avenue that many current dental assistants are looking into because it still keeps them in a field that they love. They can continue to use their acquired skills and share them with others without having to work in an actual dental office.
There are a growing number of individuals who are needed to teach high school students and adults on the fundamentals of chair-side dental assisting. The instructors are needed to teach students how to assist the dentist in dental procedures, to take, develop and mount x-rays, to sterilize dental equipment and to control infection. They also are responsible for helping students learn the basics of dental lab work, how to instruct patients on good dental care, emergency procedures and general dental office administration. They are expected to effectively give lectures and to supervise and teach clinical courses. They may also oversee externships for some students.
The requirements for a dental assistant teaching position vary from school to school. Generally, at least two years of clinical work experience is necessary and most schools only hire CDAs (Certified Dental Assistants), RDAs (Registered Dental Assistants) or individuals with a diploma from an accredited dental assistant training school. Professionalism is a must and a high emphasis is placed on oral and written communication skills.
There are many benefits that go along with a dental assistant instructor position. New hires are generally provided with health and dental insurance that is fully or partially paid. They also get paid vacations, holidays and sick time. Some dental schools match funds put by employees into their 401-K plans. Other perks that are sometimes offered are life and disability insurance, legal services and employee counseling. Dental assistant instructor jobs are waiting for qualified people to apply and they do offer a lucrative and exciting way to make a living.