Career Study: Dental Assistant
Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY iv Introduction 1 Facts and Findings 2 Occupational Inventory 2 Work environment 2 Perks. 3 Market trends. 3 Personality Fit 4 Stress level/mental strains. 4 Personality traits recommended/required. 4 Personal interests and passions. 5 Future Potential 5 Continuing education requirements. 5 Advancement Opportunities. 5 Conclusion 6 References 7
List of Figures Figure 1 Gender of Dental Assistants 3 Figure 2 Current Wages Earned for Dental Assistants 3 Figure 3 Estimated Yearly Growth of Dental Assistant Jobs in Alberta 4
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The career area of dental assistant does, in many ways, relate directly to the skills and knowledge learnt in the Administrative Office Professional program (APRO). Skills such as computer knowledge, bookkeeping, customer service, human relations, reading and writing, verbal communication, and active listening are an essential part of being a dental assistant. APRO students already obtain these skills. This report shows how becoming a dental assistant is a great career choice for APRO students. With only an additional eight to ten months of training, an APRO student could become a dental assistant and earn a great wage, as well as acquire many sought after job perks. Job perks of a dental assistant include Monday to Friday daytime hours, free dental care, monthly or yearly bonuses, and medical benefits. Dental assistants primarily work in dental offices; however, there are jobs available in health care units and hospitals as well.
The research that was conducted for this report consists of both primary and secondary sources. The primary research sources include an interview of a local dental assistant, as well as the researcher’s own experience and knowledge. Secondary sources of research include Google searches, ALIS website, STATS Canada, and APRO text books.
The three main aspects covered in this report are as follows: 1) Occupational Inventory a.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY iv Introduction 1 Facts and Findings 2 Occupational Inventory 2 Work environment 2 Perks. 3 Market trends. 3 Personality Fit 4 Stress level/mental strains. 4 Personality traits recommended/required. 4 Personal interests and passions. 5 Future Potential 5 Continuing education requirements. 5 Advancement Opportunities. 5 Conclusion 6 References 7
List of Figures Figure 1 Gender of Dental Assistants 3 Figure 2 Current Wages Earned for Dental Assistants 3 Figure 3 Estimated Yearly Growth of Dental Assistant Jobs in Alberta 4
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The career area of dental assistant does, in many ways, relate directly to the skills and knowledge learnt in the Administrative Office Professional program (APRO). Skills such as computer knowledge, bookkeeping, customer service, human relations, reading and writing, verbal communication, and active listening are an essential part of being a dental assistant. APRO students already obtain these skills. This report shows how becoming a dental assistant is a great career choice for APRO students. With only an additional eight to ten months of training, an APRO student could become a dental assistant and earn a great wage, as well as acquire many sought after job perks. Job perks of a dental assistant include Monday to Friday daytime hours, free dental care, monthly or yearly bonuses, and medical benefits. Dental assistants primarily work in dental offices; however, there are jobs available in health care units and hospitals as well.
The research that was conducted for this report consists of both primary and secondary sources. The primary research sources include an interview of a local dental assistant, as well as the researcher’s own experience and knowledge. Secondary sources of research include Google searches, ALIS website, STATS Canada, and APRO text books.
The three main aspects covered in this report are as follows: 1) Occupational Inventory a.
References: 2011 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey. (2011). Retrieved February 25, 2013, from ALIS: www.alis.ca Dental Assistant 's Occupation Group. (2012). Retrieved February 25, 2013, from Statistics Canada: www.statcan.gc.ca Dental Assistant Registration Process. (2012, May). Retrieved February 25, 2013, from Government of Alberta: http://www.albertacanada.com/Dental_Assisant_May_2012.pdf