Healthcare

Dental Career Outlook for 2020

HealthcareDecember 04, 2019

People rely on dental care for a beautiful smile and good oral health, which makes the dental profession a compelling career opportunity. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the career outlook for job opportunities for both dental hygienists and dental assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations over the next 10 years.

How Your General Health Impacts your Oral Health and Teeth

According to the American Dental Association, “the mouth is a window into the health of the body.” Ongoing research continues to link general wellness to dental health. As the demand for healthcare services continues to rise as the population grows and ages, the ongoing demand for dental care will follow suit.

Changing Demands of an Aging Population

Interestingly, older generations are keeping their original teeth longer than their predecessors did, which shows why there is expected to be a strong demand for more dental hygienists and dental assistants to offer preventative care and cleanings to preserve their patients’ oral health.

Dental Career Options

Dental assistants and dental hygienists have different duties but both perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties, all of which require strong interpersonal and technical skills.

Dental assistants handle administrative responsibilities, such as updating dental records. They also assist the dentist chairside and they sterilize instruments and instruct patients on post-visit care. Dental hygienists are licensed oral healthcare professionals who perform cleanings, apply sealants, and take x-rays. Duties for both can vary by state.

Start Your Dental Career

Are you ready to make people smile? If you are interested in pursuing a future in dental assisting, you can schedule a tour at one of our campuses. For those seeking a career as a dental hygienist, we offer programs as well. Please visit the Dental page on the Fortis website, or call (855) 436-7847 for more information. Get started today!