Is the future of dental assisting clear or cloudy?
By Kevin Henry
Editor, Dental Assisting Digest™One of the most enjoyable things I do as the editor of Dental Assisting Digest™ is speak to dental assisting students during my travels. I love to learn about their hopes and dreams for the future, as well as the things that worry them about entering the dental assisting field.I was fortunate earlier this month to travel to Maui. While I was there, I was able to speak to the students at the University of Hawaii at Maui College Dental Assisting Program. I am grateful to their teacher, Joyce Yamada, for sharing her time and her class with me.
Editor, Dental Assisting Digest™One of the most enjoyable things I do as the editor of Dental Assisting Digest™ is speak to dental assisting students during my travels. I love to learn about their hopes and dreams for the future, as well as the things that worry them about entering the dental assisting field.I was fortunate earlier this month to travel to Maui. While I was there, I was able to speak to the students at the University of Hawaii at Maui College Dental Assisting Program. I am grateful to their teacher, Joyce Yamada, for sharing her time and her class with me.
There were 17 students in the class, and they were very honest and open with their answers to my questions. One of the things that surprised me the most was when I asked them how many planned to be in dental assisting in five years, only one raised her hand. The others are planning to attend hygiene programs and become RDHs. The reason? Money, plain and simple.During our recent state-by-state look at dental assistant salaries, Hawaii’s average dental assistant salary came in at $34,000. During my talk at UH-Maui, one student said very matter-of-factly, “I can’t live off that here.” After spending nearly a week in Hawaii, I can understand why, as the cost for everything on the islands is greater because of shipping costs, etc.Sadly, the students at UH-Maui are not in the minority when it comes to searching outside dental assisting for more money. Many students at many dental assisting schools around the nation have told me the same thing. It’s a scary look into the future of the profession as many of the brightest students view dental assisting as a stepping-stone rather than a profession.Early next month, I will be attending the ADA Annual Session in Las Vegas. While there, I will be meeting with representatives of ADAA and DANB. What I heard in Maui will be one of the things I’ll be talking about with these two great organizations (and great partners with DAD). I’ll report back to you on our talks about what they’re seeing as the future of dental assisting. In the meantime, I’d love to know your thoughts and suggestions. You can tell me anonymously by clicking here.I believe dental assistants are the cornerstone of every dental practice in the country. Following that line of thinking, if the future of dental assisting is becoming clouded, that’s a warning sign that can’t be ignored.Talk to me. Let me know what you think.Read on, this is your e-newsletter ...
