5 Reasons to Consider a Dental Career
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by Dr. Beau Beecher, DDS on 8/8/2022
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General
Are you a recent college graduate and not sure what to do next? Or are you a seasoned professional experiencing burnout at your current job? Dentistry could be the answer for a rewarding future.
An often overlooked career choice, dentistry provides a wide range of job opportunities that can fulfill a variety of professional goals. Read on to discover five reasons you should consider a dental career.
Numerous Specializations
Unlike other corporate careers, dentistry has many specializations you can explore. For example, if you love working with kids, you can become a pediatric dentist. If you’re interested in administering anesthesia during oral procedures like root canals, consider becoming an anesthesiologist. Want to improve people's smiles? Specialize in cosmetic dentistry, which focuses on the repair of missing, chipped, cracked, or broken teeth. You’ll also provide services for teeth whitening, veneers, braces, Invisalign, fillings, and dental implants.
Other popular professions in the dental industry include orthodontists, dental laboratory technicians, hygienists, and dental assistants No matter what your background or education level, you can find a rewarding and fulfilling dental career to be passionate about.
Employment Stability
Similar to other healthcare professions, dental positions will always be in demand. There are a few reasons for this. First, the baby boomer generation is growing older and are in need of more dental services. Second, people are becoming aware of oral hygiene and how to better care for their dental health. Third, there is a growing demand for cosmetic dental procedures, creating a multi-billion dollar industry.
To supply the demand for dental services, there has been an influx of dentistry-related job openings. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 8% employment growth for dentists between 2020 and 2030. These dentists will need to hire a team consisting of dental assistants, hygienists, and technicians. This guarantees increased job openings for those positions too.
Flexible Working Hours
Currently, many individuals are looking to leave their corporate jobs to start their own businesses. However, many entrepreneurs and business owners end up working 14+ hours per day – more than they would’ve for their regular 9-5 job. This is not the case for dentists who open their own practice. You often have the freedom to set your working hours. Some dentists choose to be open on weekends to make a better profit, but this is not a requirement to be financially successful in the field of dentistry.
Financially Rewarding
Dentistry can be a financially rewarding career. The average dentist's salary in Iowa is $200K- $250K. Hygienists can make an average of $76K, and dental assistants can make $44K -$50K.
And it’s not just in the Midwest that dentists are well paid. U.S. News & World Report showed dentist as the #11 best paying job of 2022, with other dental professions such as orthodontist (#4) and oral and maxillofacial surgeon (#5) ranking even higher. In fact, anesthesiologist ranked #1. With a career in the dental industry you’ll enjoy being financially secure.
Career Fulfillment
Job diversity, employment security and financial success are great, but can a dental career give you the job fulfillment and happiness you desire? Dentistry offers individuals a chance to design a career full of purpose, making a positive difference in the lives of others. The dental team at Kimball & Beecher will tell you how much they love interacting with and helping patients improve their oral health.
Join the Kimball & Beecher Dental Family!
If you're interested in a dental career, our team is always happy to discuss the opportunities and how to best achieve your goals. Or, if you're looking to join an amazing team of dental professionals in Iowa, we're always hiring. Apply for open positions with Kimball & Beecher today.