Tacoma Dental Assistant Jobs Overview
Dental offices would stop functioning without dental assistant jobs. Busy dentists aren't able to be with patients at all times and are usually focused on performing technical or complex dental treatments. Dental assistants are needed to make patients comfortable and assist dentists during dental procedures. You can usually become a dental assistant with a high school diploma and just a couple years of extra education or training.
You may want to consider a job as a dental assistant if you enjoy bringing a smile to the faces of both coworkers and patients and working in a calm environment with high hygiene standards. You'll be reviewing and updating patients' health histories, recording patient concerns, preparing the exam room for appointments, disinfecting and sterilizing instruments, cleaning treatment rooms, and giving patients instructions for oral care after surgery. These skills are in high demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental assistant jobs are projected to increase by 7% over the next decade.
You can expand your search for healthcare support jobs by checking out these similar positions:
About Working in Tacoma, Washington
It's clear why Tacoma residents love their city. The "Mother of Waters" overlooks Puget Sound with a breathtaking view of Mt. Rainier. Point Defiance Park in Tacoma is the second-largest urban park in the U.S., right behind NYC's Central Park. Its 760 acres offer hiking, gardens, and even a zoo. It's only five miles from downtown, so people with Tacoma jobs can enjoy the park on their lunch break or after work.
There's another reason to keep your eye on Tacoma. The city has a love affair with glass. The Museum of Glass was built in 2002 to celebrate art glass and glassmaking and hosts more than 100,000 visitors each year. There's also a glassblowing studio, a bridge made of glass, and a botanical conservatory with a 12-sided dome made of 3,000 panes of glass.
Tacoma is on the list of the most livable areas in the U.S. by Livability.com. State Farm Insurance, Boeing, and Expedia must have seen the windows of opportunity in the city since they have a presence in Tacoma. If you're interested in looking at jobs in Tacoma, you can also check out the nearby cities of Lakewood, Federal Way, and Puyallup.
Update Your Tacoma Dental Assistant Resume
Every job application will ask for a resume. But don't worry! Writing a dental assistant resume doesn't have to be as painful as a root canal. Monster has the information you need to impress your local dental office in our sample dental assistant resume. And while you're here, why not add a dental assistant cover letter? Cover letters are an effective tool for personalizing your intent and showing hiring managers how your skills will benefit them.
How Much Do Dental Assistant Jobs Pay in Tacoma, Washington?
Got money on your mind? You should! Make sure you’re getting paid what you’re worth. Our Salary Tools can help you understand what you can expect to make in dental assistant jobs in Tacoma, Washington, as well as the skills that can boost your value and what the next steps in your career might be. Right now, the median dental assistant pay in Tacoma is $22.11 per hour, which is 20% higher than the national average.
Find Your Next Tacoma Dental Assistant Job. Monster Can Help Get You Started
Are you prepared for a career in dental assistant? If so, set up your profile on Monster for free and begin clicking on those dental assistant jobs. When you sign up with us, you’ll receive custom job alerts and expert advice on how to negotiate your salary in Tacoma, how to nail your job interview, and more.