Washington 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 Washington, D.C.
Looking for the cosmopolitan city life? Washington, D.C., has it all—combining history, politics, and culture to generate a distinctively energized metro atmosphere. And there's much more to the nation's capital than governmental concerns. Locals will tell you how well-developed the city is, with high-caliber museums (and architectural feats within and bordering the National Mall), loads of restaurants to satisfy any true foodie, convenient public transportation, and opportunities for green-space adventures in national and state parks right outside the urban core.
Washington, D.C., jobs are also expected to grow by 33.7% in the next 10 years (a faster rate than the U.S. average of 33.5%), so now's a great time to make a career move. Cost of living is higher than the national average, but that isn't unusual, given the nature of the location (and you're likely to find a higher-paying job here as well). Additionally, employment and housing possibilities are plentiful in the greater D.C. area, with headquarters for various businesses, corporate sprawls, and government contractors. So you may want to explore nearby Alexandria in Virginia and Bowie, Rockville, and Annapolis in Maryland for further job openings too.
Update Your Washington 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 Washington, D.C.?
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 Washington, D.C., 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 Washington is $19.52 per hour, which is 10% higher than the national average.
Find Your Next Washington 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 Washington, how to nail your job interview, and more.