Overview of Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions include a variety of fields which provide assistance to the providers of oral health care. These fields include dental hygienists, dental assistants, office management and administrative assistants, dental materials technicians, dental laboratory technicians, dental therapists, expanded practice dental hygienists, and dental researchers. The roles of these professionals are diverse, and often include assisting in preventive care, maintenance, and restoration of teeth, providing patient education, and assisting with front office management activities.

Career Opportunities for Graduates with an Associate Degree in Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

With an associate degree in Dental Support Services and Allied Professions, graduates can find rewarding career opportunities in a variety of settings. Graduates can find entry-level positions in private dental offices, public health departments, research institutions, dental equipment suppliers, and educational institutions. Common job titles include dental assistant, dental hygienist, and office manager. With further education, you can find more advanced career options such as dental technology, sales and marketing, healthcare management, and more.

Internship or Co-op Opportunities Related to Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

Many colleges and universities offer internship and co-op opportunities related to Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. These internships and co-op programs can provide the opportunity to gain practical experience, observe dental procedures, and observe office operations. Some of the potential internship and co-op opportunities may include roles such as dental assistant, dental hygienist, dental technician, dental laboratory technician, and office manager in a diverse range of settings.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations Within Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

Most associate degree programs in Dental Support Services and Allied Professions include specialized tracks or concentrations. These may include dental laboratory procedures, office management and administration, patient care and education, dental material technology, and research for those who desire a career in research and publication. Depending on the institution you attend, these concentrations may be available as stand-alone courses or offered as a part of a larger degree program.

How Does an Associate Degree in Dental Support Services and Allied Professions Prepare Students for Further Education?

An associate degree in Dental Support Services and Allied Professions prepares students to pursue further education in the various fields related to this field. This could include additional education or certification in dental hygiene or dental assistant programs and courses in office management, dental materials, and dental laboratory procedures. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of the various components of the dental support service industry, graduates of associate degree programs can have a better foundation for breaking into the field and quickly gaining the specialized skills required for a successful career in the dental field.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly prevalent in the healthcare industry and is likely to have an important impact on Dental Support Services and Allied Professions in the future. AI could be used to automate administrative tasks such as patient scheduling, record keeping, appointment reminders, and billing. AI could also be used in dental imaging to diagnose dental issues and provide patient treatment advice. Furthermore, AI could be used in dental research to develop better materials, procedures, and treatments for dental diseases and disorders.

The Career Outlook for Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

The career outlook for Dental Support Services and Allied Professions is very positive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in dental support services and allied professions is expected to increase by around 8% from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than the average for all other occupations. This is largely due to the increasing demand for preventive care, as well as the implementation of advanced technologies such as AI.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Dental Support Services and Allied Professions:

Chabot College, Salary: $92,408

NUC University, Salary: $9,617

Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Salary: $76,260

Fortis College-Landover, Salary: $76,031

Fortis Institute-Wayne, Salary: $76,031

Concorde Career College-San Diego, Salary: $75,333

Northern Virginia Community College, Salary: $74,638

Tulsa Community College, Salary: $73,379

Pima Medical Institute-Tucson, Salary: $68,702

Pima Medical Institute-Seattle, Salary: $68,702

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their associate degree in Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.