5 Entry-Level Dental Careers to Consider in Franklin

dental assistant rinsing patient mouth during cleaning with dentist in background

Finding a fulfilling and stable career is a goal for many individuals, and the dental field offers a variety of opportunities that can meet these needs. Entry-level dental careers not only provide job security but also the chance to grow and advance within the profession. Whether you are a recent high school graduate, a career changer, or someone looking to re-enter the workforce, the dental industry in Franklin has several promising entry-level positions that can serve as the foundation for a rewarding career.

Franklin, with its thriving healthcare sector, is an excellent place to start your journey in dental careers. This blog will explore five entry-level dental positions available in Franklin, shedding light on what each role entails and the skills you need to succeed. These careers offer the perfect blend of patient interaction, technical work, and administrative responsibilities, making them ideal for those who enjoy variety in their workday.

1. Dental Assistant

A dental assistant plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of a dental office. They are responsible for a wide range of tasks that assist the dentist and support the overall patient experience. This role is perfect for individuals who enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and have excellent interpersonal skills.

Dental assistants fulfill a range of responsibilities, which can include:

  • Chairside Assistance: Dental assistants help the dentist during procedures by handing them instruments, suctioning the patient’s mouth, and ensuring the patient is comfortable.

  • Sterilization: They are responsible for sterilizing dental instruments and maintaining a clean and organized workspace.

  • Patient Interaction: From taking patient histories to educating them on post-procedure care, dental assistants play a vital role in patient communication.

In Franklin, the demand for dental assistants is high, and with proper training, such as the program offered by Franklin Dental Assistant School, individuals can quickly enter this rewarding field.

2. Dental Technician

Dental technicians are the behind-the-scenes artists of the dental world. They create dental prosthetics such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and orthodontic appliances based on the specifications provided by dentists.

The primary duties of a dental technician include:

  • Prosthetic Fabrication: Using molds, dental technicians craft custom dental appliances.

  • Material Handling: They work with a variety of materials, including porcelain, gold, and plastic, to create durable and aesthetically pleasing dental products.

  • Precision Work: Detailed and precise work is crucial, as these appliances must fit perfectly and function effectively.

For those in Franklin interested in a career that combines artistry and science, becoming a dental technician is an excellent choice. This role allows for creativity and technical skill to merge, producing tangible results that improve patients’ lives.

3. Dental Radiographer

Dental radiographers, also known as dental X-ray technicians, play a vital role in the diagnostic process of dental care. They use radiographic equipment to take X-rays of patients’ teeth and jaws, which dentists then use to diagnose and plan treatment.

Key responsibilities of a dental radiographer include:

  • Taking X-rays: Dental radiographers operate X-ray machines to capture images of patients’ dental structures.

  • Patient Safety: They ensure that all safety protocols are followed to protect patients from unnecessary radiation exposure.

  • Image Processing: Developing and processing X-ray films or digital images for the dentist’s review.

In Franklin, dental radiographers are in demand as they provide essential diagnostic support that helps dentists deliver effective care. This career is ideal for those who are technically inclined and enjoy working with cutting-edge medical technology.

4. Patient Care Coordinator

Patient care coordinators serve as the liaison between patients and the dental office. They ensure that patients have a positive experience from the moment they enter the office until they leave.

The typical responsibilities of a patient care coordinator can include:

  • Scheduling Appointments: Coordinating patient schedules and ensuring timely appointments.

  • Patient Communication: Providing patients with information about their treatments, answering questions, and addressing concerns.

  • Record Keeping: Maintaining accurate patient records and ensuring that all information is up to date.

Patient care coordinators are essential to the smooth operation of dental practices in Franklin. This role is perfect for individuals who are organized, personable, and enjoy helping others navigate their healthcare experience.

5. Dental Receptionist

The dental receptionist is often the first point of contact for patients at a dental office. They manage the front desk and are responsible for various administrative tasks that keep the office running smoothly.

The primary duties of a dental receptionist include:

  • Greeting Patients: Welcoming patients as they arrive and ensuring they feel comfortable.

  • Administrative Duties: Managing patient records, handling correspondence, and performing general office duties.

  • Payment Processing: Handling payments and billing tasks, including processing insurance information.

For those in Franklin looking for a role that combines administrative duties with patient interaction, a dental receptionist position is a great entry point into the dental field. It offers a blend of responsibilities that keep the workday varied and engaging.

Pursue a Dental Career Today

Choosing a career in the dental field can be a rewarding decision, offering stability, growth potential, and the opportunity to make a positive impact on patients’ lives. Franklin provides numerous opportunities for those interested in starting a career in this dynamic industry. From hands-on roles like dental assistants and technicians to administrative positions like patient care coordinators and receptionists, there is a wide range of entry-level jobs to consider.

If you’re particularly interested in becoming a dental assistant, look no further than Franklin Dental Assistant School. Renowned for its world-class dental assistant education, Franklin Dental Assistant School offers a comprehensive 12-week course that equips aspiring dental assistants with the necessary skills in sterilization, chairside duties, dental anatomy, procedure preparation, and more. Thousands of students have successfully launched their careers through this program, making it a trusted choice for dental assistant training in Franklin.

Start your journey towards a fulfilling dental career today with Franklin Dental Assistant School and join the ranks of highly skilled dental professionals making a difference in their community.

Apply today to get started.

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Picture of Author: Lisa Leslie

Lisa Leslie

Lead Copywriter
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Lead Copywriter
| Click to open Lisa Leslie's LinkedIn Profile

Lisa Leslie, a professional copywriter based in New Hampshire, is the Content Manager and Lead Copywriter at Zollege, the parent company of a network of over 120 medical assistant and dental assistant schools ...

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