Becoming an Allied Dental Educator
Allied Dental Educators have most daunting tasks on hand – to train students to become Dental Assistants, Dental Hygienists or Dental Laboratory Technicians. They stay on the forefront when it comes to oral health practice and dental science. They also stay up-to-date with new techniques and research information.
Apart from imparting classroom teaching, the Allied Dental Educators supervise students in laboratories, medical facilities and clinical setting and train them on how to provide quality oral health care to patients. They also develop new textbooks and other training and teaching materials for publishers.
Education Requirements:
A four-year bachelor’s degree in any science discipline is the first step towards becoming an Allied Dental Educator. Coursework in Physics, Chemistry and Biology help them get exposure and skill set needed to excel in their profession. Full-time positions in dental hygiene programs require a graduate or doctoral degree. The Allied Dental Educators also opt for professional certification or licensure, as many states in the United States require that.
Working Environments:
Whether it’s full time or part-time, the Allied Dental Educators mainly work at community colleges, vocational schools, colleges, universities, health centers and dental schools. They also work closely with non-government organizations and committees.
Salary & Job Outlook:
A full-time Allied Dental Educator can earn between $41,000 and $62,000 in a year. The job outlook remains excellent for this profession. The projected growth rate for these professionals is fixed at 16% during the period of 2012-22.