For one reason or another, many Americans end up changing careers at some point in their lives. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Current Population Survey, about 6.2 million workers (4 percent of the total workforce) transferred from one occupational group to another between 2015 and 2016. Despite those numbers, changing careers remains confusing and challenging for many people. It can be hard to determine what steps to take when seeking a new job or exploring all of the adult education options available.
If choosing a new career is looking too complicated, read our simple tips on how to make your occupation change easier. We’ve also done a little premature job searching for you; did you know that the healthcare industry is projected to add more jobs — more than 4 million — than any other industry between 2012 and 2022? Dental assisting, in particular, has excellent career projections. Keep reading to find out why we recommend it for your adult job search.
What are your interests? If you left your old job, what caused you to step back? If you’re not sure which direction your sails are taking you, seek out some guidance from personality and career tests. Many interest assessments are available online for a range of costs – some are even free. However, according to Forbes, it’s important to remember that these assessments are only offering advice. While personality and career tests make excellent tools, you should base your occupational choices on more than just an online quiz.
Worrying about finding a new career isn’t going to ease the process; it will probably just make it harder. Remember that careers are a lifelong pursuit and that no matter your age or ability, it’s okay to start anew far after you first graduated from high school or college. While finding the right job can be a tricky and time-consuming task, it is still something you can achieve, so long as you remain determined and focused.
What occupations are growing right now? Which ones aren’t? It’s important to do your research before jumping into a new industry after paying for expensive adult education classes. Seeking out a job that isn’t hiring will only leave you frustrated.
Many adult job seekers struggle with a career change because they don’t have the time or money to invest in more education. If you need to further your education to switch jobs, consider affordable continuing education programs that offer flexible learning times. While that might sound limiting, more schools are offering different times to meet the demand for adults who want to change careers.
If you want to find an occupation with favorable growth prospects and an above-median paycheck, consider a career in dental assisting. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental assisting is projected to add more than 64,000 jobs within the 2016-2026 decade; the career ranked sixth on their “Most New Jobs” list for occupations typically requiring an associate’s degree or postsecondary nondegree award.
If a stable, promising career in dental assisting appeals to you, contact us today!
Jayna Jones April 28, 2022just now I went to Sunrise School of Dental Assisting winter of 2021! I absolutely love the school and the staff. I was even offered a job in one of the offices. (which is now the wonderful place I work!!) I will be forever grateful for the opportunity Sunrise has given me.
Hannah Cellitti December 23, 2021I heard about this school when I started searching for a program to become a DA. I came a cross this schooling program and saw nothing but good reviews! The experience I had with this program was a great blessing, I couldn’t have had a greater experience. Once I finished the program I was offered a position as a clinical assistant and have had nothing but fun and great experiences with other students! I highly suggest this school program.
Juan Arcia – Greensboro location November 11, 2021First I want to start with a thank you. As I finished this program I realized that you were the first person that help me make that first step to become a dental assistant by replying to me and accepting my application. I appreciate all you did and all the help you gave me, its been a long roller coaster. hope that you keep helping future dental assistant.
I’m really thankful to sunrise, it has employee wonderful people that I had met and they have change my life, from Mrs. McKinley to our instructors in Greensboro. I hope it always stays like that and I thank you one last time from my heart.
Jani F. Brown August 18, 2021I was told about this program from a girl I met while driving Uber. She commended this school and was very passionate about the material she learned and her instructor. I attended the May 6th – August 12th class and it has been very insightful. My courses took place on Tuesday and Thursday’s from 6pm to 9pm. My instructor was Ms. Jennifer. Ms. Jennifer has been extremely helpful in regards to explaining the information, providing examples that were easy to remember by using a sound or maybe even making it a little funny which has helped me tremendously when all the information is presented. This class also provides you with hands on experience which was a lot of fun. I do not recommend missing a class because it can mess up your pace and falling behind is not recommended. At the end of the course they provide you with cover letters and resume assistance to help when applying to position during/after completion of the course. This program has helped me gain knowledge in an ever lasting and growing field that now enables me to help make customers everyday regain confidence, one day at a time, one smile at a time. Highly recommend.
Daniel J February 6, 2020I was told about this school from a close friend before I started and she loved every single bit of the program, help and motivation she got from her teachers. I decided to better myself by going here as well and giving it a shot. This course proved to be nothing more than one of the best programs I’ve been able to get into and graduate from. Every single class we were helped as much as possible and always went back over things if we didn’t understand. This program not only help me gain a certificate of Dental Assisting for my career, but also helped me find my first job as a dental assistant while I was still in the program and I couldn’t be happier with how much my life has progressed in just 13 weeks. I will always speak the best about this school and I know whoever takes it will do the same!
Sydney Sparks July 22, 201910/10 I recommend this school. Time and frequency of the class is great for people working full time as well as people with children. Jennifer is a lot of fun to learn from as well. I was able to get a job right out of school, so I can’t complain!!!
Michelle H. January 29, 2019I attended Sunrise School of Dental Assisting in 2016. It was a very convenient program with it only being two days a week (at night) it’s the perfect career opportunity especially for someone who needs to work while going to school. Since graduating, I have had many opportunities open up one of which is working at Sunrise itself. I had an excellent instructor who helped as much as she could to prepare us for a job in the dental field. I would highly recommend signing up, you won’t regret it!
Kourie U. January 29, 2019I attended Sunrise Dental Assisting School in 2008 and still today am so grateful I did. My experience in the school was awesome. The instructors were very attentive and always available. Since the school is based in a dental office you are able to have endless opportunities for hands on learning. In addition the schedule is very accommodating for all lifestyles. The last thing I would like to note about SDAS is that once you have completed the program Sunrise still advocates for you. Paulette Jolly is a tremendous help with job placement and helping you along your way. Now that Sunrise Dental has allowed me the entrance into the dental field I know dentistry is my passion. Sunrise Dental has been a great blessing to my life.
Victoria R January 29, 2019Enjoyed the hands on and guided learning experience the instructors provided. Had the opportunity to shadow and assist for an oral surgeon set up by instructor Tammy. SSDA Fayetteville was a laid back environment which made attending class enjoyable. I feel confident using what I learned in the course for future careers.
Rhonish W January 29, 2019Attending SSDA was the best thing I could have ever done ! My instructor Tammy was beyond amazing she made sure we understood everything taught and even gave us multiple opportunities to gain experience shadowing In her office ! Sunrise is the best !
Jaylyn Miller September 5, 2017Prior to attending Sunrise School of Dental Assisting I had zero knowledge of the dentistry field and what this career choice would have in store for me. I had an awesome instructor, as well as current Dental Assistants at Sunrise, to help guide me and continue to be successful in my career. Everyone has been extremely helpful and I have had nothing less than a great experience. After graduation, I was hired on by Sunrise and couldn’t be more happy with my job and the decision to attend Sunrise School of Dental Assisting! Thank you all!!
Katie Panchak February 17, 2017If you’re looking into a promising career as a dental assistant, look no further! I recently graduated from Sunrise School of Dental Assisting and couldn’t be happier with the program! This course provided me with all the knowledge and tools that I needed to become successful in my field. Now I am proud to say that after graduation I have been hired on by Sunrise Dental and LOVE my job! Thanks guys!
Madison McCullock January 12, 2017Sunrise School of Dental Assisting provided me with the knowledge and skills I needed to begin my career in the Dental field. The instructors were very helpful and thorough in explaining the lessons and procedures to the class, and also made it a point to provide any additional help/tutoring before/after lessons for students. I enjoyed my experience at Sunrise School of Dental Assisting. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to receive the proper education necessary in order to excel in their Dental Assisting career
Ashley Hicks June 15, 2016At Sunrise they give you the tools you need to become successful as a Dental Assistant. You have smaller numbers in the class, so you are able to have more one on one time with an instructor if needed. It is a fast paced class, but the instructor is willing to meet with you before class time if you need help. It is a good balance between lectures and actual lab time. You have great hands on experience and work with live “patients” (class members) in order to get an actual feel of what it would be like. The team at Sunrise Dental are very encouraging and push you to strive for your best. They also help with shadowing at different offices and even inform you if there are job openings at other offices. I would recommend this program to anyone and know that they would also get the great training that I have received!