Is Medical/Dental Instruments a Good Career Path?

The healthcare sector employs individuals who produce essential equipment for medical and dental procedures. 

There are many distinct career paths you can choose in the medical/dental instruments field; some will need little or no education, while others will demand extensive education and advanced degrees.

Because of the sector’s continual change, all roles will require ongoing industry and product updates. Working with medical or dental instruments places you in the healthcare sector. This is a field that will always be extremely important to people, and whatever you do is crucial.

You may significantly contribute to saving lives, or you could simply take part in the process. This is purposeful employment that has the potential to be the best job there is. Who knows, perhaps one day those tools will save your life or the life of a loved one.

Are you interested in pursuing a career in medical/dental instruments? In this article, we’ll summarize what the medical/dental instruments field entails and its many job opportunities.

What are Medical/Dental Instruments?

Medical/dental instruments are equipment used by medical and dental professionals to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses. 

These instruments can be used for a variety of purposes, including taking X-rays, measuring blood pressure, or performing surgery.

Common examples of medical/dental instruments include:

• X-ray machines
• Stethoscopes
• Thermometers
• Otoscopes
• Scalpels
• Blood pressure monitors
• forceps

You Should Check Out: Is Consumer Non-Durables A Good Career Path for Graduates?

Is Medical/Dental Instruments A Good Career Path?

Yes, for people with an interest in human anatomy and physiology who are prepared to put in the effort to achieve, a career in medical or dental instruments is a terrific choice.

From 2019 to 2029, the field is expected to expand by 11%, and in that time, 36,332 new positions are expected to be created.

Also, the awareness of assisting people is one of the most fulfilling elements of this profession. 

Instruments used in dentistry and medicine are essential for identifying and treating disorders. As a result, you can be extremely proud of the fact that you are improving the lives of others.

Some of the highest-paid professions in medical and dental equipment are anesthesiologists, surgeons, and obstetricians/gynecologists.

So if you are interested in starting a career in the medical/dental instruments this field, you are certain to find a good-paying job.

See also: Is Finance Consumer Services A Good Career Path for Graduates? | 2023

What are the Examples Of a Medical/Dental Instruments Career? 

If you are aiming to pursue a career in medicine, then medical/dental instruments may be a good career path for you. 

Although there are over 1500 positions, here is a list of examples of medical/dental instruments careers

• Cardiologist 
• Orthopedic Surgeon 
• Gynecologist/ Obstetrician 
• Surgeon
• Anesthesiologist
• Prosthodontist
• Ophthalmologist
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
• Asset Management Technician
• Entry-Level Dental Technician

Don’t Fail to Read: Is Consumer Durables A Good Career Path for Graduates in 2023?

What are the Pros and Cons of a Career in Medical/Dental Instruments?

The medical/dental instruments field offers vast career opportunities. Just like any other sector, it is advisable to evaluate the pros and cons when considering a career in such a field. 

Pros

Job Security and Good Pay

A career in this sector will offer security and stability. Additionally, the money is sufficient for you to sustain your family and yourself while also saving for retirement.

Contrary to many other professions, there is a great demand for medical assistants, therapists, nursing assistants, and doctors worldwide.

The healthcare industry is noted for its ability to weather economic downturns and its resistance to mass layoffs. As a result, employment is secure.

Check Also: Is Investment Bankers/Brokers/Service A Good Career Path in 2023

Adaptable Timetable

You may have a fulfilling career, even so, find time for your loved ones. The market for medical and dental instruments is adaptable enough to allow you to work from home and commute to the office if required.

Job Possibilities

There are many job openings in this field, and you can work in a hospital or clinic, an office, a factory, or many other settings. Additionally, the number of people in need of healthcare professionals is growing.

For a very long time, the industry will continue to expand, especially as baby boomers age and more people are born. As a result, they will generate several employment openings in the industry.

You Should Also Check: Is Apparel A Good Career Path in 2023?

A chance to help others

This field can be ideal for you if you appreciate helping people but don’t really want to work as a nurse or doctor. 

Also, you have the gratification of knowing that your actions matter; for some, they may even save lives.

Cons

The Workload can be physically draining

Although the work pattern could be flexible, medical/dental instruments workers have to work for over 12 hours a day which can be strenuous. 

Moreover, spending the whole day with the patients can be stressful. But if you are passionate about serving patients, then this can be the right job for you.

Working Vacations

Ailment or injury can occur at any time. The medical or dental instruments field needs medical personnel at all times, so you can work holidays, ten- to twelve-hour shifts, and juggle work and personal obligations. 

Unless you work in medical administration, where your schedule flexibility may vary, think twice about a future in medicine if you love working a 9–5 job and having weekends off.

Read Also: Is Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores A Good Career Path?

Approaching Patient Mortality

Knowing that you assisted a patient in achieving their health goals can seem rewarding and peaceful, but what about a patient who might be towards the end of their life?

A patient with a dismal outlook? A patient who was in critical condition when they visited the emergency room? In some healthcare facilities, patient mortality is more common, expected, and occurs.

Patient death may occur more commonly if you work in an oncology, geriatrics, or emergency department. It is important to give this element of medicine careful thought.

Also, it’s challenging to hear bad news, like a patient passing away when you have formed bonds with patients.

Developing coping mechanisms for patient loss would be beneficial, but sometimes our emotions may overwhelm the most seasoned medical professional.

See Also: Is Integrated Oil Companies A Good Career Path? | Career Tips

What are the Skills Required to Succeed in a Career in Medical/Dental Instruments?

No industry will employ anyone who lacks the basic skills, and qualifications needed to excel in any position. Particularly, the medical/dental instruments sector is primarily delicate, needing people with experience and knowledge.

To be successful as an instrument technician for medical or dental instruments, you must have the requisite education and training.

An interest in anatomy and physiological science is essential. It is essential to be able to use the equipment safely.

Some of the skills required to succeed in a career in medical/dental instruments

• Basic computer skills
• Technical skills
• Communication skills
• Interpersonal and analytical skills
• Knowledge and expertise of the major instruments
• Leadership skills
• Practical business skills
• Ability to focus
• Ability to be compassionate
• Excellent knowledge base

See Also: Is Electrical Utilities Central a Good Career Path for Graduates in 2023?

What are the Education and Training Requirements for a Career in Medical/Dental Instruments?

To apply for any job position in the medical or dental instruments field, knowing the educational and training requirements of such positions will help you go a long way.

Since it is a vast field, you might find a job in medical and dental instruments that requires any level of education degree, certifications, and training you may have acquired over the years.

The following are some possible educational and training requirements for a career in medical/dental instruments.

Learn More on Another Career: Is Telecommunications Equipment a Good Career Path in 2023?

High School or General Education Development (GED)

To consider getting any entry-level positions, the first step to take is getting your high school degree or a GED as this is one requirement in the medical and dental instruments field. 

Bachelor’s Degree

Acquiring a bachelor’s degree is essential in the medical/dental instruments field. What you specialize in at college shows your area of interest.

To work in this industry, ensure you gain a degree from an accredited institution and also get licensed. 

Master’s Degree

Most medical or dental instrument jobs require you to have a master’s degree as it provides advanced knowledge and skills needed to excel in the position.

You Should Also Read: Is Major Chemicals A Good Career Path For Graduates? | 2023

On-the-job Training

Any profession chosen in the medical or dental instruments field will require a lot of on-the-job training since this is a constantly transforming field with new instruments being introduced regularly. 

Also, you’ll need to stay up to date with medical information and also require a mastery of the instruments.

Additional Certifications

Working in this industry requires proper knowledge of the instruments. Now, knowledge of these instruments requires specialized training and a certificate that proves you can effectively sterilize, maintain, repair, and/or run the equipment. 

These are the additional education certifications that will help you climb the ladder to a successful career in this industry.

Read Also: Is Containers/Packaging A Good Career Path?

What are the Salary and Job Outlook for a Career in Medical/Dental Instruments?

The employment and salary prognosis for medical/dental instruments is very good. From 2019 to 2029, the field is anticipated to increase by 11%, which is faster than the average for all occupations. 

Furthermore, there will be 330,200 jobs in this industry by May 2020. There will be an additional 36,332 jobs available over the following ten years.

Also, you can find a career that suits your needs and enables you to enjoy your work if the job market is good.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for medical or dental instrument employees is estimated to be $75,000.

Additionally, the average annual growth rate for this field is 4%, which is faster than that of all occupations.

Check Also: Is Natural Gas Distribution A Good Career Path For Graduates? | 2023

How Much Can You Make From Medical/Dental Instruments?

The medical or dental instruments field is very large and diverse as it harbors so many job opportunities.

Salary rates and benefits packages vary based on years of experience, location, and educational level.

Here’s a list of the job positions and their salary rate in the medical/dental industry.

• Surgeons – $357,000
• Periodontist – $245,511
• Nuclear Medicine Technologist – $95,384
• Audiologist – $95,603
• Repair Technician – $44,000
• Warehouse Worker – $31,000
• Medical Supply Technician – $36,000
• Production Assembler – $30,000
• Sterile Processing Tech – $37,000
• Medical and Dental Instrument Sales – $35,000

Don’t Fail to Also Read: Is Miscellaneous A Good Career Path For Graduates? | 2023

List of Best Paying Jobs in Medical/Dental Instruments 

The medical/dental instruments sector includes many different professions, ranging from individuals who specialize in manufacturing the instruments to those who trade and market these instruments, and ultimately, the professionals who use them.

Through this cycle, a lot of opportunities emerge to gain a large compensation in the medical or dental instruments field. 

Some of the best-paying jobs in dental or medical instruments include

• Surgeons – $357,000
• Periodontist – $245,511
• Anesthesiologists – $232,352
• Orthodontist – $199,000
• Optometrists – $123,842
• Physician Assistants – $105,329
• Nuclear Medicine Technologist – $95,384
• Audiologist – $95,603
• Respiratory Therapist – $88,084
• Quality Assurance Engineer – $86,000

You may also like to check out: 20 Best Paying Jobs In Public Utilities in 2023

What Companies are in the Medical/Dental Instruments Field?

The complicated patient needs, coupled with the Covid-19 pandemic and other factors, contributed to the medical or dental instrument field’s stellar growth in 2020. 

However, this growth encouraged companies to develop and produce fresh, cutting-edge solutions. The market for medical or dental instruments is expected to grow to an astonishing $612.7 billion by 2025 from its estimated value of $456.9 billion in 2020. 

A multitude of causes, such as an increase in healthcare facilities, rising healthcare costs, technology breakthroughs, and an aging population, are driving growth.

The top companies in the medical or dental instruments fields are as follows

• American Eagle Instruments Inc
• Johnson& Johnson 
• Becton Dickinson & Company
• Siemens Healthineers
• Stryker
• Cardinal Health
• Fresenius Medical Care
• Abbott
• Medtronic
• Philips
• Ge Healthcare
• Paradise Dental Technologies

How to Get Started in a Career in Medical/Dental Instruments

If you’re looking to have a fulfilling and challenging career, then the medical or dental instruments field is the right career path for you.

To kick-start your career in this industry, please take into consideration the following 

1. Get the required qualifications

Most well-paying jobs in the medical and dental instruments field require you to attend an accredited medical school and earn your degree.

To advance in the field, you may also be required to earn a master’s degree and have additional certifications.

2. Gain Necessary Experience

In addition to your educational qualification, experience in the medical/dental instruments field is highly required. 

Employers are most likely to employ individuals with more years of experience. For college students, the experience can be gained through internship and clinical placement programs.

While graduates can gain further experience with entry-level or part-time jobs.

3. Get your Work License

After completion of your college work and passing the professional exams, it is time to get your license to practice in any area of specialty in the medical or dental instruments field. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Working in the medical/dental instruments sector comes with several perks. This career will give you financial stability in addition to good living compensation and benefits packages. 

With that, you can care for your loved ones, find your requirements, and save up for retirement.

Recommendations

• 20 Best Paying Jobs in Telecommunications Equipment | 2023
• 20 Best Paying Jobs In Major Chemicals | 2023
• Is Containers/Packaging A Good Career Path?
• Is Natural Gas Distribution A Good Career Path For Graduates? | 2023
• Is Precious Metals A Good Career Path For Graduates? | 2023
• 20 Best Paying Jobs In Public Utilities in 2023
• 20 Best Paying Jobs In Capital Goods In 2023