Job prospects Dental Laboratory Assistant in the Saint John–St. Stephen Region

Over the past few years (2021-2023), the labour market was balanced for Dental technologists, technicians and laboratory assistants in the Saint John–St. Stephen Region. The number of job openings was about the same as the number of workers available in this occupation.

Source Labour Market Information | Recent Trends Methodology

The employment outlook will be good for Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants (NOC 33100) in the Saint John - St. Stephen region for the 2024-2026 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

• Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
• Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
• There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

• More dental assistants are employed in the province's largest urban areas, due to the high concentrations of population. However, opportunities in rural areas are common, as these positions are often more difficult to fill. Some regions will require candidates to be fluent in either official language.
• In order to practice, dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants must possess a National Dental Assisting Examining Board Certificate and must be a member of the New Brunswick Dental Assistants' Association.
• Familiarity with general office and dental practice management software would be valuable, though these skills are often learned on the job. Other useful computer skills include typing, charting with dental software and the ability to take and read digital x-rays.
• The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has come into effect for certain segments of the population and this has increased the demand for dental professionals.
• Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants are often required to stand or sit for long periods of time and must be adaptable to a fast-paced environment.
• Other tasks that are often carried out by Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants include: ordering dental and office supplies, preparing and sterilizing instruments, scheduling and confirming appointments, and educating patients concerning oral hygiene.

Here are some key facts about Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants in the Saint John - St. Stephen region:

• Approximately 130 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
• Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): more than 95%

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology