It is not uncommon to see people ask the question, ‘is medical/dental instruments a good career path.’ Medical and dental instruments is a growing industry, and with the advances in medicine, technology, and material sciences, the industry seems to be very promising.
If you are the type that loves sales or technology-related stuff and are passionate about saving and improving lives, then you might want to consider a career in medical and dental instruments.
In this post, we will take a close look at the medical and dental instruments industry and help you bring answers to the question, ‘is medical/dental instruments a good career path.’ If this sounds like what you would like, then keep reading!
Table of Contents
What Is the Medical/Dental Instruments Industry About?
The medical/dental instrument industry is about making and selling instruments that are used in the medical and dental fields. According to the World Health Organization, more than 2 million different kinds of medical devices are available on the market. These could be instruments, appliances, machines, apparatus, software, reagents, etc. – which are all classified as medical/dental instruments.
Without these devices, it will be impossible to carry out different medical procedures. The industry is a highly valued industry because it brings prestige to its workers’ careers. The field is growing rapidly as well, which offers many job opportunities for graduates who want to work in this field.
Some examples of medical/dental instruments include:
- Medical implants (Pacemakers, insulin pumps, etc.)
- Diagnostic equipment (MRI scanners, X-ray equipment)
- Prosthetics (limbs, dental implants)
- Surgical equipment (lasers, laparoscopes, scalpels)
- Bandages, enema kits, non-electric wheelchairs
- Dental drills and cleaning tools
- Home and lab testing equipment (test strips, bioreactors, blood vials)
- HIV tests, pregnancy tests
- Defibrillators, pacemakers
What Do People In Medical/Dental Instruments Do?
If you are looking to pick up a career in medical and dental instruments, then you should have an idea of what you will be doing there. People working in medical/dental instruments work in the healthcare industry, where they provide vital tools used in medical and dental practice.
The kind of work you will be doing will depend on which area of the industry you are focusing. You might be working with a manufacturing company that produces these tools or a sales company that helps market the instruments.
However, most positions in the industry will require a high level of formal education and advanced degree. But that doesn’t mean there are no entry-level positions you can enter, even with little or no education.
How Many Jobs Are In Medical/Dental Instruments?
The medical and dental instruments industry is a large and growing field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are about 519,000 jobs in this industry in the U.S. Plus, it is also anticipated that the number of jobs in this sector will increase by 8 percent between 2018 and 2026.
And since Covid-19, the industry has experienced tremendous growth compared to other industries. It has grown by 10-14%. And before that time, it has only experienced about 4% growth.
Is Medical/Dental Instruments a Good Career Path; Some Perks to Consider!
People choose jobs in health care for many different reasons. Some people have a strong desire to help people and make their lives better. Others just need a steady job that pays well and gives them benefits.
Others, on the other hand, are looking for jobs that let them be creative and come up with new ideas every day. Let’s look at some perks you can enjoy as a worker in the medical/dental instrument industry.
#1: Highly valued, so it brings prestige
Not only do you get to work with cutting-edge technology, but it also brings prestige. Jobs in this field are essential, and so people appreciate them a lot. Anywhere you may be, people will always respect you for working in the medical and dental instruments industry. If you are looking for a job that brings you honor, then picking a career path in this industry is a go for you.
#2: A lot of high-paying jobs
In addition to these benefits, medical/dental instrument technicians are also able to earn a good living. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average annual salary for an instrument technician is $61,250 per year, with top earners making well above this average. Additionally, because they’re not on call 24/7 like doctors and dentists, medical/dental instrument technicians enjoy a relatively relaxed work-life balance.
#3: Several job opportunities
The medical and dental instruments industry is a large and growing field, with an expected growth rate of 8% through 2028. There are presently lots of job opportunities in the field – and that will continue to increase as baby boomers age, and more people are born.
There are several career options in the industry. You can decide to work in factories, hospitals, clinics, or offices. You can also work as a sales representative, where you get to meet new and exciting people every day. The options are just unlimited!
#4: High job security
It’s a good career path for those who want job security, as the medical/dental instruments industry is expected to keep growing into the next decade. In fact, this industry has a higher rate of job growth than most other industries, so it’s a great place for you if you’re looking for stability.
#5: Chance to help others
Yes, this is another unique part of working in medical/dental instruments – you get to make a difference in the lives of people. So if you are the type that loves saving lives and helping them look their best, picking a career path in this industry might be a wonderful thing for you.
Doctors and dentists will be using your expertise or creative ideas to treat people and save lives. This is, no doubt, a high level of job satisfaction you may not get working somewhere else!
What Is the Job Outlook in Medical and Dental Instruments?
It’s a very good idea to become involved in the medical and dental instrument industry. The outlook is very positive, with more job opportunities expected in the future.
The industry itself is growing, but even more importantly, our population is growing and getting older. More people need medical/dental instruments!
There are also many different types of jobs within this industry: sales, manufacturing, distribution, and service (repairing broken equipment). All these areas will likely continue to expand with time as well.
Is Medical/Dental Instruments a Good Career Path; Top Companies in Medical and Dental
There are several companies in the medical and dental industry. According to Medical Product Outsourcing, the top companies by market share are Medtronic, Abbott, Johnson & Johnson, Siemens, BD, GE Healthcare, etc. Let’s take a closer look at each of these companies and what they produce.
- Medtronic: This is a top medical device company that produces different medical devices, including pacemakers and insulin pumps. But the company is perhaps popular for its revolutionary cardiac devices, such as battery-powered pacemakers.
- Boston Scientifics: This is another popular company known for developing the Taxus Stent, a drug-eluting stent (DES), which is used to open clogged arteries.
- Siemens Healthineers: You have probably heard about this company, especially for its magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices. The company produces different diagnostic imaging products, including molecular imaging, x-ray, and ultrasound products.
- EssilorLuxottica: This is also a popular company in the industry – well known for its ophthalmic lenses, sunglasses, and frames.
- Ambu: Produces single-use endoscopes and VivaSight 2 DLT, a double-lumen tube used in single-lung ventilation.
- Biotricity: This is a biotech company that produced Bioheart, a wearable EKG that pairs with a smartphone to track users’ heart health.
What Are Some Jobs In Medical/Dental Instruments?
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Medical Instrument Sales
Medical instrument sales is a career that can be very rewarding. You will be working with doctors and other medical professionals to help them purchase the equipment and instruments they need for their practice. You will need to understand the different types of instruments and how they are used by doctors, as well as how much each instrument costs. You will also need to know about any new developments in the field so that you can suggest them to your customers when appropriate.
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Quality Assurance Engineer
A quality assurance engineer is responsible for overseeing the production of medical devices, ensuring that they are manufactured according to the highest standards. They ensure that each product meets or exceeds industry guidelines and regulations, and they may also be responsible for testing new equipment.
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Medical Device Engineer
A medical device engineer is someone who designs, builds, and tests medical devices. They may work in a lab or on the factory floor, but their goal is to create equipment that’s safe for patients. They use their knowledge of biology and engineering to ensure that the device works as intended and has no unintended side effects.
They work with doctors, nurses, dentists, patients, and other members of their team to make sure their products are safe and effective.
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Sterile Processing Tech
Sterile Processing Technicians are responsible for the sanitation of medical and dental instruments, as well as the preparation of operating rooms. They may also be required to assemble sterile materials for surgery or help to load and unload surgical instruments.
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Production Assembler
On the manufacturing side of things is the production assembler job. A production assembler is responsible for assembling different parts of medical and dental instruments. They assemble the product from beginning to end and make sure all pieces are in place and functioning. Production assemblers must also verify that each product’s quality meets company standards before it can be released.
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Sales Service Representative
The medical and dental instrument sales service representative is responsible for selling, servicing, and repairing medical equipment. This position requires a high level of customer service and technical knowledge, as well as the ability to understand and explain the features and benefits of specific products to customers.
Is Medical/Dental Instruments A Good Career Path; Final Note
Medical and dental instruments are a great choice for a career. It is a perfect industry for anyone who loves to help people and has good hand-eye coordination. Medical professionals and dentists need these instrument to conduct most of their procedures. That makes it an important part of the healthcare industry.
The field of medical/dental instruments is growing rapidly due to the increasing number of people who need access to healthcare. Additionally, because the field is constantly evolving, there are many opportunities for advancement within it.
You can make good money working in medical and dental instruments, and job satisfaction is at its peak! So if you are still asking, ‘is medical/dental instruments a good career path,’ then this article must have answered all the questions you might have in your heart.