Is a Career as a Dental Assistant Right for You?

There is always a demand for dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants because people will always need to care for their teeth. There are many appealing facets to this profession, for example dentists make an excellent salary. Their hygienists and assistants can also earn top pay. It is crucial not to confuse a dental assistant with a dental hygienist, as these are two separate jobs with different qualifications required.

Dental assistants attend school for a lesser period of time than hygienists, therefore they make less on average and their job duties are somewhat different. The dental assistant has many tasks to perform in a day's work. He or she may capture or develop X-ray images, taking patient vital signs and collecting data, preparing rooms and equipment for new patients, taking impressions of teeth, instructing patients on good home dental care and more. There are so many different tasks and you get to see so many different people in one day it is unlikely you'll get bored on the job.

Education requirements are quite attainable for the majority of individuals who want to pursue this career, whether they are fresh out of high school or already a working adult with a family ready to change careers. There are colleges and trade schools with dental assistant programs where you can earn a certificate upon finishing the course. There is also a national exam called the CDA exam that upon successful completion will give the assistant certification on a national level. This gives you a better chance of finding a well-paying job in this field anywhere in the country.

You may begin as a dental assistant, then choose to continue your education in the field. Many employers now offer tuition reimbursement for employees who are going to school to further their position with the company. For example you may want to transition from assistant to hygienist or even someday become a dentist. If you already work as an assistant during the day, there are night courses and even distance learning home study schools that allow you to earn your degree around your current schedule. A career in dental assisting is rewarding because you get to help others, and can be lucrative for you. Many dentists offer their employees handsome benefit packages in addition to their pay.






 

Dental Assistant News:

 

Ninth Annual "Give Kids a Smile" Day Takes Place Feb. 5 - UB News Center

KRQE

Ninth Annual "Give Kids a Smile" Day Takes Place Feb. 5
UB News Center
Tours of the dental clinics, hands-on activities, dental videos and oral hygiene instruction for parents and children also will be offered. .
Dentists offering free care to needy kidsNorthJersey.com
Free dental screenings for Las Cruces first-gradersLas Cruces Sun-News
Owens offers free dental servicesToledo Free Press
Valencia County News Bulletin -Toledo Blade -WTVQ
all 87 news articles »
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Plasma jets could replace dental drills (MSNBC)
A new study shows that bacteria-killing jets of plasma could soon replace the drills used to treat cavities in our teeth, making visits to the dentist's office a bit less nerve-racking...


Healthy Tuesday: Mobile dental clinic gets own wheels (The Grass Valley Union)
The hulking Winnebago parked on the playground was attracting a lot of attention from curious children during its debut at Scotten School in Grass Valley. Inside, Dr. Becky Schultz and dental assistant Elyssa Fairabee showed off the 31-foot motorhome, which has been completely revamped into a mobile clinic for the Healthy Smiles program. The area that used to house the oven and stove is now a ...


HELPFUL HINTS (Arkansas News Bureau)
DEAR HELOISE: Here is a helpful hint I learned from working as a dental assistant since 1993. I hope this will help people. I have seen so many people place aspirin or powdered aspirin directly on a toothache or abscessed gum tissue area to relieve pain. This should never be done. Aspirin can harm the [.]..


Daughter pleads guilty for stealing from father's businesses in Houston MO (KY3 Springfield)
Shirley Scheets worked as the office manager and dental assistant for her father, Dr. Glen Schuster, at his dental practice in Houston...


Patrick's dental care cut hit as retreat on health reform (Sharon Advocate)
Gov. Deval Patricks proposed $56 million cut to state-funded adult dental benefits undermines the health care reform movement launched in 2006, activists and lawmakers said Wednesday morning...


Independent dental hygienists offer 'Gift from the Heart' - EMC Smiths Falls

Independent dental hygienists offer 'Gift from the Heart'
EMC Smiths Falls
In Smiths Falls, owners Lori Lawrence and Jo-Anne Keays are proud to announce that "Smiles Sensations Independent Dental Hygiene Clinic" will be once again .

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medical job: Dental Assistant Bright Now! Dental - San Antonio, TX
2-3 years of previous experience with Dental Assistant functions; RDA required; Bilingual Spanish a plus; CPR Certification; X Ray License; Coronal Polish License; Case presentation and Computer Skills Required; Experience using MS ...


Dental assistant with xray license (west valley) | Phoenix and .
Growing practice seeking experience dental assistant to add to our exceptional team. At least 1year experience in dental assistant and X-ray license a must...


Can't afford New Jersey dental care for your children? This news may be helpful - newjerseynewsroom.com

Can't afford New Jersey dental care for your children? This news may be helpful
newjerseynewsroom.com
In New Jersey, the Dental Association sponsors the day in cooperation with UMDNJ, the New Jersey Dental Hygienists' Association and the New Jersey Dental .
February is EURœNational Children's Dental Health Month"Norwalk Plus Magazine

all 14 news articles »
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medical job: Dental Assistant Bright Now! Dental - Spokane, WA
1-2 years previous experience with Dental Assistant functions; CPR Certification; X Ray License; Coronal Polish License; Case presentation and Computer Skills Required; Experience using MS Office; Strong customer service ethic ...


Plasma Jets Could Replace Dental Drills (LiveScience.com via Yahoo! News)
A new study shows that bacteria-killing jets of plasma could soon replace the drills used to treat cavities in our teeth, making visits to the dentist's office a bit less nerve-racking. Plasma is the fourth state of matter, after solids, liquids and gases. It is formed when gases are energized to the point where electrons fly off some or all of their atoms...


Houston, Mo., Woman Admits Stealing From Her Father (KSPR Springfield)
Shirley Ann Scheets, 49, was the office manager for her father's dental practice. She pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court to embezzling up to $200,000 from his business accounts...


Free services for kids at CVTC dental clinic Friday - WQOW TV News 18

Free services for kids at CVTC dental clinic Friday
WQOW TV News 18
"Oral health is increasingly appreciated as a necessary component of overall health," says CVTC Dental Hygienist Instructor Pam Entorf. .

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Heidi Baron, Jodie Starr, Belinda Bryant on Howard Stern - Long Island Press

Everything PR

Heidi Baron, Jodie Starr, Belinda Bryant on Howard Stern
Long Island Press
Or, it could be because people are looking for some dental work. In her off time, Baron is a dental hygienist. (Last updated on February 4, 2010 at 10:36 .
Heidi Baron: the German Model rocks Google after appearing on The Howard Stern .Entertainment and Showbiz!
Heidi Baron is new star after Howard Stern ShowSan Francisco Chronicle (blog)
Heidi Baron, A Dental Hygienist Turned PlaymateTwo Minute News
World News
all 15 news articles »
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Make dental hygiene a family affair - Latino Perspectives

CNN

Make dental hygiene a family affair
Latino Perspectives
When you're tempted to take shortcuts with your own dental hygiene, remember: The kids are watching. And they're learning. So do it right. by Ju Lawrence, .
Dental Health Affects Overall HealthFOX 40 News WICZ TV
Afterthoughts: We Know the DrillHONOLULUMagazine.com
State dental association to host free clinicSavannah Morning News
Lexington Dispatch -PR Newswire (press release) -Columbia Missourian
all 175 news articles »
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Patricks dental care cut hit as retreat on health reform (Swampscott Reporter)
Gov. Deval Patricks proposed $56 million cut to state-funded adult dental benefits undermines the health care reform movement launched in 2006, activists and lawmakers said..


Dental Assistant (Renton Highlands) | zilhost.com
Renton Highlands area Pediatric Dental Office has a part-time position open for RDA. Please note that this position will eventually become full-time. Must be a...



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