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.
Ninth Annual "Give Kids a Smile" Day Takes Place Feb. 5 - UB News Center
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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
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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
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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
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Heidi Baron, Jodie Starr, Belinda Bryant on Howard Stern - Long Island Press
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Make dental hygiene a family affair - Latino Perspectives
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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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