Is a Career as a Dental Assistant Right for You?

For the fact that people are taking better care of their teeth there will always be a demand for dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants. A dental assistant position has many interesting aspects, 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 shorter 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 most 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 start out 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:

 

Orthodontic dental assistant (Livonia) - Health Care Assistant Jobs
Established orthodontic practice in livonia Seeking kind, honest, intelligent individual for a position at our fast-paced dental office. Ideal candidate will be articulate, detail-oriented, flexible and willing to work hard...


Safer bone marrow transplants (News-Medical-Net)
If a team of American scientists are right, bone marrow transplants may become safer and more available to people in need of donations. In a new research paper appearing in the February 2010 print edition of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology (http://www.jleukbio.org), they explain how an anti-inflammatory agent called "ATL146e" may significantly improve the likelihood ...


Whidbey Island dentist always cared deeply for others (Everett Herald)
Those who best knew Whidbey Island dentist Terry Hansen say he didnt really have patients or colleagues. He only had friends. As a dental assistant in her fathers office, Jennifer Dalton saw his philosophy up close. EURœMy dad never had business relationships. He had family and friends...


AFTERNOON UPDATE: Mercer BOE considering changes to dental assistant certification program (Bluefield Daily Telegraph)
PRINCETON EUR” The Mercer County Board of Education is mulling over a proposed expansion of its existing dental assistant certification program...


Lakeshore update: Annual 'Five Buck Hootenanny' set - Herald Times Reporter

Lakeshore update: Annual 'Five Buck Hootenanny' set
Herald Times Reporter
-Hygienist assistants are needed to assist the dental hygienist with charting, patient care during cleanings, sterilizing equipment and escorting patients .

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Can I apply for Dental Assistant jobs with my Bachelor's degree by .
I'm a History/Physics double major and a senior at Tulane, and i was wondering if I could apply for Dental Assisting jobs, but I wasn't sure what...


Doctor deception: Cops say phony docs are putting Houstonians at risk (11 News Houston)
      HOUSTONEUR”Imagine visiting a doctor, only to learn afterward that the person providing your medical care isnt a doctor at all. Last week, the Houston Police Departments Major Offenders Division arrested Dr. Juan Cota, the clinical director at the True Health Clinic on Bellaire Boulevard. HPD said they learned Cota was operating without a medical license about a month ago and immediately ...


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, .
State dental association to host free clinicSavannah Morning News
GUEST COMMENTARY: Dental therapists solution for rural oral healthColumbia Missourian
Kids' Dental Decay Takes a Bite out of School AttendanceNew America Media
Lexington Dispatch -CalorieLab Calorie Counter News -WBZ
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Dental Assistant (skokie) - Health Care Assistant Jobs
Webster Dental Care is looking for an experienced dental assistant to join our team. Must be computer literate. Knowledge of Dentrix a plus. Aprox 35hrs per week. including every other Saturday. Please send resumes. No phone calls...


Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) (Newark, NJ) - Health Care .
State of the art pediatric dental and orthodontic practice seeking a full time registered dental assistant (RDA) that also has additional certification to perform orthodontic functions. Applicant must also be fluent in Spanish...


Need help Penn Foster Dental Assistant - StudentOfFortune.com
3 tutorials available for 'Need help with dental assistant program with Penn Foster. Â Exams are: Pharmacology & Anesthesio.'..


Mouthful of dental-hygiene facts - Fort Wayne Journal Gazette

Mouthful of dental-hygiene facts
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette
February is National Dental Hygiene Month. Here are some facts you might not know about your mouth and teeth: EUR¢You produce 3/4 of a cup of saliva a day .

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USD dental hygiene program offers free services - Sioux City Journal

USD dental hygiene program offers free services
Sioux City Journal
VERMILLION, SD -- The University of South Dakota's Department of Dental Hygiene is offering free fluoride varnish and sealants to children age 18 and .

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CU says state never fully communicated changes in dental-license law (Denver Post)
University of Colorado dental school administrators contend they had no idea a state law they helped pass last year would throw into question the licensing status of five of the school's dentists...


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 ...


Project hope continues to aid - Talon Marks (subscription)

Project hope continues to aid
Talon Marks (subscription)
If your major is Pre- Med., Pre- Pharmacy, Pre- Dental, Dental Assistant, Dental Hygienist, Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Physical Therapist .
Project HOPE continues to help studentsTalon Marks (subscription)

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Dental Assistant/Front Desk Receptionist (Flatlands/Flatbush area .
Seeking enthusiastic self motivated dental front desk receptionist for full time. Must have at least 2 years experience and be a team player. Compensation commensurate with ability and experience. Dependability and personality a must!..


$$$$ HIGH PAID-DENTAL ASSISTANT $$$$ - Health Care Assistant Jobs
We are looking for an experienced, knowledgeable full-time DENTAL ASSISTANT who can take lead and follow precise directions. This position has potential for growth personally and financially. This is a high tech office with the most up ...


Dental Assistant (Tucson EUR East) | Phoenix and Tuscan Arizona Job .
Full-time dental assisting position in a highly respected periodontal practice. We are looking for a highly skilled individual with Arizona X-ray certification...



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