Tell me all you know about being a dental assistant : the up & the down , Be!

Tell me all you know about being a dental assistant : the up & the down , Benifits, and how much education !?

Help me i need INFORMATION!!!!!!

I have been an EFDA ( expanded functions dental assistant ) for longer than I care to admit..( 20 + years ) It's a great job if you like working with people and you dont mind working in the mouth...
Training varies...Schooling is not required, but preferred if you would like to earn more initially..Most need to be x-ray certified in order to take x-rays...but this is often something that can be acomplished with on the job training......Some dentists will train their assistants..others prefer experienced ones,,,duties vary based on what the dentist likes his assistant to do..I have found in my experience, that becoming certified doesn't really mean you will get paid more...experience and capability is really what makes then difference when it comes to salary...Now I did go to school for a year...and I did continue and become an EFDA...however...I know others whom did not go to school and did not become certified EFDA's ( and yet still perform the same duties ) and all earn around the same wage...Assistants earn anywhere from 13-25 dollars an hour depending on your duties and experience not to mention the area in which you live...I love my job...I work for a great dentist...which makes all the difference in your day...Most provide benefits to full time employees...the only down side I can see, is the room for advancement...once you are topped out, there really is little room for movement as far as salary goes...This has been my experience in most areas in which I have lived...Good luck in your decision..