Need some information on dental assisting!?!


Question: Need some information on dental assisting!?
I was wanting to get a little more info on Dental assisting. I'm looking into the program and was wondering how long is the program typically and (I know this may differ depending on the school) but do you have to have all the other college courses before completing the course? I've read where it's usually about a 9 month degree and you don't have to have the college classes but getting some more information from someone with experience on it would be great!! So that and any other helpful information on the program would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!!!!!

Answers:

you can go to a career technical school for dental assisting,it doesnt always have to be a costly college.and yes it takes one academic school year to complete a full assisting course. like the same amount of a year of high school.im just about finished.after this month i get to start my internship and if my dental office intern site likes me then i could get hired even before i complete my schooling so im very excited! my school cost me like 1,200 dollars which is dirt cheap compare to this community college over here which was a ridiculous 12,000!! or something..but yeah pretty much all you need is a high school diploma and the cash and you should be good,my payment plan was 300 to start,then another 300 last month and i still have time to pay the rest by like april but i payed half.and a lil advice if you did well in high school you shouldnt have a problem in dental assisting.as long as you have the right motivation and are not easily distracted from hitting the books youll do great:) im one of the top students in my class.and im 19!! i have ppl that look up to me in their 20s!!

im going to RCOP CTE/ROP Dental in southern california is where im at



Dental assistants perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties. They work chairside as dentists examine and treat patients. They make patients as comfortable as possible in the dental chair, prepare them for treatment, and obtain their dental records. Assistants hand instruments and materials to dentists and keep patients' mouths dry and clear by using suction or other devices. Assistants also sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare trays of instruments for dental procedures, and instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care.

Some dental assistants prepare materials for impressions and restorations, take dental x rays, and process x-ray film as directed by a dentist. They also may remove sutures, apply topical anesthetics to gums or cavity-preventive agents to teeth, remove excess cement used in the filling process, and place rubber dams on the teeth to isolate them for individual treatment.

Those with laboratory duties make casts of the teeth and mouth from impressions, clean and polish removable appliances, and make temporary crowns. Dental assistants with office duties schedule and confirm appointments, receive patients, keep treatment records, send bills, receive payments, and order dental supplies and materials.

Dental assistants should not be confused with dental hygienists, who are licensed to perform different clinical tasks.

Most assistants learn their skills on the job, although an increasing number are trained in dental-assisting programs offered by community and junior colleges, trade schools, technical institutes, or the Armed Forces. Assistants must be a second pair of hands for a dentist; therefore, dentists look for people who are reliable, work well with others, and have good manual dexterity. High school students interested in a career as a dental assistant should take courses in biology, chemistry, health, and office practices.

The Commission on Dental Accreditation within the American Dental Association (ADA) approved 265 dental-assisting training programs in 2005. Programs include classroom, laboratory, and preclinical instruction in dental-assisting skills and related theory. In addition, students gain practical experience in dental schools, clinics, or dental offices. Most programs take 1 year or less to complete and lead to a certificate or diploma. Two-year programs offered in community and junior colleges lead to an associate degree. All programs require a high school diploma or its equivalent, and some require science or computer-related courses for admission. A number of private vocational schools offer 4-month to 6-month courses in dental assisting, but the Commission on Dental Accreditation does not accredit these programs.

Earnings

Median hourly earnings of dental assistants were $13.62 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $11.06 and $16.65 an hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.11, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $19.97 an hour.

Benefits vary substantially by practice setting and may be contingent upon full-time employment. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), almost all full-time dental assistants employed by private practitioners received paid vacation time. The ADA also found that 9 out of 10 full-time and part-time dental assistants received dental coverage.

http://www.doctor-dubai.com/directory/h/292/Talass-Orthodontic-and-Dental-Center.aspx



I went to D.A. school (all it fouscued on was that) & it took 2.5 months I believe. It was $2,500.00 or so. I went when I was 17(I graduated high school early). When I graduated dental assisting school, no dentist would hire me until I was 18. I was close to 8 months from turning 18. I started community college full time to go into dental hygiene. When I turned 18, I was working 60 hours a week as a nanny & taking 18 credits in school. I am now 21... I have yet to find work in this field. A few girls I went to school with have been laid off or cannot find work. The pay is good (varies on where you live) but please know, in this economy, finding a job will be hard. A friend of mine has sent out 600 applications (to 5 states) & got ONE CALL. She didn't know a 2nd language, so they didn't want her.

Myself - From the West Coast.




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