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African American Women Get No Respect at Work
Recently, an article published in the University of
Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business newsletter began with
the following statement:
"By choosing self-employment over working for a TV station or
network - she [Oprah Winfrey] began...
How to Prepare for University Life
It is almost time for people who are pursuing higher education to return to their academic careers. Post-secondary education, such as College or University can be a difficult transition for many, who are living away from home for the first time....
Sexual harassment and sex discrimination Answers
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that violates
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII applies to
employers with 15 or more employees, including state and local
governments. It also applies to employment agencies and...
Unemployment Blues: Talk To Yourself
There is always a debate about whether daily affirmations work -
the kind of uplifting statements you repeat to yourself in the
mirror each morning.
I find a more effective way to improve your mood and self-esteem
is to create your own...
Why Your CV/Resume Is Not Generating Interview Offers
If your current CV or resume is not generating the interview offers you want, it is time to start assessing it. Check to see that the following descriptors apply: *Begins with a succinct, clearly stated career objective tailored to the particular...
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How to become a Dental Assistant
Becoming a dental assistant offers one of the fastest educational paths to entering the rapidly expanding healthcare field.
Dental Assistant Job Description
Dental assistants provide support functions for dentists including assisting with dental procedures, lab work and office functions.
When helping with patient’s dental procedures, a dental assistant may be involved with:
Preparing dental instruments Gathering patient’s dental records Handing instruments to dentist during patient procedures Keeping the patient’s mouth dry during procedures Instructing patients on proper oral healthcare Taking and preparing x-rays Applying anesthetics
Lab duties of dental assistants include making casts of teeth, creating temporary crowns and cleaning dental prosthetics.
Office support includes scheduling appointments, receiving patients in the office, billing, ordering supplies and keeping patient records.
Most dental assistants work in dentist’s offices. A small portion may work in hospitals or doctor’s offices. Similar to dental hygienists, up to one third of dental assistants work part-time.
Salary Ranges / Job Outlook for Dental Assistants
Like many healthcare fields, the demand for dental assistants is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade.
The median hourly pay rate for dental assistants is $13.10 and the high and low range of the scale is $8.45 at the low end and $19.41 at the high end.
Advancement in this career is limited due to the low education requirements.
Some dental assistants advance to office management or product sales representatives. Others go to school for an additional year to become a dental hygienist. Dental assisting is very much an entry level position, but experience in the field and additional education can be very lucrative.
Education / Getting Started
Several educational paths exist to become a dental assistant. Most dental assistants learn on the job, however more and more dentists hire assistants with formal training. The American Dental Association accredits one and two year dental assistant programs leading to certificates or associate’s degrees. Some schools offer four to six month dental assisting programs, but these are not accredited. A clinical rotation is part of the training.
Most States require dental assistants to be registered or licensed. Dental assistants who perform x-rays may be regulated by their State as well. The Dental Assisting National Board offers certification that meets the registration requirements in over 30 states. CPR training and continuing education may be a requirement of a dental assistant.
Dental Assistant Summary
Training to be a dental assistant is a great way to get into the healthcare field. It offers a great employment outlook, but additional education is needed to get into more lucrative jobs.
About the Author
Max Stein, Salt Lake City, UT, USA http://www.top-colleges.com/v/medical.html Max Stein is a freelance writer who writes about business, education and marketing. maxstein_9@hotmail.com www.degreesource.com
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