Dental Assisting

Does anyone know anything about this career? I am thinking about going back to school for this but I would like to know more about it. I know a dental hygenist and haven't been able to get a hold of her so I was wondering if anyone on here knew anything more about it. I know pretty much what is involved but wanted more information. Anything would be helpful! Thanks..

I don't know much about that career, but until someone else comes along.... the website for the Department of Labor has excellent information on careers. Here is a link to the Dental Hygienist info:

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos097.htm

Originally Posted by Oscarsmommy

Does anyone know anything about this career? I am thinking about going back to school for this but I would like to know more about it. I know a dental hygenist and haven't been able to get a hold of her so I was wondering if anyone on here knew anything more about it. I know pretty much what is involved but wanted more information. Anything would be helpful! Thanks..

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This is my dream job. I really want to go back to school for this, really bad, but I don't have the $$ at the moment. In high school, I actually went on a 'follow along' with my local dentist and loved it all. She then took me to the local 4 year college and did a tour of the Dental progam, I loved that too.

The college courses seemed pretty tough - lots of science and stuff like that, which I don't really like.

Hopefully in a few years, when I get my current student loans paid off, I'll be able to go back.

Are you going for a 2 year or 4 year degree?

I'm going to go to the local career center. It is a 900 hour program. It only takes about 8 or 9 months. I had a friend go to the same place for it but haven't talked to her in a while. I may go back later to be a dental hygenist but I need a job where I make more than what I am now.

Originally Posted by Oscarsmommy

I'm going to go to the local career center. It is a 900 hour program. It only takes about 8 or 9 months. I had a friend go to the same place for it but haven't talked to her in a while. I may go back later to be a dental hygenist but I need a job where I make more than what I am now.

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Wow, that sounds really awesome. I'm going to move closer to you and take the program with you!

Good! Then I would know someone!

Originally Posted by Oscarsmommy

I'm going to go to the local career center. It is a 900 hour program. It only takes about 8 or 9 months. I had a friend go to the same place for it but haven't talked to her in a while. I may go back later to be a dental hygenist but I need a job where I make more than what I am now.

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OOPS, I am sorry. I posted the info for a hygienist.. I misread your post


Here is the dental assisting info though!
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos163.htm

No doubt! Dental Hygenists make awesome money - the only thing I couldn't stand, were the kids who were in there that uh.... when they were getting their work done. I woulda thrown up with them

It's okay. I found the article anyways! Thanks though

Originally Posted by babyharley

No doubt! Dental Hygenists make awesome money - the only thing I couldn't stand, were the kids who were in there that uh....

when they were getting their work done. I woulda thrown up with them

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Me too!

What do you want to know about the job specifically? And, for clarrification, are you interested in hygienist or assistant?

My fillings were put in by a dental assistant, not a dentist. I thought that was pretty cool. The dentist drilled and the assitant did all the rest. I don't know much more about dental assistants, other than the fact that they actually assist the doctor in things like crowns, root canals, fillings, bridges, etc. They are more technical.