I live in CA and I was wondering if I should go to a trade school and become a licensed dental assistant but I'm not sure if it's worth it... anybody know anything about the job? I really want to be a dental hygeinist but I'm getting too old and I work full time. The dental assisting program is only 8 months. Any advice is very appreciated =)
2007-08-19 16:25:16 · 9 answers · asked by grace 2 in Health ➔ Dental
If you want to be a hygienist, go for it!! Don't think about the time it will take. I'm a hygienist and I make 3 times what the dental asst at my office makes. FYI you don't need a license to be an assistant you just get certified.
Whatever you do in life, make sure you like it. You shouldn't work solely for the amount of money you make. It helps if you enjoy what you do for a living.
2007-08-19 19:05:53 · answer #1 · answered by P!nk 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dental assistants really don't make that much money. A reputable dental hygiene school is only 2 years, and you can work and attend school at the same time. One of the best dental hygiene programs is located at Mt. Hood Community college in Oregon. A friend of mine that I graduated with went to this school and got a VERY good job just out of school, and then she was thinking about going on to become a dentist. Trade schools, like Bryman, are a scam. They are VERY expensive, and rush you through with very little training. I make a point to ask my dentist and doctor's offices if they hire people from these "Trade" schools and if they do I don't go back. They don't have near the training as a full-time school.
2007-08-19 16:31:36 · answer #2 · answered by Ryan's mom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I started as a dental assistant back in 2001 when I was 17. I had no experience and started at $11.00. I assisted for another 2 years and was making $16.00 per hour. I switched to the front desk of a dental office and started earning $17.00 per hour. Im salaried at $42,000.00 with benefits right now and work only 35 hours a week, so there is definately a lot of money to be made in dentistry.
2007-08-20 05:08:23 · answer #3 · answered by XoXoX 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Based on what you said,being an assitant is better since you get to work at one place full time. The extra money a hygienist makes is partially spent on health insurance,gas,and car maintenance. After all,the extra driving means more gas expenses and more wear and tear on your car. Let us not even talk about the time spent driving from place to place and the aggravation of having to drive so much. And,you better have a car if you are a hygienist cause catching public transportation would be hell. There are a lot of advantages in working in one place. God Bless.
2016-05-17 12:46:03 · answer #4 · answered by tameika 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can contact any dental office and ask to interview their assitant (s ) to decide if this is the profession for you. If I were you though, I would look into becoming a dental hygienist whose job is almost identical to a dentist. So why not interview the dental hygienist as well.
2007-08-19 16:31:02 · answer #5 · answered by black57 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Starting for a DA is around 11-12 dollars if you Get your RDA
its about 14-16 starting, but if you have experience you will get more. If you will get your RDAEF about 18-21 also you will get more on private offices depending on how good you anticipate doctors needs and how generous the owner is.
this job is good as a stepping stone to hygiene school.
2007-08-19 17:05:58 · answer #6 · answered by oliver m 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
search the web for dental assistant salary. All the info you need will be right there.
2007-08-19 16:29:00 · answer #7 · answered by Nancy B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't assume that you're "too old."
2007-08-19 16:29:50 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
OH YA
2007-08-19 16:28:44 · answer #9 · answered by ♥wh♥tஐAre♥U♥Lஐஐking?ஐALEXANDRAஐஐ 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋