Becoming a Dental Assistant in Georgia

GA2thFairy in Macon, Georgia said: Hi Ashley,

I absolutely love being a dental assistant! Originally I planned on going to Hygiene school, but due to my family situation at the time, dental assisting was a better fit for me. Being a dental assistant has opened many doors for me...I've met lots of really interesting people and I've gotten to travel to many fun places. Not to mention, I never get bored at work since there are so many different procedures that I can be a part of!

Many people will be able to confirm for you that hygienist typically start out making more money than assistants do. I will tell you from my personal experience, that as an assistant, you have the potential to make just as much money. It is not as easy for assistants to achieve high pay as quickly, but the opportunity is there if you are willing to put in the time.

What is your current job?
~Sheila

I currently work in retail. I have a BS degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. I eventually want to get my PhD in Education and teach with a dental program. I also like the fact that there are many procedures. I was thinking Orthodontic Assistant and Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Assistant. I know that the AAOMS has a continuing education program where you can become an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Anesthesia Assistant.

Hi Jay,
Congratulations on starting your new career! I would love to hear from you about your progress through the program. Feel free to drop me a note any time.
~Sheila

Hi Ashley,
With the degrees you already have attained, have you researched what would be necessary for you to go on to hygiene school or even dental school? I'm not sure of all the requirements, but it would seem that you have a lot of schooling under your belt that may be applied to one of those programs.
Whatever road you choose for your dental career, I think that in order for you to be successful in a teaching environment, you really do need the experience of working in a dental office.
~Sheila

GA2thFairy in Macon, Georgia said: Hi Ashley,
With the degrees you already have attained, have you researched what would be necessary for you to go on to hygiene school or even dental school? I'm not sure of all the requirements, but it would seem that you have a lot of schooling under your belt that may be applied to one of those programs.
Whatever road you choose for your dental career, I think that in order for you to be successful in a teaching environment, you really do need the experience of working in a dental office.
~Sheila

I have all the classes but I plan on retaking a few. I am currently working on my MPH with a dental emphasis. Dental school would be 7 years for me :) I would want to be an orthodontist. So as of right now, I am debating between DA and DH....

GA2thFairy in Macon, Georgia said: Hi Ann,
If you are already enrolled in an accredited dental assisting course, it should prepare you for the exams. All of the national board exams require you to complete sections on Radiography & Infection Control, so I would suggest that you definately pay careful attention in those areas during your schooling. The largest part of the exam will focus on either chairside (CDA) or orthodontics (COA), depending on which exam you're taking. Be sure to ask for guidance from your instructors.
Best of Luck!
~Sheila (GA2thFairy)

Sheila,

Thanks for the encouragment. Thank you for your vauleable information. I can't to start and finish the program. I will keep you updated on my progress towards my DA goal.

Hey...I completely understand...7 years is a long time for school! Dental Assisting will get you in the door quicker...Hygiene school will take about 2 years.
As an assistant working in a general dentistry practice, I've had the opportunity to also learn orthodontics. It actually is one of my favorite parts of the job! It always amazes me at how teeth can move into beautiful smiles. :)
~Sheila

GA2thFairy in Macon, Georgia said: Hey...I completely understand...7 years is a long time for school! Dental Assisting will get you in the door quicker...Hygiene school will take about 2 years.
As an assistant working in a general dentistry practice, I've had the opportunity to also learn orthodontics. It actually is one of my favorite parts of the job! It always amazes me at how teeth can move into beautiful smiles. :)
~Sheila

I have seen many people who had horrible smiles but after they had braces, it was amazing how perfect their smiles were. :) Either way, I am looking to apply for the Fall of 2009... Hopefully soon I will know which one I will do:)

Jamie in Riverdale, Georgia said: I've been a stay at home mom for the last 12 years and now that my children are in school its time to find a career for me. I've been looking into Dental Assisting and was hoping to find some information here. I live in Georgia...what steps do I need to take to get started? My husbands is Active Duty Military so I was also hoping that it would be relatively easy to find a job no matter where we're stationed. Any advice for someone just starting out would be greatly appreicated!

Hi Jamie, you can go to www.mydentalcareers.com they have a program starting April 12, 2008 in Marietta, GA. cost $2795.00 payment plans available. They offer this course 3 times a year Jan. April, and Sept. Or you can go to Waldrondentistry.com this course start Sat. 6-7-08 thru 8-9-08 is is $2950 payment plans avail. you are training in an actual dentist office with hands on exp. I'm going to try this one or the other because when I received my Certified Nurse Asst. License I worked in a nursing home for 2 months for training some people are paying 400 dollars to get the training in 12 days. Hopefully this info. will help good luck!

Hello! My question is: why in dental assisting are there two different types of schools....meaning schools like the Medix school that takes 10months to get through and cost a lot. Then the others like waldron dentistry classes that take 2-3months and cost a lot less? Im looking into both but would really like opinions from experienced DA's. If I can save a whole lot of money I would love it!!!
Thanks ~ Heather

Heather, Dental assisting is a wonderful career and many ways to enter it. The higher paid jobs are typically from those who graduate from an "accrediated" program. Dental assistists can learn the same skill from other programs but the payscale may not start at the same level. Last but not least, you can also be OJT (on the job trained, no school) but this is normally the lowest pay entry level but an excellent way of getting experience without pay tution. I have been working as a dental assistant since 1979 and have been teaching at community and technical colleges since 1994 part-time in accreditated programs. It is a wonderful career!! Hope this was helpful.

Heather, Dental assisting is a wonderful career and many ways to enter it. The higher paid jobs are typically from those who graduate from an "accrediated" program. Dental assistists can learn the same skill from other programs but the payscale may not start at the same level. Last but not least, you can also be OJT (on the job trained, no school) but this is normally the lowest pay entry level but an excellent way of getting experience without pay tution. I have been working as a dental assistant since 1979 and have been teaching at community and technical colleges since 1994 part-time in accreditated programs. It is a wonderful career!! Hope this was helpful.

Toothteacher,
Thank you so much for responding. If you dont mind me asking where do you teach or what community/technical schools offer the DA programs and are they DA II's? I figured that the non-accreditted programs where less pay but wasnt a 100% sure. Youve helped tremendiously! Thanks again!!

I worked 17 years as a certified dental assistant after graduating from Gulf Coast Community College in Panama City, Flordia. (which is accreditted) I then taught at the same college from 1994 - 2004. I am currently a part-time adjunct at Athens Technical College and working part-time with a local dentist. I teach pre-clincial procedures, dental materials, expanded functions, and hands on clinically applications. If you attend a college that is accreditted, then your class credits can transfer to other colleges if you further your education. The best tip I can give you is this: There are basically two types of dentist. The first is the dentist that hires no experience off the street paying very little and never really appreciates his dental assistant abilities and capablities. Of course, these dentists has given their assistant a free on the job education but in return it will take a long time to climb the ladder of a higher salary. The second is the dentist who realizes that his assistant is valuable, treats them as such, and compensates them greatly. Hmmmm whatcha think??

SOUNDS NO DIFFERENT FROM THE AVERAGE EMPLOYER. I MYSELF WAS ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND DENTAL ASSISTANT SCHOOL FROM THIS VERY FORUM. CLASS STARTS APRIL 12TH ON SATURDAYS FOR 8-10 WEEKS AND I CAN'T WAIT TO START. I'M EXCITED! SO TO EVERY PERSON READING THESE COMMENTS, BE ENCOURAGED, FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS AND TAKE ADVISE FROM THE EXPERIENCED.

toothteacher in Athens, Georgia said: I worked 17 years as a certified dental assistant after graduating from Gulf Coast Community College in Panama City, Flordia. (which is accreditted) I then taught at the same college from 1994 - 2004. I am currently a part-time adjunct at Athens Technical College and working part-time with a local dentist. I teach pre-clincial procedures, dental materials, expanded functions, and hands on clinically applications. If you attend a college that is accreditted, then your class credits can transfer to other colleges if you further your education. The best tip I can give you is this: There are basically two types of dentist. The first is the dentist that hires no experience off the street paying very little and never really appreciates his dental assistant abilities and capablities. Of course, these dentists has given their assistant a free on the job education but in return it will take a long time to climb the ladder of a higher salary. The second is the dentist who realizes that his assistant is valuable, treats them as such, and compensates them greatly. Hmmmm whatcha think??

Hi ToothTeacher,
Did you graduate Gulf Coast Community College from a dental assisting program? Were you able to attain a Social Sciences degree or similar? The reason I ask is that I have considered looking into teaching. I have not done any research into what the technical schools look for in an instructor, although I feel I have a lot to offer with my certifications and experience. I'd appreciate your input.
~Sheila

GA2thFairy in Macon, Georgia said: Hi ToothTeacher,
Did you graduate Gulf Coast Community College from a dental assisting program? Were you able to attain a Social Sciences degree or similar? The reason I ask is that I have considered looking into teaching. I have not done any research into what the technical schools look for in an instructor, although I feel I have a lot to offer with my certifications and experience. I'd appreciate your input.
~Sheila

Sheila,
Most colleges have the same guidelines. THe information that I am given you is based on an college that has a "accredited" dental assisting program. (Other program are not as strict) They require the assistant to be a graduate of an accrediated program. (I have seen them work around that one) They also strive for an assisant to have a bachelor degree in order to teach. However, nationwide that has been a problem. If the assistant has experience, minimum they require a A.S. or A.A. degree and show an effort of working towards an bachelor degree (even if it is just one class a year) Dental hygienist are more likely to have an bachelor degree than an dental assistant but experience still seems to be top ranking priority. Unless the hygienist has had assisting background this has not been successful. I still have a looooong way to go to get my degree but have fallen into both of my teaching positions by experience. You also need to have current DANB certification. (Dental Assisting National Board) I also was required to take an Dental Instructional Methodology class in which the college arranged. My first teaching position was assigned to clinical classes. We had a dental clinic that was open to the public so I basically was shadowing students. One year later, through an great mentor, I began teaching didactic classes. It has been a inner rewarding career and wish you the best.

toothteacher in Athens, Georgia said: Sheila,
Most colleges have the same guidelines. THe information that I am given you is based on an college that has a "accredited" dental assisting program. (Other program are not as strict) They require the assistant to be a graduate of an accrediated program. (I have seen them work around that one) They also strive for an assisant to have a bachelor degree in order to teach. However, nationwide that has been a problem. If the assistant has experience, minimum they require a A.S. or A.A. degree and show an effort of working towards an bachelor degree (even if it is just one class a year) Dental hygienist are more likely to have an bachelor degree than an dental assistant but experience still seems to be top ranking priority. Unless the hygienist has had assisting background this has not been successful. I still have a looooong way to go to get my degree but have fallen into both of my teaching positions by experience. You also need to have current DANB certification. (Dental Assisting National Board) I also was required to take an Dental Instructional Methodology class in which the college arranged. My first teaching position was assigned to clinical classes. We had a dental clinic that was open to the public so I basically was shadowing students. One year later, through an great mentor, I began teaching didactic classes. It has been a inner rewarding career and wish you the best.

I was also wondering about teaching for a DA or DH program. I will be starting my Masters in education soon, already have my BS in Biology. Next fall I am looking into a DH or DA program and eventually want to teach. It may seem like you have a loooong way to go but it will go by fast :) Good Luck

ashley in Fayetteville, North Carolina said: I was also wondering about teaching for a DA or DH program. I will be starting my Masters in education soon, already have my BS in Biology. Next fall I am looking into a DH or DA program and eventually want to teach. It may seem like you have a loooong way to go but it will go by fast :) Good Luck

Depending on which program you decide to get into, will dictate your area of teaching. Dental Hygiene programs can be difficult to get into but if you get in the first time applying then I would go that route. If you cannot, then I would spend the next year doing the dental assisting program and you should get into the hygiene program then next time. You will then be armed to teach in both courses and be twice as valuable. With you already have a BS, any college will be thrilled to have you in DA and/or hygiene!! :)

Hi Toothteacher,
It sounds like I may be in need of a little more schooling! I am current with my certifications through the DANB, but have not completed enough college courses to attain a degree. I appreciate you taking the time to give me a little information and insight into the teaching world.
~Sheila

I am currently a student in Knoxville, Tn, and having future plans on moving to GA to pursue a career in Dental Hygiene within the next few years. I am now taking all of my prerequisites. They only accept 12 applicants in my school, out of 150 students. Afraid of not getting accepted, thinking about transferring to a college in GA for the Dental Hygiene Program. Any suggestions on what schools that are recommended? I've already looked, and haven't decided. It's better to get real opinions from the ones that have attended colleges in GA. What is the average pay for a CDH in Georgia? And for all current DH's in GA, will an associate degree be "enough" in the state of GA? is it NECESSARY to have a BS degree in DH in GA? when only 2 yrs is required for a DH? Please help, i am struggling financially & only want what's best. Thank you!!!

Hello Olivia,

If you would read all the previous comments, they will all basically sum up every question you asked. I haven't attended a DH school here in GA but I heard the waiting list at Clayton State(Morrow, GA) is very long. I was encouraged by this very forum to start dental assistant school. I start April 12th. You should also go on the Dental Hygienist forum, it's very imformative as well.

Thanks jay!! lol..believe it or not, i have read every forum.. :)
i just need some guidance on where my path in schooling should be. My school's director isn't helping too much either. Have you heard anything about Georgia Perimeter? I have looked into that. COngrats on going to dental assisting school!!

I have a question. I graduated from everest college (GMI) in 2005 da program. Right now I am trying to figure out how to get expanded duties. Can anyone tell me where I find specific guidelines?

Hi,
You may be interested in taking the expanded duties course offered at Lanier Technical College (Oakwood) June 13-14, 2008. If I remember correctly, the classes fill up rather quickly, so you may have to either wait for it to be offered in your area or you may have to travel to another town. You can find information at www.gadental.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=90
~Sheila

Jay in Jonesboro, Georgia said: Thank you Sheila for that comment. I start DA school in April 08 and your comment really encouraged me.

Hey Jay! I wanted to find out about your 1st day @ DA school. Was it everything you thought it would be? Is there anything I can help you with?
~Sheila

GA2thFairy in Macon, Georgia said: Hey Jay! I wanted to find out about your 1st day @ DA school. Was it everything you thought it would be? Is there anything I can help you with?
~Sheila

Hi Sheila,Yes it was everything I expected. I'm really excited! I have a lot to learn in 8 weeks. This past saturday was my first day. Next saturday we're doing x-rays already! This is an immediate hands on program.

Jay in Jonesboro, Georgia said: Hi Sheila,Yes it was everything I expected. I'm really excited! I have a lot to learn in 8 weeks. This past saturday was my first day. Next saturday we're doing x-rays already! This is an immediate hands on program.

You know, sometimes I think the fastest way to learn things is to immediately start doing it! I'm excited for you and hope that things continue to go well. Keep Smiling, Jay and keep me posted on your progress.

I have a friend in Seattle, Wa that has passed all her dental certification tests in the state of Washington. My question is: Are her certifications transferrable to Georgia? or wil she need to take Georgia certification tests?

I have a friend in Seattle, Wa that has passed all her dental certification tests in the state of Washington. My question is: Are her certifications transferrable to Georgia? or wil she need to take Georgia certification tests?

Natalie in Atlanta, Georgia said: I have a friend in Seattle, Wa that has passed all her dental certification tests in the state of Washington. My question is: Are her certifications transferrable to Georgia? or wil she need to take Georgia certification tests?

Contact the American Assistants Association
1-312-541-1550/www.dentalassistant.org

Jamie in Riverdale, Georgia said: I've been a stay at home mom for the last 12 years and now that my children are in school its time to find a career for me. I've been looking into Dental Assisting and was hoping to find some information here. I live in Georgia...what steps do I need to take to get started? My husbands is Active Duty Military so I was also hoping that it would be relatively easy to find a job no matter where we're stationed. Any advice for someone just starting out would be greatly appreicated!

I am a semi -retired lady, I sold real estate for many years till the market changed, now I am helping others sell travel to people who want to do so and have the time and money to do so. I really enjoy the discounts - ie: Disney World and the like. I have just hired a young lady to work and do the same. She is going to help other mothers be able to work and learn the business and make money ... if you are interested in somethng you can do and still be with the kids, let me know.

Carolyn in Hamilton, Ontario said: Hi Jamie!

I would like to share my experience with you, but I'm sorry to say that it has been on the negative side. I was also a stay at home Mom for 10 years and decided to go back to work. Dental assisting sounded great to me, so after careful research there seemed to be a demand for this job in my area. The school I took my course at assured me that as a woman in my late forties, I would have absolutely no trouble getting a job due to my "maturity!". I slaved away at the school and graduated in the top 3 in my class. It took me several months to get a job, and it ended up being at a terrible place, but I hung in to get experience. I eventually had to quit because it got so bad working there. I had another job lined up, but the dentist backed out at the last minute after I had already left my job, leaving me without one. I have been actively job hunting since the end of March '07 without any real luck.
It is getting very frustrating for me...I have a hunch I may be discriminated against because I'm 47. I have read everything imaginable on preparing for interviews, dressing appropriately,etc. but it doesn't seem to matter. I am going on my 21st job interview this morning and hope it works out. The job situation where you live may be better, but I urge you to consider your decision very carefully. The ads on TV and the schools make it sound so easy, but the reality is another thing, especially for those of us just starting.

You are right.. you need to be in something where you can take the kids with you or have them join in. I am doing travel and helping other mothers do the same. we are having a great time

I am a dental assistant in Northern Virginia and I am thinking about moving to Georgia. When looking for a position I quickly realized that EFDA's are required for a great deal of the job opportunities. I am not DA certified. Where do I begin to get my EFDA?

hello, im looking for a dental assisting school in fayetteville,georgia.

Greetings: I finished school in December of 07,and I'm still looking for work. I had a terrible experience that really tested my values and work ethics. As a professional i feel that some of these doctors need to have a little more training in helping the little people, or should i say the assistants that are fresh out of school and be a little more patient, not so high strung, and remember when they first got out of school. I love my profession and would love to find a doctor that would clone me as his or her own. I didn't have any regrets with that experience but she could have been a lot more ethical and professional. I hung in there with her for a month and she couldn't decide weather she wanted to keep me. So I had to go. I wished her the best of luck. So to all you dental assistants that are just getting started, "keep your heads up and keep looking there is a doctor out who is willing to take the challenge of remembering where they came from. (knowledge is power)!so get it! and keep smiling!

mieisha in Atlanta, Georgia said: Greetings: I finished school in December of 07,and I'm still looking for work. I had a terrible experience that really tested my values and work ethics. As a professional i feel that some of these doctors need to have a little more training in helping the little people, or should i say the assistants that are fresh out of school and be a little more patient, not so high strung, and remember when they first got out of school. I love my profession and would love to find a doctor that would clone me as his or her own. I didn't have any regrets with that experience but she could have been a lot more ethical and professional. I hung in there with her for a month and she couldn't decide weather she wanted to keep me. So I had to go. I wished her the best of luck. So to all you dental assistants that are just getting started, "keep your heads up and keep looking there is a doctor out who is willing to take the challenge of remembering where they came from. (knowledge is power)!so get it! and keep smiling!

Thank You Meisha.

Rachel in Washington, District of Columbia said: I am a dental assistant in Northern Virginia and I am thinking about moving to Georgia. When looking for a position I quickly realized that EFDA's are required for a great deal of the job opportunities. I am not DA certified. Where do I begin to get my EFDA?

Hi Rachel,
You will need to attain your Expanded Duties certification through the Georgia Dental Association. They offer courses several times throughout the year. There are eligibility requirements to take the course, so be sure to read the section on Frequently Asked Questions. www.gadental.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=90
Good Luck!
Sheila

Sheila,

Thank you for your past and present posts. Your words are very encouraging. I believe in this field you must work your way up from the bottom in order to succeed. I am currently in Dental Assisting school. I have already finished my first term and just started with my second. I believe I have about four months before I start my externship.

I just wanted to say that if you put in a little effort, the rewards at the end would be splend and would achieve the good pay and everything else.

Again, thanks for the encourage words and keep them coming. Trust me, there are people out there who like to read them, like myself...=)

ann in Portland, Oregon said: Sheila,

Thank you for your past and present posts. Your words are very encouraging. I believe in this field you must work your way up from the bottom in order to succeed. I am currently in Dental Assisting school. I have already finished my first term and just started with my second. I believe I have about four months before I start my externship.

I just wanted to say that if you put in a little effort, the rewards at the end would be splend and would achieve the good pay and everything else.

Again, thanks for the encourage words and keep them coming. Trust me, there are people out there who like to read them, like myself...=)

Hey Ann, I'm smiling in Georgia!
Thank you for your kind words today. I really appreciate you taking the time to post a personal note to me and I'm even more pleased to hear that something I've said has made a difference for someone else. :)

I absolutely love my career and I hope that you will find as much joy as I have when you are finished with school! I TOTALLY agree with you when you say that 'with a little effort, the rewards are splendid'. You'd be surprised what you can acheive when you set your mind on reaching personal AND professional goals!

Keep studying and keep us posted on your progress through school/externship. I'm sure that others will appreciate the insight you can share!
~Sheila

Jay in Jonesboro, Georgia said: Hi Sheila,Yes it was everything I expected. I'm really excited! I have a lot to learn in 8 weeks. This past saturday was my first day. Next saturday we're doing x-rays already! This is an immediate hands on program.

Hey Jay,
How's the course going? You're coming up on week 6 right?
~Sheila

I have been reading so many letters. I have been an assistant for 17 years and the top pay in IL is 21.00. Trust me I know. Even if you work for a specalist. I am currently working for a Oral Surg. and he wants me to be a cert. surg. assistant. The eman takes about 6 months to study and then 4 hours to take...but no extra pay...MY ADVISE. find another career. For the most part Dentist want to hire young unexperienced assistants because they can pay them 8.00 an hour and they will take the abuse....I wish we could all join together and demand a higher pay. If your just starting out dont settle for less than 15.00 and hour. Trust me you will earn it. Now I am tring to find a higher paying job at 37 as an assitant. I am not having much luck. Think before you decide to make this a long term career. If you dont want to move up its a great job for you.

There are a lot of other options for you if you do want to stay in dental assisting. For instance you can move out of state cause I know for a fact that it all depends on the dentist, your attitude, and goals you set for yourself. I can also tell you that people that have graduated from my daII school have started out making $18.00-23.00 an hour, thats starting out. Also, you can definatly move up in the dental career. Become a dental hygeinist and start out at $25 an hour. There are so many options you just have to really want them and do something about it.

Janis in Long Beach, California said: Hi Jamie. My experience has been very similar to Carolyn in Ontario. From the last 20 years I was an Admin/Exec.Asst. I found that as I got older it was becoming harder to find a job. I also, believe age was a factor. So, I decided to become a dental asst. I went through a nine month program, graduated with high honors and was valedictorian of my class and recieved my RDA certification for the state of California. I came out nervous and excited to embark on this journey. I have been employed at a dental ofc for a year now and it has been the most miserable experience I have ever had. It's not the field itself, but the doctors you have to work with. There is no respect for what we do, we get yelled at, belittled in front of patients, and basically expected to take their bad behavior becuase they are the "doctor". Granted, this is my first job out of school, but I also have friends in the field and their stories are similar if not worse. However, I am a strong woman and will not let this experience deter me from what I want to do. I am moving to Germany in a few months and I will pursue my career when I get there. Regardless of this experience I am proud of what I have accomplished. If anyone has any info on what the requirements might be for dental assisting in Germany, I would appreciate it. I am not in the military, my parter is German and we are returning to her home

Hey Janies
I'm from Germany and live in New Jersey right now. If you move to Germany you will not be able to work in a dental office you would have to go to school for three years! But it is a little bit diffrent you apply for a Ausbildung als Zahnmedizinische Fachangestellte and then you can work in a dental office and they pay for your school. Plus you get paid for your work.

Do you live in North Carolina? I would love to move...but I am stuck here for about a while. This area the top pay is 22.00 and hour and at 37 I am not going back to school. Thanks for the info.

Do you live in North Carolina? I would love to move...but I am stuck here for about a while. This area the top pay is 22.00 and hour and at 37 I am not going back to school. Thanks for the info.

teddyk said: You are right.. you need to be in something where you can take the kids with you or have them join in. I am doing travel and helping other mothers do the same. we are having a great time

Would like to know more about your job. I am looking for something to make more money .

Does anyone live in Texas? I just moved here from Seattle and am a little confused about the requirements here to become a dental assistant. I know some dentists will train people with no experience but I would rather go to an accredited program. I have found a few programs that are only one day a week for 12 weeks. Are any of these programs accredited? Also, can I become certified/registered through one of these programs? I'm not sure what the difference is. I hope to get experience as a dental assistant and then try to get into a hygiene program in a couple years. I want to make sure I'm doing the right thing that will help me the most with this. Thanks in advance!

Hazel,

You have to become a Registered Dental Assistant in the state of Texas to take dental radiographs. Go to www.dentalteambuilding.com for the next Registration course. You may also go to school for dental assisting but make sure they offer the registration that has been approved by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. You may also be trained in an office but you will still need to take the Registration course and exam to become Registered. Good luck!

wendy in Powder Springs, Georgia said: I have never had a hard time finding a job. I have been a dental asst for 8years and yes i like . I live in Powder springs GA . I found a job with in two week of being here. And then stop for a while and went through a temp and found a great job that pay 6000 to the temp office for me to work there . I have live in Calf and never had any hard time finding work.BUT JUST GO TO HGY SCHOOL they make more money.Wish I did! But i love my job

Hi, am trying to be a dental assistant and have no idea has to how to get started. Can anyone pls assist me with my dilemma.

Jae in Jonesboro, Georgia said: Sherri,
I attended Dental Careers, Inc in Marietta, Ga for 10wks. Its a great, affordable and short term training program. I finished in June 08. Please give Dr. Erickson a call @ <Edited by Host: contact info removed>, you won't regret that you did. Also, let him know you was referred by me, Jimetric Lilton. Good Luck!

Thanks Jae, I will do that. Are you working as a dental assistant now? Does Dr. Erickson assist with employment and if you don't mind me asking, can you give me an idea of what the average pay is for new employees. Thanks.