Becoming a Dental Assistant in Georgia

Sherri in Kennesaw, Georgia said: 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.

Sherri, By choice I'm not working as a Dental Asst now. Soon I will start to pursue that career. Dr. Erickson keeps a roster that will assist with employment by giving referrals and keeping you up to date with who is looking for help. I was told the average starting pay is $12-$15 hr. In some cases it can be as low as $9.00 starting pay. Also, it depends on the patient volume of the office or the type of specialist you would work for. Such as Endocrinologist, Pediatric Dentist, Oral Surgeon or Orthodonist. Good Luck!

Jae in Jonesboro, Georgia said: Sherri, By choice I'm not working as a Dental Asst now. Soon I will start to pursue that career. Dr. Erickson keeps a roster that will assist with employment by giving referrals and keeping you up to date with who is looking for help. I was told the average starting pay is $12-$15 hr. In some cases it can be as low as $9.00 starting pay. Also, it depends on the patient volume of the office or the type of specialist you would work for. Such as Endocrinologist, Pediatric Dentist, Oral Surgeon or Orthodonist. Good Luck!

My Bad, disregard endocrinologist...LOL. Different medical field. LOL

I am a non-licensed dental assistant who is presently working as a dental assistant for 3 years. I recently moved to athens ga and the I want to leave my job. My boss didn't tell me that we would get sent home when patience don't show up. I got sent home at 2:00 one day. My boss has a really bad attitude and a personality issue. I want out. I've been taking the mental abuse for some months now but I really need another job. And the pay seemed okay at first but when you not getting the hours in that doesn't mean a thing. Why do some doctors feel like just because they have a degree or a business they can treat you like .... I have a family and I go to work everyday and deal with it. I am a hard worker. If any one know of any dental offices that is hiring in the surrounding athens, watkinsville, winder, dulluth, conyers, maybe lawrenceville. I can't seem to find anybody hiring in athens . I think Atlanta will be too far to drive. If anybody have any advise for me I would greatly appreciate it.

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 18 years old and pregnant. I found a great website {PennFoster.edu} to become a dental assistant. You can take the majority of your classes online and some in books. They send books to you in the mail and they are included in you tuition {around $1,000}.

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 18 years old and pregnant. I found a great website {PennFoster.edu} to become a dental assistant. You can take the majority of your classes online and some in books. They send books to you in the mail and they are included in you tuition {around $1,000}.

Brittany said: I am 18 years old and pregnant. I found a great website {PennFoster.edu} to become a dental assistant. You can take the majority of your classes online and some in books. They send books to you in the mail and they are included in you tuition {around $1,000}.

mydentalcareers.com

i just wanted to know when you become a dentist assistant and your are helping the dentist do he or she tell you exactly what type of instrument or tray setup is suppose to be used during any type of procedure. or do you just have to know because i am in school now to become a dental assistant and i doing very well but i dont know when to use certain instruments.

From what I know it depends on the Doctor. Of course it's always good to a least have some idea what to set up for without the doctor telling you. Like basic stuff. But depending on where you work. There are other assistants there you can ask . like (what does the doctor like to use for this procedure?) If the doctor is nice they will show you and help you. I work for nice patient doctors and I work with impatient mean doctors. I didn't go to school because I have children and I don't think they have school in this field at night so I got my training on the job. I've been doing it for 3 years. I work for the mean doctor now so I'm not having fun. She does certain procedures I never did when I was working in another state. But everybody is not the same. So good luck in school and don't worry there are people out there that are willing to show you and it just takes consistency and it will get easier. you will see.

Amber W in Georgia said: Jamie..
I'm an assistant from Georgia. Actually Im living in Germany now where my husband is active duty military AND deployed currently! So I understand, though I'm not a mom. I dont know if you know this or not but IF you want to work in Georgia as a dental assistant, you do not have to have a certification to do so. You have to have CPR but you dont have to go to assisting school. I didnt go to school for it, you just have to find a nice enough dentist to hire you and teach you on the job. I luckily found the perfect dentist who was very understanding and taught me soo much! Since I didnt recieve a degree is in assisting when I moved here to Germany I couldnt work in the dental clinic without going through the Red Cross dental assisting program they have here on post. However, the dentist I worked for wrote a letter of recommendation and the clinic is allowing me to volunteer there until a position becomes available. Also, if you go through the Red Cross on a military base to get a dental assistants degree, you can work ANYWHERE!! And it only takes a maximum of 6 months I think..hope this helps. Let me know if you need anymore advice!!
God Bless our troops,
Amber

Hi! My name is Melissa I'm currently in Grafenwoehr, Germany I would like to get into this program. Where are you? Still in Germay?

I'm currently in Grafenwoehr Germany and I am very interested in Dental Assistance through the Red Cross. I'm trying to get info on how and where to get started. Is it on every post?

I have been a chairside dental assistant for 8 years. I really enjoy my job and the people I meet. I am currently working for a female dentist and have found that she is easier to work for than male dentists. It is easier to talk things out between ourselves. Georgia does not pay well for dental assistants, and unless your partner or spouse carries your medical insurance, you might have a hard time finding a position where you have medical. I went to a technical school to earn my diploma and later my associates in dental assisting. I am also expanded functions certified. Unfortunately, here in GA, you don't have to have a diploma or certificate to be a dental assistant. You can be trained by a kind dentist. If you don't go to school, you can't take x-rays, make provisional (temporary) crowns and bridges, and apply bases, liners, sedative fillings, or take impressions. These things are important to dentists, because it means they don't have to take the time to do it. GA dental assistants would make more money if everyone were required to get certified. I enjoyed reading the comments.

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

Which school are you attending in April, I am currently looking for schools right now. So far, I have found Dr. Erickson in Marietta for $2995 for 10 weeks, another Dr. in Marietta for $3909 and the classes start January 10th. If you are getting unemployment, they will pay for you to attend school up to $7500.00 per year, but some of the programs start in July or so @ different approved technical schools.

I finished school July 08. I attended Dental Careers with Dr.Erickson. I'm now working as an intern on weekends. Hopefully she will hire me in Jan. I hear that it has been difficult finding a job. I spoke with my class of 15 or more and only 2 had permanant jobs. Most went on interviews but no other luck. My advised is to volunteer/intern as much as possible. Get alot of experience before you step in a dentist office full-time. There's alot to know. These 10wk programs are just like craming for a test. You cram, cram, cram and when it's time to work you crash. Well, that's what happen to me.

Thank you so much for the advice. I was weighing my options between going there or going to Georgia Perimeter, Gwinnett Tech, or Athens Tech for the program. I am currently unemployed and the Dept. of Labor has a program called WIA and they will pay up to $7500 a year for you to attend school. Everest Institute and The Medix School has the program too but they are not on the list of schools that are approved on the program. I noticed that most individuals that attended school tend to have better luck than the crash course. My dentist told me that she will be happy to teach me the ins & outs if I am interested, I think I will take her up on her offer until school starts.

Thanks for everything,

Tonya

Heather in Efland, North Carolina said: What is the difference here in atlanta, Ga with the DA schools...why are some 8-10wks and others 10months and plus the costs? Do you get payed more if you sit for the DA national board exam and can travel anywhere since your nationaly certified? Plus, im considering taking the DA II program at Medix school...has anyone been through their progam and can give me some insight on it. Thanks!!

Have u started the course? I did a tour @ the school last week

If u take the full course 10-12 months, u usually get more training,(expanded functions certified) which means u can do more for whomever u work for. I work with an assistant who only had the 10 week course and she is having to take many classes over before she can assist like the other assistants at the office. She cannot take impressions, make provisional temps, and much more. If u have the time to take the full course i would really recommend it. If will help u in the long run with your dental assistant career.

tanisha in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania said: i just wanted to know when you become a dentist assistant and your are helping the dentist do he or she tell you exactly what type of instrument or tray setup is suppose to be used during any type of procedure. or do you just have to know because i am in school now to become a dental assistant and i doing very well but i dont know when to use certain instruments.

I just graduated dental assisting school. In the office they usually have the instruments color coded or already in cassets, but you are responsible for anticipating the dentist next want or move. This is why you must know the dental procedures.

It will all come to you. The procedures are repetitional. You will need the same instruments for each procedure. I was very nervous at first but I work with a dentist that has patience and doesn't mine helping me. You can do it.

Sandra in Fort Lauderdale, Florida said: Hello, I am so pleased to have found this web-site and the people who comments in it! I am 40 yrs old,a mom of 3 pre-teenagers and tired of working and not get anywhere! So I took my entrance exam last month and did not do quite as well as I expected! You see my goal was to enroll in the Practical Nursing program at McFatter Technical, after taking some remedial classes my counselor suggested to take the Dental Laboratory Technology program which it is longer than the PN program! I feel overwhelmed and my economic situation is not helping. Any insite or wise advice would be greatly recieved. Thank You

Hygenists make really good if you want something you could support 3 kids on. I think starting ranges from 20-30 an hour. Ask around at your kids dental office and other hygensist you meet. My brother in law with an IT tech degree and 5 yrs experience makes 70K a yr. Hygenists can mae around 60K a year.....Good luck, T

Amber W in Georgia said: Jamie..
I'm an assistant from Georgia. Actually Im living in Germany now where my husband is active duty military AND deployed currently! So I understand, though I'm not a mom. I dont know if you know this or not but IF you want to work in Georgia as a dental assistant, you do not have to have a certification to do so. You have to have CPR but you dont have to go to assisting school. I didnt go to school for it, you just have to find a nice enough dentist to hire you and teach you on the job. I luckily found the perfect dentist who was very understanding and taught me soo much! Since I didnt recieve a degree is in assisting when I moved here to Germany I couldnt work in the dental clinic without going through the Red Cross dental assisting program they have here on post. However, the dentist I worked for wrote a letter of recommendation and the clinic is allowing me to volunteer there until a position becomes available. Also, if you go through the Red Cross on a military base to get a dental assistants degree, you can work ANYWHERE!! And it only takes a maximum of 6 months I think..hope this helps. Let me know if you need anymore advice!!
God Bless our troops,
Amber

I have my diploma in DA that was given to me back in 2006. My husband is in the process of signing up for the Army. My current employer and his partner dentist are former Army Colonels & will be writing me up very influential letters of recommendation to be read by any potential employers. Will I still have to complete the Red Cross Dental Assisting Program even though I have my DA diploma if we ever get shipped to Germany? I'm trying to get ready for when/if we ever do get sent overseas and not get hit with unexpected news that by foreign countries' standards that I would not be qualified enough to stay in dental assisting.

Angela Medcalf in Atlanta, Georgia said: I have my diploma in DA that was given to me back in 2006. My husband is in the process of signing up for the Army. My current employer and his partner dentist are former Army Colonels & will be writing me up very influential letters of recommendation to be read by any potential employers. Will I still have to complete the Red Cross Dental Assisting Program even though I have my DA diploma if we ever get shipped to Germany? I'm trying to get ready for when/if we ever do get sent overseas and not get hit with unexpected news that by foreign countries' standards that I would not be qualified enough to stay in dental assisting.

You won't need another certificate from the Red Cross but they might ask you if you are expanded Duty and Radiology Certified. I'm not in Germany but it works the same down here in Naples, Italy.

Rosalia in Napoli, Italy said: You won't need another certificate from the Red Cross but they might ask you if you are expanded Duty and Radiology Certified. I'm not in Germany but it works the same down here in Naples, Italy.

Thanks for the information. I still want to get my certification in DA which would include being certified in Radiology plus I want to get all the expanded duties certifications. I want to take this career as far as I can since I fully enjoy it.

I REALY WANT TO GO TO SCHOOL FOR DENTAL ASSISTANT,I JUST TURNED 30 AND AM A MOTHER OF THREE.I LIVE IN HUNTSVILLE AL,AND I CANT FIND ANY SCHOOLS HERE THAT OFFER IT.I CANT GO TO SCHOOL OUT OF TOWN CAUSE LIKE I SAID I HAVE KIDS.I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO FIND A JOB HERE WHERE THE DENTIST WILL TRAIN YOU HIS SELF HAVENT FOUND ANYONE WILLING TO DO THAT EITHER.CAN ANYONE HELP OR HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS?

misty in Huntsville, Alabama said: I REALY WANT TO GO TO SCHOOL FOR DENTAL ASSISTANT,I JUST TURNED 30 AND AM A MOTHER OF THREE.I LIVE IN HUNTSVILLE AL,AND I CANT FIND ANY SCHOOLS HERE THAT OFFER IT.I CANT GO TO SCHOOL OUT OF TOWN CAUSE LIKE I SAID I HAVE KIDS.I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO FIND A JOB HERE WHERE THE DENTIST WILL TRAIN YOU HIS SELF HAVENT FOUND ANYONE WILLING TO DO THAT EITHER.CAN ANYONE HELP OR HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS?

Hi Misty-I was a dental assistant for 3 years a while ago. It can be a challenging job especially if the dentist you work for is not that patient...which is often the case. I have my own business in the dermatology field that will allow you to work around the busyness of a family and you can make great money! I have found it to be a lot more rewarding and certainly gives me more free time. If this seems of interest to you, contact me and I will tell you more about it. If this is not, choose carefully in regards to DA-it is hard work and not great pay. Good luck!

YES IM INTERESTED,I REALLY NEED SOME KIND OF JOB MAKING AT LEAST A LITTLE MONEY,AND I REALLY LIKE THE MEDICAL FIELD.IT DOESNT LOOK LIKE IM HAVING ANY LUCK WITH THE DENTAL ASSISTANT STUFF.SO YES TELL ME MORE ABOUT THIS JOB.

THANKS

Is it possible for us to talk via the phone? you can email me your phone number and i will call you and tell you more. My email is powerforpurpose@comcast.net.I look forward to talking with you.

I am changing careers and think DA is a good choice. I've spent 2 years in finance and HATE corporate america. because my husband works in collegiate football we may move every 4 years or so. I need a career that is in high demand so that I can get a job when/if we relocate. Does anyone think this is a good job for a relocator?

I am interested in learning the business. I am a dental assisting student and will be graduating soon. I am looking for a job that I can do while going to HYG school
Email me at lil_q7@yahoo.com

teddyk said: 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.

porsche said: I am changing careers and think DA is a good choice. I've spent 2 years in finance and HATE corporate america. because my husband works in collegiate football we may move every 4 years or so. I need a career that is in high demand so that I can get a job when/if we relocate. Does anyone think this is a good job for a relocator?

Porsche,

Did you ever think about being your own boss and choosing your own hours? I have a job that does just that. And you can live anywhere in the U.S. and do this job. If you want more information, please contact me. thanks.

Jay in Jonesboro, Georgia said: thanks for the reply. one more thing, did you received a diploma or certificate?

the exam is dificu how many question is good or bad

the dantal assistant exam is dilfcutive or not how many q is how can i starting fo it help me please i live in florida in orlando

You all are lifesavers. I am also looking into becoming a Dental Assistant but I am a little hesitate because of the unknown. I am planning to take a 10 week training course from a licensed dentist in Macon, GA by the name of Dr. Wang. The hand on learning and training sounds great but I am still a little Iffy. If anyone out there has had this experience or has been to Dr. Wang for this training, I would greatly appreciate your advice and or input.

peter

Honestly, I would recommend you to go school. I did a hands on training with the American Red Cross and let me tell you it is a little complicate when you want to apply for jobs. They want you to be certified in Xrays and expanded functions because you didn't go to school ( and the cost is expensive).. If you go to school you won't need to have all these certifications because a certified dental assistant(CDA) covers all of that. I hope this make sense to you.

Rosalia in Napoli, Italy said: Honestly, I would recommend you to go school. I did a hands on training with the American Red Cross and let me tell you it is a little complicate when you want to apply for jobs. They want you to be certified in Xrays and expanded functions because you didn't go to school ( and the cost is expensive).. If you go to school you won't need to have all these certifications because a certified dental assistant(CDA) covers all of that. I hope this make sense to you.

Hi Thanks Rosalia I appreciate the advice and the quick response.
peter

Sherri in Kennesaw, Georgia said: 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.

I wanted to if anyone has attended Gwinnett Tech or Everest Institute for the DA program. I am trying to compare the two before starting the program. It is basically a technical school vs. a private school. I want a diploma program with the appropriate certifications to further my career into hygenists. Advice anyone!

Where is the 2th fairy when you need her.

peter in Macon, Georgia said: Where is the 2th fairy when you need her.

Hi Peter,
I'm glad to hear that you are interested in becoming a dental assistant. I would recommend that you reconsider taking the 10 week course in the doctors office and explore your options at one of the tech schools. As someone mentioned earlier, you will be better prepared by having the CDA (although it is not required to work as an assistant in the state of GA) and you will not be eligible to take the national board exam IF you do the 10 week thing in private office. (check out www.danb.org for further information and requirements to take the national boards)
I am always interested in promoting our profession, so let me know if I can be of further assistance to you.
Good luck!
Sheila

FYI:
highestpaiddentalassistant.com/
Here you will find tips about resumes, interviewing, finding a higer paying job and keeping your current job during these economic times. This website, blog and dental assistant manual is maintained by an excellent dentist in Kentucky!
Hope this is helpful.
~Sheila

tanisha in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania said: i just wanted to know when you become a dentist assistant and your are helping the dentist do he or she tell you exactly what type of instrument or tray setup is suppose to be used during any type of procedure. or do you just have to know because i am in school now to become a dental assistant and i doing very well but i dont know when to use certain instruments.

Usually u just have to know, in the morning or the night before you print off the following day and their procedures will be there so if you need to prepare u can, but in most offices the treatments are repeated and last but not least the instrument are sterilized together by the tray so everything stays organized.

meme they Georgia Perimeter College have the Dental Hygiene program but you have to take the pre-requisite before you get in the program and then the program is 2 years. You can visit their website at www.gpc.edu

Does anybody know what Dental Assistant schools around Atlanta take financial aid? Also, how long does it take?

misty in Huntsville, Alabama said: I REALY WANT TO GO TO SCHOOL FOR DENTAL ASSISTANT,I JUST TURNED 30 AND AM A MOTHER OF THREE.I LIVE IN HUNTSVILLE AL,AND I CANT FIND ANY SCHOOLS HERE THAT OFFER IT.I CANT GO TO SCHOOL OUT OF TOWN CAUSE LIKE I SAID I HAVE KIDS.I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO FIND A JOB HERE WHERE THE DENTIST WILL TRAIN YOU HIS SELF HAVENT FOUND ANYONE WILLING TO DO THAT EITHER.CAN ANYONE HELP OR HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS?

There is one school. Its in decature al. its only 45 mins aways. Its at Calhoun.

teddyk said: 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.

I would be interested can you email me and let me know more about working and learning the business

I am interested and would love to hear more about this opportunity. My email address is: tanjanika@att.net

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 appreciated!

Hi,
My Husband is a Dentist in Woodland Hills California. He is a Sole Practicioner, with 4 Hygienists, and a very pleasant staff.
We will be looking for a Dental Assistant soon. Our Assistant is 6 weeks pregnant, with Twins, and she is getting married to a young Man who joined the Marines. She will be moving to Camp Pendleton, or a base down by San Diego, and we will be sorry to lose her.
If anyone knows a D.A.I would love to chat with you. I think a retired Military Person is a great idea. We are really looking for a long term commitment. Our Office is a little Family.Lisa, the Office Manager has been with us for about 20 years, our Hygienists for 3-20 years, and our previous Dental Assistant for 17 years. We are looking for someone who is compassionate, because my Husband is very kind, and he doesn't like to hurt anyone, and he does a very good job. It is very important taht you are friendly and can interact with the Patients and a Person who listens and catches on quick.
We do not accept PPO or HMO, straight fee-for-service practice. He will train, but an x-ray license and a D.A. is really pretty necessary.
My name is Diane. Woodland Hills is in the San Fernando Valley and that is also close to Ventura County.
Thanks and I Really Appreciate your Serice and protecting this Great Country!
Have a Lovely Day!
Diane

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!

Don't go into dental assisting. I've been in the dental field for 20 years,and the starting pay is around 9.00 to 10.00 and hour. i don't think it's fair, because after all the money spent on the education and start at such a low starting wage, is like a slap in the face. So if you ask me, i say go for something that will be rewarding.

LOL starting pay here is about 7.50/hr. The best thing about dental assisting is the dental benefits that Most not all dentists offer to their employees.

Hi to all,

I'm new in this forum. This site is very informative. I'm planning to be in Dental Assisting field as well. Do you think there's still a market for this job, despite of the economy right now? Is it okay to take a program rather than go into formal schooling? In my case, I have a baby that's why as much as possible I need to save time and money.

I'm a single mom and thinking about going into DA but I would like to know more about your dermatology business. Please email me at missbmyers76@gmail.com

power for a purpose in Franklin, Tennessee said: Hi Misty-I was a dental assistant for 3 years a while ago. It can be a challenging job especially if the dentist you work for is not that patient...which is often the case. I have my own business in the dermatology field that will allow you to work around the busyness of a family and you can make great money! I have found it to be a lot more rewarding and certainly gives me more free time. If this seems of interest to you, contact me and I will tell you more about it. If this is not, choose carefully in regards to DA-it is hard work and not great pay. Good luck!

Hi ToothFairy et al....please offer this nice dude some sound advice: I'm a guy of 45 with an extensive media (TV) background as a producer/editor. I've been thinking of making a foray into the medical field, as the media field is now highly competitive and positions are being eliminated in large numbers. Since deciding on the medical industry, I've been thinking of varied medical fields/jobs as a Dental Assistant (hoping to work my way up as a DH eventually), Ultrasound Technician, Dialysis Techician, or as a Physical Therapy Assistant. For now though, I'm volunteering as teacher/tutor on ESL programs and Adult Basic Literacy as I hold certification in this area. I don't any medical background or pre-requisites but I do have a high interest in these fields though and have taken the initiative to actually visit and talk to personnel in facilities that work in these areas. Now, here's where I need your expertise: Which of these fields would you advise a guy with my background that I look into, given that I'm looking for an area with a high demand in the market, length of study, and moreover, if these fields are easily accessible to male practitioners. Please help me with your insight. Sonny.