Becoming a Dental Assistant in Georgia

Hello, this site was a wonderful find and very informative.
I have 13 yrs experience (uncertified). Was trained in MI on the job and now live in Georgia. I have a working interview next week and will be joining a small practice. The assistant is going on maternity but is certified with expanded duties. So with that in mind, I'm wondering what kind of pay I'm looking at as I'm not as trained.
What is the average salary here and what do you recommend I request?
Thanks. Also looking for schools in the Fayette/Coweta counties if any to advance training and become certified.
Brenda

SonJe in Marietta, Georgia said: Hi ToothFairy et al...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. 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.

Hi Sonny, Given the recent economic changes, I can understand your desire to pursue another career. That being said, I think that you have made a wise decision to visit and talk with personnel in a variety of medical professions. I'm sure that you've found by meeting with those professionals that you may need to go back to school for a short time. I am often disappointed to hear so many 'dental professionals' on this forum offering discouraging remarks about joining the dental field. I have been a dental assistant for 15 years and have found that the rewards are directly based on the effort I personally put into the career. I can't say if the dental field is right for you or not, but I would recommend that you check into the curriculums offered in the tech schools in your area for the one that best suits your available time. (I do know that there is a HUGE need of dialysis techs....my mother has been on dialysis for 4 years now.) Good Luck!

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!

You should look into Medix. They offer a nation wide certification. It is a good school. I am in there now. if you have any more question please let me know.

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!

We'll first you can start out with posting your resume onto job sites online so employers online can see what you have to offer. There is a website that can help you with this called postingassstant.com. This site will post your resume to 70 job and career sites and get you the exposure you need from employers in your industry so that you can land that job. I hope thisinformation was beneficia to you.

crcajo30 in Atlanta, Georgia said: I have the same issue however I am soon to be 30 yrs old. I've been a stay at home mom for six years. I decided to go to college to obtain my Assoc degree in Dental Hygiene in the Fall of 2006. I've completed all of my prerequisites for the course, and recently applied for the DH calss of 2009. Since the competition is so thick for DH school, I decided to take a 10 week course in Dental Assisting just to get my foot in the door. When I completed the course I was 6 mos pregnant with my son so it's been 7 mos since I completed the course. I finished the course with the top three in my class. The class took place in an actual dental office on Saturdays and we practiced takink alginate impressions, x-rays, rubber dam placement, instrument transfer technique (just to name a few) on each other, not on dolls. I do feel that I have experience. I waited unitll the first of the year (for my son to be 3 mos) to start looking for work and have had no luck landing an interview. I would like some suggestions on how office managers screen resumes for potential dental assiting candidates. I would also like to know what is a reasonable amount to ask for if I do get an interview. I am well groomed and dressed in a black pant-suit whenever I am dropping off my resume. I drive around to dental offices in the west cobb and south atl area to briefly introduce myself to the office managers with my portfolio in hand and enclosed I have a picture of myself on my resume with a coverletter printed on ivory water marked resume paper. I am always smiling and polite but it seems llike they don't ever want to be bothered and they never seem to like me too much. Am I doing something wrong?

What school did you go to that was on Saturdays?

try dentalpost.net thats the biggest job source for the dental world

i am currently in DA school at Kaplan college, and i graduate in June. My husband and I are moving back to Illinois at the end of teh summer. I am concerned about transfering my license over from CA to IL. I have no idea how to go about it or even if I have to. Ive looked all over the web and came up with nothing. Any tips or advice would be wonderful. You can email me back at steelersgirl311@yahoo.com THANKS!

The pay rate in Albany georgia is very low and the best option is to become a dental hygienst if you want to make the money.

I have a Master Degree in Piano and hardly make any money. I have been thinking about getting into a DA program or LPN program in Oklahoma. My worries are that I am planning to move to FL, to be close to my daughter. I am not sure if OK DA certificate will be accepted in FL. Should I even begin my studies here? I am afraid that I would have to start all over again... Would you please advice?

Oh, don't worry about that. In Florida you don't have to be CDA, u even don't have to have any education here at all that to become a career of a dental assistant. Only one thing...don't expect to be paid well and to be treated well...I don't understand, why people go to Dental assisting schools here? They, probably, don't know all the information. It's really bad, because they just waste their money and time. I did the same mistake. I'm CDA (DANB certified), and no any dentist care for it. They pay me the same as to people without any education at all. And they prefer to hire them and pay ridiculous salary.Good Luck.

Hi everyone.. i am new in Lilburn GA.. i am home wih no kids ..now i interesting to find a job.. & find some course to study'' and i interesting about
dental assistant job .. and how i can find school for study this program..
for certified anyone can advids
Thank

I am currently at a university but am thinking of transferring to a dental assistant program at community college nearby because I am very unhappy where I am. I think this will be a good fit for me. The decision is also influenced by the fact that I had a great dentist when I got my braces and the dental assistants were so nice, it made me not dread going to the dentist and my teeth don't look to bad either. The program I want to apply to is accredited with Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. I will also be qualified to take the CDA and RDA exams after I complete the program. Lastly, does the program being accredited and being registered or certified make much of a difference when it comes to pay? Or does experience matter more? Any other advice is welcome and greatly appreciated.

My advice is to stay in the University. You can change your major there if you are unhappy with a specialty you chose. Dental assisting is nothing compered with an education after the university. The higher your education the better for you. The more chances to find a well paid job.

Kathy in Orlando, Florida said: My advice is to stay in the University. You can change your major there if you are unhappy with a specialty you chose. Dental assisting is nothing compered with an education after the university. The higher your education the better for you. The more chances to find a well paid job.

May I just say Kathy that your advice was awesome! Dental assisting is not the be all and end all. A University education is where to go...all the way! And Kathy, if you are ever looking for a different career path, I would love to talk. You seem like a very level headed person and that is the kind I want in my company.

Thanks for the advice. I know in the long run a university education will be more beneficial but I just don't think it is the right place for me. Nothing here interests me, so I'm still unsure what to do. I hope I make the right choice.

Sarah in Portland, Texas said: Thanks for the advice. I know in the long run a university education will be more beneficial but I just don't think it is the right place for me. Nothing here interests me, so I'm still unsure what to do. I hope I make the right choice.

If I may say Sarah, don't put so much pressure on yourself. you were designed with a great purpose and plan that will be revealed when the time is right. You will make the right decision because you will know it in your heart. I am not sure what your age is, but realize this...sometimes it takes a little time to put things all together. Ask yourself this question..What really excites me and makes my heart beat a little faster? That may give you a hint. I am doing something that I never thought I would do and I love it! Your time will come too!

What are you taking at the University?

MissB in New York, New York said: What are you taking at the University?

Hello MissB. I am done with school. I have been for many years. I own my own company right now, working with the doctors that created Proactiv. I am an executive consultant with them, so I get to help people love their skin and love what they do. I hire and train consultants to basically do what I do! It s great fun and very rewarding!

MissB in New York, New York said: What are you taking at the University?

I don't currently have a decided major so I am "undeclared." Right now, I am just finishing the last few classes of my school's core curriculum which are basically liberal arts courses like political science and history.

Denise in Franklin, Tennessee said: If I may say Sarah, don't put so much pressure on yourself. you were designed with a great purpose and plan that will be revealed when the time is right. You will make the right decision because you will know it in your heart. I am not sure what your age is, but realize this...sometimes it takes a little time to put things all together. Ask yourself this question..What really excites me and makes my heart beat a little faster? That may give you a hint. I am doing something that I never thought I would do and I love it! Your time will come too!

Thank you so much Denise, your advice really made me think. After I read your post, I got to thinking about one of the majors I was considering, criminal justice. I loved this major because just the thought that I would get to learn about the actual criminal justice system and all the laws involved got me really excited. The fact that most of the shows I like to watch (law & order, criminal minds, CSI, etc) involve this sort of thing, along with the books and movies I like too must have something to do with it. I know there's more to the field than just what you see in movies or television but I actually think that I could find a career that would fit in my interests as well. Thank you again!

Hi, I am a soon to be first time mom, and currently working part time at a church. However, as a single mom, need to find something with higher pay and eventually benefits. I am looking into several different options, and highly considering Dental Assisting. Is the school in Marietta with Dr.Erikson, I believe I have seen people mention here a good one to consider?
With DA are job opportunities reasonable, and is the salary one where I can support my daughter and myself?

Sarah in Portland, Texas said: Thank you so much Denise, your advice really made me think. After I read your post, I got to thinking about one of the majors I was considering, criminal justice. I loved this major because just the thought that I would get to learn about the actual criminal justice system and all the laws involved got me really excited. The fact that most of the shows I like to watch (law & order, criminal minds, CSI, etc) involve this sort of thing, along with the books and movies I like too must have something to do with it. I know there's more to the field than just what you see in movies or television but I actually think that I could find a career that would fit in my interests as well. Thank you again!

Sarah- Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. You are so welcome! I am happy to help. Somewhere in side of you all along is your purpose. You just need to find it and it sounds like you are on the right track. I wish you the best success in all you do and just remember to always love what you are doing! It makes life so much more rewarding and fun! Blessings to you! Denise

Can someone please help me? I have a certificate in dental assisting, and an associates degree in dental hygiene. Four years ago I moved to another country, and I retired my dental hygiene license in Alabama. I have now moved to Fayetteville, NC and I would like to get back into dental assisting and maybe dental hygiene in the future. Can someone point me in the right direction to getting back into the field? I will probably need some retraining because I have not worked in a dental office for the last four years.

I graduated from a ADA accredited program for Dental Assisting. Does that make me a DA II? That's what I was told when I graduated, but while I've been looking for a job people say I'm a DA I because I haven't had enough working hours.

Joy in Durham, North Carolina said: I graduated from a ADA accredited program for Dental Assisting. Does that make me a DA II? That's what I was told when I graduated, but while I've been looking for a job people say I'm a DA I because I haven't had enough working hours.

According to the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners, to qualify as a DA II you need to graduate from a current DA program, have a current CPR certification, and complete at least 1 year or more in a dental hygiene program.

OR

Two years or more as a full time dental assistant, three hours or more in sterilization and infection control class, three hour class in dental office emergencies, radiology training, and current CPR certification.

www.ncdentalboard.org
Go to FAQ and look under "Questions about dental assistants"

I'm in the same situation that you are in. Except I haven't worked in 4 years and I'm trying to get back into the field and I having trouble finding out how to go about that. If I were you I would call your school and let them know what is going on. Good luck.

Is it a bad idea to get the Dental Assistant Schooling done and work as an Assistant while going back to be a Dental Hygeniest? I am considering going to Pima Medical Institute next month to be an assistant .However im pretty sure i will want to be a hygienist eventually ... Also does being certified or liscensed as an assistant shorten the length of time it takes to become a hygienist?

Beau in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: Is it a bad idea to get the Dental Assistant Schooling done and work as an Assistant while going back to be a Dental Hygeniest? I am considering going to Pima Medical Institute next month to be an assistant .However im pretty sure i will want to be a hygienist eventually ... Also does being certified or liscensed as an assistant shorten the length of time it takes to become a hygienist?

nope. Assisting means absolutely nothing when it comes to hygiene. If u want to do Hygiene - then go for it NOW. You will not regret that choice

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.

Please send me more information. Thank you

Im going to school in Little Rock, AR for my R.D.A with certification to give Nitious Oxide and will be moving to GA in the summer. Will I be able to practice in GA with an Arkansas license? I call the Board of Dentistry of GA but they sent me to their website and it was information for Dentist and Dental hyg. What test do I have take or do they allow reciprocity?

I have been out of the dental assisting for 10 years. I started a new assisting job last week, I am trying my best at everything but I can't seem to do anything right in my bosses eyes. He is constantly pulling me aside and correcting me. He is not the nicest in his approach. I realize it's my first week and I expect to make mistakes, not remember everything, work slower than a experienced EFDA and be disappointed in myself but I feel like my boss could be a little patient.

Being out of the field for so long, I have A LOT to learn (really had no idea how much) and I was told I need to be retrained totally. It is very hard to keep my spirits up and concentrate on my tasks when I am constantly being told how I didn't do something right. I used to love being a DA and I was good at it but my confidence has been shaken and my anxiety level is at it's peak.

I would like any advice, suggestions and thoughts how long I should give this and how to deal with constantly disappointing my boss. Please help!

Your boss must have known when he hired you that you have been out of the field for a long time. It sounds to me like he may be really hard to work for. Pay attention to how the other employees act around him, and the things they say about him. If they are always rolling their eyes, or appear to be trying not to say something bad about him, then you know it is not going to get any better.

You could try talking to him and remind him that you are out of practice, and you realize that you do need to be retrained on some things, but you are a hard worker and you are willing to put in the effort. Remind him that you need him to be patient while you relearn this stuff. Like I said before, he knew you hadn't worked in a long time when he hired you.

I would try to read up on current dental procedures and dental assisting if you are able to get your hands on a text book, or some other material. Sometimes you can get a class on the weekends that will refresh you on some things like infection control, radiology, nitrous oxide, etc. if you haven't already done that. That will boost you confidence.

After talking to your boss, I would give it three months and if nothing gets better then for the sake of you mental health start looking for another job. But try to stay on good terms with him if at all possible because you may need a reference.

Oh boy it sounds like you've in a stressful situation. I was stressed at a job so bad I had to leave. I didn't have to balls to stand up to her. She had a very bad personality. I couldn't tell it at first. But she seem to just be unhappy and she would put on a act in front of most patients. If you just go into his or her office and tell her it's really been a while since you have done certain things and lot of things have changed and you have to get the hang of it maybe she or he will be a little more patient. In the mean time on your free time come in early, write down stuff you need to remember, ask other assistants who worked with him or her what she likes and have it ready before time. Because you may be very good at what you do but if the boss stresses you out. You can't do your job like you know you can. Watch the other assistants and see how they do things. It's going to take some time because every dentist do things a little different. Even if your the most experience assistant. Your doctor may still do some things his or her way. Just relax and try to communicate and learn it. It will be fine.

Rachel in Dallas, Georgia said: I took the class with Dr. Erickson and have been a dental assistant not for a year and a half. It is a great course and the prices are great for his class. You will be certified in 8-10 weeks. Most other courses take 8-10 months and close to $10,000. I would recommend his class to anyone looking to get into assisting!

Hello,
my question is if it costed you $10,000.00 for a DA training, How much do you get paid by the Hour/Anually so you can pay-off your debt? pbc.2os@gmail is my email cos i want to go to school for it.

Hi, I saw that you went to Mydentalcareers school. I am planning on going in January. I wanted to know how did you like the school and was it too much for you to work and go to school? In how long did you find a job after you got your certificate from school?

Thank you!

I was seriously considering going to school to be a DA. Initially I wanted to be a Hygienist; however they only have enrollments once a year, and you have to be done with pre-reqs. I already have a degree, but I'm not doing what I want to do with it :/ ... My question is.. What is a good school to go to, to become a Dental Assistant? (Any recommendations) Also what is the “CPR” that is needed?

Lani in Decatur, Georgia said: I was seriously considering going to school to be a DA. Initially I wanted to be a Hygienist; however they only have enrollments once a year, and you have to be done with pre-reqs. I already have a degree, but I'm not doing what I want to do with it :/ ... My question is.. What is a good school to go to, to become a Dental Assistant? (Any recommendations) Also what is the “CPR” that is needed?

Lani,

I would suggest looking into an ADA accredited dental assisting program. Try this link to the Georgia Dental Association www.gadental.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=79 (then scroll down until you see a list of dental assisting schools). You are more likely to receive an offer of employment if you went to an accredited school. As far as your CPR certification, I believe your CPR has to be completed through the American Heart Association. Once you decide on a school you could contact the program director and ask where you should complete your CPR certification at. Usually, they have a list of three or four places that they will allow you to complete your certification from. I hope this helps! Good luck! :)

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

dentalassistantopportunity.com

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!

become a dental assitant without a degree or experience
dentalopportunity.com

dentaljobinfo in Mount Prospect, Illinois said: become a dental assitant without a degree or experience
dentalopportunity.com

Hi Jamie,

I wanted to touch base with you and share a business with you that may be an alternative for you. I was a dental assistant several years ago and found it to be low paying and not offering me much of a future for advancement. I have a position in my company that offers you the flexibility to still be the great mom that you are but give you income that can be immeasurable. I love what I do and am blessed every day! If you would like to hear more, let me know. Also, I am grateful for you and your husbands daily sacrifice for serving our country! Thank you for that!! Please let me know if you would like to talk. Take care.
Denise

Jamie,

First may I congratulate you for being a stay at home mom. I think that is a great decision that will forever be rewarded. Secondly, I would love to talk with you about my experience in the dental assisting field. While I am no longer doing that job, I can share my experiences with you as well as another option. If you have an interest, please contact me. Also, thank you for the daily sacrifice you and your husband do every day for serving our country. I am forever grateful!
I hope to hear from you.

Denise

Has anyone attended the West Georgia Technical College for Dental Assisting? I'm considering going there but noticed it is a certificate program. Does this mean I will be a certified Dental Assistant?

Hi, I need some advice PLEASE!!! I graduated Atlanta Tech College in 2004(8 yrs ago), as a CDA with expanded duties, however I never worked in my field because I was bar tending and making tons of money back then. Anyway, now I NEED and want to get into DA but its like it was soooo long ago, And I remember very little. So my question is what is the best way to go about it. I desperately need a job/career. So are there any refesher courses I should look into?... Or do the 10wk course?.. I think it will be difficult to find a dentist to train on spot. But would that be the best option?... I really need some advice!!! Sidenote/Question: I didn't take boards but I got a certificate. So am I or was I certified?? Thanks so much!!!

Hi, I need some advice PLEASE!!! I graduated Atlanta Tech College in 2004(8 yrs ago), as a CDA with expanded duties, however I never worked in my field because I was bar tending and making tons of money back then. Anyway, now I NEED and want to get into DA but its like it was soooo long ago, And I remember very little. So my question is what is the best way to go about it. I desperately need a job/career. So are there any refesher courses I should look into?... Or do the 10wk course?.. I think it will be difficult to find a dentist to train on spot. But would that be the best option?... I really need some advice!!! Sidenote/Question: I didn't take boards but I got a certificate. So am I or was I certified?? Thanks so much!!!

Rachel in Dallas, Georgia said: I took the class with Dr. Erickson and have been a dental assistant not for a year and a half. It is a great course and the prices are great for his class. You will be certified in 8-10 weeks. Most other courses take 8-10 months and close to $10,000. I would recommend his class to anyone looking to get into assisting!

How much is the 8-10 week course?

I am about to start the 10 week course in GA. My husband is getting out of the military in about 6 months and we are moving to FL. Will it be hard to find a job after we move? I just do not want to go through with the 10 week program if I can not find a job due to getting training in a different state.
Thanks for the help.

I took a 10 week course 2 years ago and still have not found a job. I have been on a few interviews and a couple were promising but then I didn't get hired. Most places at least around here won't hire unless you are experienced and a 10 week school doesn't teach much at all. The one I went to didn't even have xray certification I have to go get that separately once I get my 400 chairside hours in.

For FL this is what it says on DANB

In order to legally operate dental x-ray equipment and perform dental radiologic procedures in the state of Florida, a dental assistant must either (1) graduate from a Florida board-approved dental assisting school or program OR (2) be state-certified as a dental radiographer by the Florida Department of Health (FDOH). To obtain this certification, one must: (a) Successfully complete at least three months of continuous on-the-job training under the direct supervision of a Florida-licensed dentist and (b) Successfully complete a Florida Board-approved radiology course within 12 months of completing on-the-job training and (c) Apply to the FDOH for certification.

Heres what it says for GA

In order to legally operate dental x-ray equipment and perform dental radiographic procedures in the state of Georgia, a dental assistant must complete a minimum of six hours of instruction, in the content areas defined in the Georgia Department of Human Services’ x-ray requirements. Instruction should begin within 30 days of initial employment and be completed no more than 90 days after employment begins. A record of training must be maintained by the employer. A dental assistant who shows written proof of completed x-ray training is considered to have satisfied the requirements of the Department of Human Services.

So by the sounds of it would be better for you to take the course, find a job in GA get the xray certification and then it will be easier to find a job in FL.

Hello world, I am 24 and a mother of two I became an CD last year at the Dawn in Wilmington DE. I resently have relocated to Augusta GA to be with my family. I have grown very worried and restless because I have no been about to find work. So with that said I was wondering if somebody could tell me What kind of testing or qualifications do I need to succeed. I dreamed of working in the dental field since I was a child. e-mail keziahkorea07@yahoo.com please reply I wont give u!!!!

Hello world, I am 24 and a mother of two I became an CD last year at the Dawn in Wilmington DE. I resently have relocated to Augusta GA to be with my family. I have grown very worried and restless because I have no been about to find work. So with that said I was wondering if somebody could tell me What kind of testing or qualifications do I need to succeed. I dreamed of working in the dental field since I was a child. e-mail keziahkorea07@yahoo.com please reply I wont give u!!!!

I am currently a DAII in N.C. want to know if credentials would transfer to GA