Contemplating Starting a Denal Assisting Career, HELP!

Annabelle in Beaverton, Oregon said: Hi Katti,

My advice to you make sure dental assisting is for you. You should job shadow at a dental office and see if that's what you want to do. I went to Concorde and I wouldn't recommend them at all you don't get much hands on at all, you get more book work. PCC is a good place and it is inexpensive. Concorde will cost you about 12k and pcc about 5k. The pay when you get out of school is about 12-15an hr not worth it. I hated dental assisting for the amount of work you do and the pay it is not worth it.
Hope this helps.

I also was looking at dental assisting. But the pay is a big concern for me. I have a BS in Biology and I do want to work in the dental field but getting paid 12-15 an hour is not going to cut it for me. Do you still work in the dental field?

If you have a BS in biology maybe you should try for dental hygiene, it is very competitive to get in but the pay is about 35-45 and hr in portland, oregon. Yes dental assisting wasn't enough to pay my bills. I no longer work in the dental field, I work in banking and sales I get paid twice as more in my current job right now.

ann in Seattle, Washington said: How long ago did you attend Concorde? I'm considering Dental assistant myself. I live in Portland. Are the classes diffucult? Any info would be appericated.

The program is 9 mths, the classes are not difficult at all. Good Luck.

Annabelle in Beaverton, Oregon said: If you have a BS in biology maybe you should try for dental hygiene, it is very competitive to get in but the pay is about 35-45 and hr in portland, oregon. Yes dental assisting wasn't enough to pay my bills. I no longer work in the dental field, I work in banking and sales I get paid twice as more in my current job right now.

I was thinking about that or clinical laboratory science since I love dentistry and I also love Microbiology. My only thing with dh is that I have heard that it is hard to find a job.Thanks

No it is not at all. My best friend is a Dental Hygientist in Portland, Oregon she just work for a dental staffing agency and she found a job.

Good luck with that.

Does anyone know if dental assisting students in connecticut can take x-rays?

Ash in Edmonton, Alberta said: Stay away from Dental Assisting!!!! I have been in the field for 4 years. Dentists are crazy for one thing I have never met a sane normal person who is a dentist.

This job is a very stressful! There is an unreasonable amount of work to be done in a short amount of time. You are stuck on the Doctors time, as in unpredictable when you will get off work, when or if you will get any break at all, and the dentist can take time off for lengthy periods of time if they so wish (weeks even months). Dentists do not have to follow what would be the work standards for the state or province y ou live in. If you get hurt on the job guess what your not covered for it! Dentists tend to have a superiority complex they are right about everything, I was once told I was cutting bread wrong, the dentist immediately took over my lunch!
I 100% do not recommend being an assistant and so do all other dental assistants I have worked with!
There are a lot of job offers because it is a crappy job. The rate of pay varies from $14-$25 dollars per hour but NO BENEFITS no medical coverage, no overtime pay, no paid sick time, no vacation pay, no bonuses, however dental work is sometimes covered.
If you are considering a dental field do hygiene! The pay rate is triple ( $40-65/hour here). Well worth the extra schooling. If that still isn't what your looking for diagnostic radiographers (take x-rays 2 years school), diagnostic sonography (ultrasound 2-3 years school) and Medical Lab tech. (2 years of school) are all good professions with a starting wage of $25+ ( the top for dental assistants)

Preach it sister!!! Sounds like your Dr is related to mine!
THey all take a class the firdt year of Dental School, "Being God 101" Mine corrects me IN FRONT of patients! Needless to say, I am looking for another career!
I've practicing "Welcome to McDonalds, May I take your order?" Much less stress!!!!

NY in Cary, North Carolina said: Preach it sister!!! Sounds like your Dr is related to mine!
THey all take a class the firdt year of Dental School, "Being God 101" Mine corrects me IN FRONT of patients! Needless to say, I am looking for another career!
I've practicing "Welcome to McDonalds, May I take your order?" Much less stress!!!!

I was thinking about dental assisting but now I am thinking about dental hygiene. I have heard some stories about dental assisting and how the dentists are. I feel that dental assistants should be making more money thna they do especially for the amount of work that they are required to do.

I have been in the dental assisting career since 1979. I do have to agree that Hygiene has a lot higher salary BUT have to disagree with that all dentists are like described above. Yes, I have worked for and have heard of those kind but have been blessed with knowing and working for dentist who are wonderful. I know of a LOT of dentists who offer bonuses, insurance, overtime, uniform allowance and vacation! I think that they are hard to find as they demand commitment, excellence and dedication. One of the dentist that I worked for sent all employees and our families on a five day cruise for having a great year. I worked as a dental assistant from 1979 to 1993 and have been teaching dental assisting from 1994 to this day. I end with saying: there are great dentists out there, they are just harder to find. Dont settle for less, search them out and you will be rewarded. (Hopefully you live in a area where you are not limited in choices) Good luck and God bless!

toothteacher in Athens, Georgia said: I have been in the dental assisting career since 1979. I do have to agree that Hygiene has a lot higher salary BUT have to disagree with that all dentists are like described above. Yes, I have worked for and have heard of those kind but have been blessed with knowing and working for dentist who are wonderful. I know of a LOT of dentists who offer bonuses, insurance, overtime, uniform allowance and vacation! I think that they are hard to find as they demand commitment, excellence and dedication. One of the dentist that I worked for sent all employees and our families on a five day cruise for having a great year. I worked as a dental assistant from 1979 to 1993 and have been teaching dental assisting from 1994 to this day. I end with saying: there are great dentists out there, they are just harder to find. Dont settle for less, search them out and you will be rewarded. (Hopefully you live in a area where you are not limited in choices) Good luck and God bless![/QUOTE

Could you email me at carolinadiva09@gmail.com I have a question for you but dont want to ask it on an open forum. Thanks

Dental Hygiene is around $10,000.00 for the 2 years at a school in California, but I cant remember the school.

Some community colleges require a year as a DA and since you already have a year of DA, in California you can already qualify to take the RDA Exam. No schooling, just one year of paid DA work then the test.

The Dental Hygiene course is 2 - 4 years, but the 2 years AA course requires prerequisite subjects. So it is more like 3 years to complete. But well worth it! I finished BS Business Admin. and it was a total waste of time.

I did my DA and RDA classes thru ROP and got it all done in 3 semesters for less than $1000. I got my RDA lisc. on the first try and have gotten 3 RDA jobs thru ROP, a few job offers, and numerous internship opportunities not only in RDA, but in teaching.

ROP is a vocational school and is fully accredited. I'm not sure about your area but the ROP I went to was affiliated with Cypress College and we were able to articulate our RDA education there and get 15 college units as a result.

I'm not currently an RDA (I make more money as a server) but am trying for hygiene or dental school. If it hadn't been for assisting first I probably wouldn't have aspired to go further with school. Try it out! See if you like the field and go from there.

i forgot to add that you can take RDA @ a community college in 2 semesters, but it costs more than ROP. Also, schools like concorde and brymann are shorter but costs waaaayyyy more. brymann wanted to charge me $12,000 for the same education i got for around $1,000. AND none of the classes @ brymann would have given me college credit. i'm sure they're all good schools, but if cost is an issue go for ROP or a comm. college

I was really looking forward to going into a career for either Dental Hygiene or Dental Assiting. After reading this I'm even more unsure about which is for me. If either. It seems as though assistants make low amounts of money. But Chemistry is my weakness so I'm not sure if I would be able to succeed in the dental hygiene programs. Any Suggestions?

For some hygiene schools you only need one intro to chemistry, not any crazy upper division one. Other schools you need two, intro (Chem 101 or the equiv.) and Organic and Biochem (At my school it's called Chem 201). Don't let the name scare you. I thought O/Biochem was easier because you have the intro to chem as a backbone. Don't let your fear of classes hold you back. What's one tough pre-req semester for a great career the rest of your life? Not saying that hygiene school will be any easy, but in the long run the sacrifice is worth it.

I am very interested in the dental hygiene field but have no idea where to start.

I am fresh starting college and would really appreciate it if I can get some help on what I need to take and do?

Thank you very much!

Wow, I'm currently a dental student and reading the descriptions of dentists above has NOT been my experience. Kind of concerning. I wonder how the rest of the country views us.

I've been in dental management for over 25 years. I always suggest you start out in assisting to get an understanding of what is involved in each position in the office. Yes, hygienists are paid very well, but it's not for everyone! You need to see what the hygienist does...not everyone brushes their teeth! You can make a nice living as a dental assistant and in the Chicago area there is always a demand. Once you have worked in a dental office you can branch out into management, training, consulting or selling. The field is expanding. There are offices that do not offer insurance coverage. I have worked with over 100 practice and not one of them did not offer paid vacation. Like all the other small businesses, each owner dentist gives what he/she thinks they can afford. Corporate owned practices have better benefits. Good luck with all your searches.

I have just moved to Tupelo, MS from upstate NY and I'm looking to become a Dental Assistant. Only problem is there are no schools around that offer that program. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on what I should do. I have wanted to do this for so long!

ashley in Fayetteville, North Carolina said: I also was looking at dental assisting. But the pay is a big concern for me. I have a BS in Biology and I do want to work in the dental field but getting paid 12-15 an hour is not going to cut it for me. Do you still work in the dental field?

I am a male in the dental assisting feild and have been for 6 years!!! For all of those searching for a school to attend for assisting make sure you research it well, MAKE SURE they are certified by the ADA! I went to Apollo college and was ripped off!!! They are not certified and you will not graduate with the certificates you need and you will NOT!!! get a job! BEWARE of this school. I wish they would have just refunded my money back....They did NOT....they said i signed a contract, so i was S.O.L. I was treated poorly so i am warning all others to warn everyone they know about this school, hopefully we can shut this school doors down!!! Please respond if you have been ripped off by this school. Maybe we can all sighn a petition and get some of are money back!!! My e-mail is jjeffries22@yahoo.com Help me and others out! Thank you and Good Luck! :)

Katti in Tualatin, Oregon said: I've been thinking of becoming a dental assistant for some time now. However after reading some of the dicussion boards.. I'm getting a little nervous. I have not yet started any schooling, and was wondering if someone could give me some advice. I'm 21 and I will have no help whatsoever to cover the costs of school. I want to make sure I make the right choice. I love working with people, and am looking for a career that will have flexible hours. How is the pay in Oregon? Do dentists look down on schools like Concorde? What schools here in Oregon are reccomended? How long does schooling take? I appreciate ANY and ALL advice!! Thanks!

Katti,

Concord is a reputable school, i attended there last year....they are certified by the American Dental Association and you will receive the necessary certificates you need to get a job. Do NOT!!! go to apollo college! they are a rip off and will take your money and leave you out to dry! The pay is decsent for a girl your age and it just depends what kind of Dr. you work for. As you are interveiwed make sure you interview them as well, not all Dr's are the same.......I hope i helped you out, if you have any more questions feel free to ask.

Hi,

I attended Concorde, don't go there it is such a rip off, the teachers are not helpful and they just take your money. They don't give you much hands on training like other schools do and they are way to expensive. I regreted going to school there and wasted my time and money and the externship was hell once you get to the externship I felt so lost cause I didn't get much hands on. I found out that you don't make much money as a dental assistant about $12hr-maybe $17hr(if your lucky)I hated dental assisting I make more working at a bank with no degree lol. If you really like Dental assisting I've researched these two places they are cheaper and you get your training done in 14wks and alot cheaper there not accredited but just check it out. Here they are www.wvdas.com (located in Salem and they are a new place). also www.acceleratedlearningsystems.com (located in Hillsboro). Go to pcc sylvania you will get more hands on there. I don't want to make you think that I'm bitter about Concorde this is what I've experienced.
Don't do it not worth it.
Hope this is helpful.

Katti in Tualatin, Oregon said: I've been thinking of becoming a dental assistant for some time now. However after reading some of the dicussion boards.. I'm getting a little nervous. I have not yet started any schooling, and was wondering if someone could give me some advice. I'm 21 and I will have no help whatsoever to cover the costs of school. I want to make sure I make the right choice. I love working with people, and am looking for a career that will have flexible hours. How is the pay in Oregon? Do dentists look down on schools like Concorde? What schools here in Oregon are reccomended? How long does schooling take? I appreciate ANY and ALL advice!! Thanks!

Hi Katti in Oregon, My name is Jackie from R.I. I have been a certified d.a. for 13 yrs.now. Biggest mistake I made. I wish I would have just have gone into hyg. from the very beginning. For 6 months more of your time and a couple thousand more, it is certaintly worth it. Dental assistanting work is alot of fun, however very demanding, less appriacated, less pay and devaluized by the dental team. Go all the way Hyg.Trust me!

Veronica said: I live in Austin, TX & I'm considering pursuing a career change and becomong a Dental Assistant. All the local schools here are not ADA accredited but allow you to go through their programs anywhere from 10 weeks to 9 months (depending which school you decide to go to); I also work full-time for a school district & would like to start my new career this time next year. Does it really matter if the school is NOT ADA accredited? Also, is it a lengthy process to become a Dental Hygienist AFTER being a Dental Assistant for several years? I wasn't sure if having gone through a Dental Assisting Program & then working as a Dental Assistant for say 3-4 years if SOME of the classes offered to become a Dental Hygienist are the same or completely different.

Austin Community College has a program and it lasts one year. You will be a certified Dental Assistant at the end. The cost about $2500. That's tuition and books.

KL in Richmond, Virginia said: Wow, I'm currently a dental student and reading the descriptions of dentists above has NOT been my experience. Kind of concerning. I wonder how the rest of the country views us.

Well, I LOVE my dentist, and my previous dentist. In my experience, the dentists I have met are much nicer and more relaxed than the MDs; that's one of the reasons I'm considering going into dental assisting. I thought about hygiene, but it is ridiculously hard to get into the DH program at my local community college. Even more difficult and competitive than nursing......

Katti in Tualatin, Oregon said: I've been thinking of becoming a dental assistant for some time now. However after reading some of the dicussion boards.. I'm getting a little nervous. I have not yet started any schooling, and was wondering if someone could give me some advice. I'm 21 and I will have no help whatsoever to cover the costs of school . I want to make sure I make the right choice. I love working with people, and am looking for a career that will have flexible hours. How is the pay in Oregon? Do dentists look down on schools like Concorde? What schools here in Oregon are reccomended? How long does schooling take? I appreciate ANY and ALL advice!! Thanks!

dont do it ive been a dental assistant for 20 years the patients are HORRIBLE
the PAY IS WORSE it is NOT worth your time!!! if you enjoy working with people do something else because im making a career change!!!! remember I warned you

Kristina in Louisville, Mississippi said: I have just moved to Tupelo, MS from upstate NY and I'm looking to become a Dental Assistant. Only problem is there are no schools around that offer that program. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on what I should do. I have wanted to do this for so long!

look in the classifieds in the daily journal. we are looking for someone that is very interested and long term.

Hi everyone,
This forum kinda scares me...im in the position of needing to find a career fast so im considering a few different options and DA is one. I did my research and found out that i need to go to a RDA approved school but I am afraid that I will not make the money I see is possibile(some people are saying around 10-15 per hr). Im ok with 15-20 per hour starting out with a RDA certification does that seem usual?.... Also now im really worried about the unhappiness in the field....can someone tell me honestly would I be disrespected at the age of 45 just going into this field? I saw some posts reguarding a DA having "less respect" than the other staff...can someone tell me about the job and the "yuck" you have to deal with...I mean no one enjoys bad breath right?
I do love people and would love to work somewhere in the medical field...A RDA seemes to make pretty good entry level money as compared to the other positions you can get with an 8 month course like MA( feel way to old for that)or possibly the Billing and coding(not too excited about clarical anyway)..Well thank you in advance to anyone that would please respond to me...I guess I want to feel this would be a good choice since I am older and really need to make a good decision to accomplish my short term goal of going to school part time for a short time allowing me to find a nice job working with and caring for people...

what is the pay rate per hour in mansfield tx for a dental ass. for a oral max facial surgeon

Hi Im from MN and am about to start assisting school. I am in major need of an answer to the question .... do the assisting courses transfer to hygiene? If I want to go back to school after maybe a year or so? Or how long does it take of schooling once an assistant to become a hygienist?

Any info greatly appreciated!!!!!!!! I have been searching for an honest answer everywhere! =)

Thnaks in advance!

yes if you have completed hygiene school, in the Dental Assistant testing application, that you qualify to take the exam. You still have to take the RDA/CDA exam though. I think last time I checked it was like $500-700 range.

I agree dental assisting is a very thankless job and the pay is crap, also you do not get any benefits and most dentist are very cheap. I wish I had taken something else in school had I known what I know now.

Ash in Edmonton, Alberta said: Stay away from Dental Assisting!!!! I have been in the field for 4 years. Dentists are crazy for one thing I have never met a sane normal person who is a dentist.

This job is a very stressful! There is an unreasonable amount of work to be done in a short amount of time. You are stuck on the Doctors time, as in unpredictable when you will get off work, when or if you will get any break at all, and the dentist can take time off for lengthy periods of time if they so wish (weeks even months). Dentists do not have to follow what would be the work standards for the state or province y ou live in. If you get hurt on the job guess what your not covered for it! Dentists tend to have a superiority complex they are right about everything, I was once told I was cutting bread wrong, the dentist immediately took over my lunch!
I 100% do not recommend being an assistant and so do all other dental assistants I have worked with!
There are a lot of job offers because it is a crappy job. The rate of pay varies from $14-$25 dollars per hour but NO BENEFITS no medical coverage, no overtime pay, no paid sick time, no vacation pay, no bonuses, however dental work is sometimes covered.
If you are considering a dental field do hygiene! The pay rate is triple ( $40-65/hour here). Well worth the extra schooling. If that still isn't what your looking for diagnostic radiographers (take x-rays 2 years school), diagnostic sonography (ultrasound 2-3 years school) and Medical Lab tech. (2 years of school) are all good professions with a starting wage of $25+ ( the top for dental assistants)

I agree 100 %!!!!!!!

Doris in Cleveland, Ohio said: dont do it ive been a dental assistant for 20 years the patients are HORRIBLE
the PAY IS WORSE it is NOT worth your time!!! if you enjoy working with people do something else because im making a career change!!!! remember I warned you

I agree i hate my job!!!

there is no way I can even find an RDH job, where I live..(I graduated in 2005)let alone $40-65 hr!! Not sure about that!

NY in Cary, North Carolina said: Preach it sister!!! Sounds like your Dr is related to mine!
THey all take a class the firdt year of Dental School, "Being God 101" Mine corrects me IN FRONT of patients! Needless to say, I am looking for another career!
I've practicing "Welcome to McDonalds, May I take your order?" Much less stress!!!!

i ama da in buffalo ny i worked for awhile for a large group and it wa shell on earth- long hours over worked underpayed so when they said we are going to increase our hours i was like i am so out of here- tried to brain wash everyone in to thinking that you find any job better then here- well i found a da job ata private practice and absoloulty love it 4 days a week- hour lunch- paid vacation- paid holidays etc--now i heard that from where i left everyone is strictly on commission and no more vacation pay etc-- glad i left--

NY in Cary, North Carolina said: Preach it sister!!! Sounds like your Dr is related to mine!
THey all take a class the firdt year of Dental School, "Being God 101" Mine corrects me IN FRONT of patients! Needless to say, I am looking for another career!
I've practicing "Welcome to McDonalds, May I take your order?" Much less stress!!!!

not all dentists are bad-- i came from a large group to a private practice better hours -better pay the whole nine yards as they say- glad i switched so the great doc;s are out there-at least now i feel likea assistant and not a slave anymore and appreicated more and i have real working hours and alife again 4 days aweek 8 hours aday as opposed to 10 to 11 hours aday- the great hours are out there keep looking-- good luck everyone---

well right now i'm a P.C.T.- patient care tech in a hospital which now feels more like a nursing home...i've read your posts and i have taken them into consideration but i am so sick of the disrespectful natures that the RNs have in my job! they treat us like we're nothing and have no brains! they won't answer a call light or even a bed alarm! some won't even get a patient a pitcher of water and they could be right across the hall from the kitchen! maybe i'll have to deal with a moody dentist sometimes but i need a change cuz now the RNs that come outta school just wanna sit on their butts and delegate! i know i sound jealous but i really do not see how someone can take credit for someone else's work without getting up at least once to check- i mean what if that PCT was lying!!! if i do something i take credit for it! they do admissions and won't take the patients' vitals it's ridiculous!! sorry i got off topic but i don't see how becoming a dental assistant and working for a dentist(s) could be much worse than what i'm doing now! so it's either gonna be CDA or CMA for me!!!

what is the best dental assistant school in Dallas,Tx.

Katti in Tualatin, Oregon said: I've been thinking of becoming a dental assistant for some time now. However after reading some of the dicussion boards.. I'm getting a little nervous. I have not yet started any schooling, and was wondering if someone could give me some advice. I'm 21 and I will have no help whatsoever to cover the costs of school. I want to make sure I make the right choice. I love working with people, and am looking for a career that will have flexible hours. How is the pay in Oregon? Do dentists look down on schools like Concorde? What schools here in Oregon are reccomended? How long does schooling take? I appreciate ANY and ALL advice!! Thanks!

I just graduated from a DANB accredited dental assisting program. If you are looking for a career with flexible hours, its not the career to go in. you have to work when your dentist works. Every office has there own hours. And usually if you want to take a vacation, it will have to be when your dentist take his or her vacation. My suggestion to you if you want to work in a field that you help and work with people, go into being a medical assistant. I believe the hours are more flexible. If you have a passion for the dental profession then go for it. Schooling usually take no more than a year if you have prerequisits out of the way. Just make sure you do through a dental assisting national boards accredited program a lot of places are starting to want certified Dental assistant. You could also see if you could get on at a office that does on the job training. Then you would find out first hand if its a field that you really want to be in, before spending the money.

good luck

Hey brooke I just found a job. Its not in dental hygiene...But atleast its a job! It is working for a propane plant doing data entry and accounts recievable...it pays $8.60 but its here! The dentist I worked for in Murray (1 hr drive ea way) only paid $8.87 anyways and I had the drive...I am not sure what he is paying the new hygienist that took my place..but with not having that drive I am still making more..I have benefits...its FT M-F

jason in Beaverton, Oregon said: I am a male in the dental assisting feild and have been for 6 years!!! For all of those searching for a school to attend for assisting make sure you research it well, MAKE SURE they are certified by the ADA! I went to Apollo college and was ripped off!!! They are not certified and you will not graduate with the certificates you need and you will NOT!!! get a job! BEWARE of this school. I wish they would have just refunded my money back....They did NOT....they said i signed a contract, so i was S.O.L. I was treated poorly so i am warning all others to warn everyone they know about this school, hopefully we can shut this school doors down!!! Please respond if you have been ripped off by this school. Maybe we can all sighn a petition and get some of are money back!!! My e-mail is jjeffries22@yahoo.com Help me and others out! Thank you and Good Luck! :)

Hey well its a good thing you mentioned this there is a dental hygiene program that just opened up At Apollo College in Oregon and I was thinking about applying, but like you were just saying I have heard so many bad things about them, but it does say they are accredited on their site and they have a website to go to that shows them as an accredited college along with all the others.

hi I would not reccommend dental assisting. I have been at it for 38 years now and want to get out so badly. You should go to a jr. college and take pre-requsites for dental hygiene for 2 years and apply to a Hygiene program near you. You will make better money and have a great career for life. Also you will have a degree. that is the best advise I can give you. If you want to work as an assistant while in school you could, some Dr.s will train you in their offices.good luck.!!

You should go into Orthodontic assisting I have worked for the same practice for 22 years, they trained me on the job and then paid for me to become certified! It is very fun creating new smiles for people and the assistants get to do all the work at least in SD, every state is different. It is so great to be able to do more than mix cements and suction we actually put the braces on and change all the wires and deliver all the retainers ect. Ortho is certainly the way to go if you want to assist.

debora in Newmarket, Ontario said: I agree i hate my job!!!

You speak the truth. Dentistry is not rewarding, There is no sense of checks and balances..Politics within offices usually consist of who can get their nose up the Dentists ass.

Dana Scully in Eugene, Oregon said: Well, I LOVE my dentist, and my previous dentist. In my experience, the dentists I have met are much nicer and more relaxed than the MDs; that's one of the reasons I'm considering going into dental assisting. I thought about hygiene, but it is ridiculously hard to get into the DH program at my local community college. Even more difficult and competitive than nursing......

Sweetie you have no clue about a Dentist untill you have Actually worked for him.....I would like to talk to in a couple years after being an assistant........

I am taking DA classes online through Penn Foster. Im starting to worry i made a mistake and rushed to pick a school. Does anyone know if this school is known in the dental industry or if im going to have to take more classes from another school. I'm a month away from finishing and am hoping to get my foot in the door soon after.

sorry to say i have not heard good things about penn foster-- you need hands on training even if you are going to a acredited school or some other kind of training school--i took a ten week da program and went in to dentaloffices during the week and when ever i could to get the feel of a real running office-- try that also i tell everyone if the programs you are taking don;t offer internships--good luck!!! once you get your foot in the door of an office you will love it !!!

Lisa in Circle Pines, Minnesota said: I have been a dental assistant for about ten years and am considering leaving the field entirely! The stress is out of this world high and doctors are extremely negative, abusive, and volatile! No amount of pay makes up for the stress. If I had to do it all over again I would have chosen tobe a Hygeinist or work in the medical field. Please do your research thoroughly before you committ to dental asst.school

I agree completely

Katti in Tualatin, Oregon said: I've been thinking of becoming a dental assistant for some time now. However after reading some of the dicussion boards.. I'm getting a little nervous. I have not yet started any schooling, and was wondering if someone could give me some advice. I'm 21 and I will have no help whatsoever to cover the costs of school. I want to make sure I make the right choice. I love working with people, and am looking for a career that will have flexible hours. How is the pay in Oregon? Do dentists look down on schools like Concorde? What schools here in Oregon are reccomended? How long does schooling take? I appreciate ANY and ALL advice!! Thanks!

I am a RDH and was formerly a dental assistant. Some of the schools are very expensive and only provide classroom knowledge. Dentists need assistants who can work chairside. As a tutor I teach my students the business of dentistry, about the procedures and prepare them for testing. I also arrange for hands-on training in local (Houston/Katy) offices. This is a short course, but assisting is really a field where you have to learn hands-on and every dentist is different. I prepare my students for this tough field by introducing them to the terminology, expectations, procedures and test-prep. My course is 2 evenings a week for 5 weeks and then 5 weeks(25 hours) of hands-on.
For more information you can reach me at angeliqueadamswatson@yahoo.com