Contemplating Starting a Denal Assisting Career, HELP!

Shay in Vandalia, Ohio said: What are some of the schools that are "RIP OFF"s????????????????

With any school you should make sure they are accredited NOT just certified to operate in that state. Unaccredited learning programs actually provide an education. It just may not amount to much. People who don't know the importance of choosing a school accredited with a reputable source like the U.S. Department of Education can fall victim to this. These programs are usually more affordable (again, that's the draw).

When a student tries to transfer credit to an accredited university, they discover that their credits are useless. Some financial aid lenders and even employers do not recognize unaccredited institutions. They will have "payment plans" or ask you for your credit card and present this as "financial aid"

They should try to find out if you have an aptitude for this or not. If the only requirement is that you can pay then that should be a big red flag. Ask how many student in previous classes have jobs. Ask to see some evidence of it. If they have the instructors "review" the test answers with you before the test. It's a rip-off. What are you learning if they GIVE you the answers? Ask what kinds of "hands-on" training is available. Ask for Dentist references outside of the school (dentists who have hired their students)

i am taking a online course at pennfoster.wich it is an accredited school but not with the ADA.i live in missouri,where their is no certificatin needed to be a dental assistant.does anyone from missouri know how most dentists perceive this or more or less,will it be more difficult to find a job?

Katti,
I think that if you are interested in a career as a dental assistant then go for it. I am attending Concorde here in Jacksonville, and I love it! They have financial aid to help with costs, also any and all grants are applied that the staff can find. The loans dont have to be paid back until 6 months after graduation, and then it still is a payment plan. Good Luck with your decision!

I live in Paducah, which borders IL, MO, IN, TN,
I have my lisc in hygiene for 3 of them. I still
have not been able to find much since we relocated
from MI. There were 3 hygiene jobs posted in Dec.
the first in a year. I only got called on one and
it was a shady deal. Full commission. He is a dentist
that lives in the dirt part of town, and has made
cheap dentures for years, and this is his effort to
establish a more reliable practice. He bought a hygiene
chair. I am sure his cliental and his rep will take
awhile for established patients, ones known for years he
didnt do cleaning. Most people would go to the other
general dentists across town, they are different genre.
I got in one of these commission deals before and only made
about $8.67 hr. As far as asstisting. There are slews of ads
here...I am close to the cape..I will tell u that you will meet
a few country doctors like that, that wont care, but look at
the office, it will tell u...and find out the doctors mannerisms
maybe ask a girl, if she likes working there. Dentists now days
are drilled on about care and osha, and esp the younger ones
coming out of college. They want u to know your stuff...study
study, be a good listener. Dont make him repeat it twice. Know
your instruments, what to mix, like the back of your hand. One
assistant we hired, at a previous office, was just gifted with it
This was her first job, right out of school, and she was just
sitting right down there seating temp crowns with ease. She
knew what she was doing, and worked hard. Thats what they like
profiecient, efficent, and a strong worker...thank god..they dont
usally look at your spelling :)

ashley in Canton, Georgia said: your response was a mimick of my life - font desk new manager in ga.money money money, stress stress stress schedule schedule schedule. hyg have it made. they work 4 days a wk less hrs less stress and front desk in ga avg. 17-22 hr, dental asst 12-18 hr hyg 28-45 hr... hyg school all the way.

I could not agree more,, with Ashley and several others who have posted here, years of your life spent hanging over a chair for someone who would and will replace you overnight from a huge group of waiting people in the wings for taking off when your kid is sick, and in the meantime look down their nose at you as some kind of peon.. hyg however are the highest of high, Drs treat them as if they are Angels, they do not suffer the Temper tantrums we assistants and front office must deal with.. and they make soooo much more, most of the ones i know tell the offices just where and when they WILL work.. and most are part time still making good money, yes it is hard to get into a good hyg program, I too wish someone somewhere had hit me with a tire iron and said just do it stupid.. Dont wait for something grand to become of your dental assisting career, you reach the plateau very quick then level off, even if you make it to the treatment coordinator or office manger you have zero job security and who wants to be doing this at 50+..

I am starting my externship as a dental assistant Monday at a cosmetic dentist. How many hours are you required to have to take exam? I work at walmart and I would like to find a better job. I am currently attending University of phoenix online. I received my dental assistant diploma fom penn foster.

Angie in Anchorage, Alaska said: Sorry for all my typos in the previous reply...I was excited to tell you all about it! I just wanted to add that the schooling takes about 9 months!!

Do u think there is a chance I could get hired with out full completion? And as an 18 year old what r my chances? I have about 6 months training in Oregon vocational school and my RHS radiation Health and safety(620)

For the above comment, muriele, This job would be in WA!

if theres anyone out there that has went to pennfoster could you please tell me how they do your intern.do they find a dentist office for you in your area or do you find it yourself?

I just finished the dental assitant program through Penn Foster. When i got the last shipment there were papers in there for me to take to a dental office to do my internship. I haven't done it yet. Im still not sure if that is what im supposed to do. Im pretty sure we find the dental office our selves though.

jdjohnston98 in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri said: 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.

hi i went to penn foster for medical assistant and have been working in the field for 10years what you have to do is go into a dentist office and ask if you can shadow or vlnter a couple of hours(i wrked and had a 2yr old at the tme so it can be done)ask your famly mmbrs if their dntst are frndly and try to netwrk tht way trust me you ddnt wste mny you paid less money than i did. i strtd to do it that way i have a family of penn foster grads bcse most of us are military and they are distnce lrng crtfd thrgh the military..I went to d.A. school and ddnt have hands on tryng this school is ada crtfd i love my teachers and the school but what they taught me... had i knew that i would get zero respct (bcse most dnst look down at us and we are the bck bone of what makes there office run)i would have sat right at home and went to penn foster..but my experience is its what you make it.At first i thought i made a mistake my sggstion is find a dentist that fits your persnality even if you have to temp...

I went to Penn foster for dental assistant and I feel like I have waisted money there because I haven't found a job yet. Unfortunately you have to call the dentist yourself. They want help you find one. I've called several dentists offices and they haven't returned my call. I have faxed my resume also.

TheUrbanToothFairy in Duluth, Georgia said: I was a dental assisting instructor for a year and a half here in Atlanta, Ga. I've been in the dental field for almost 11 years now. I've been a dental assistant, lead assistant, instructor and now a scheduling cordinator/treatment plan coordinator. Dental assisting has opened many doors for me. The best part about assisting is the diversity and the opportunities to excel professionally. I currently make $17.75 at my new position and I'm set to make $18.50 at my 3 month eval next month and I know I should be happy with that but, my office manager let it slip today that our dental hygienist makes $325 a day. All of the sudden I'm feeling like it's time to go back to school. Dental Hygiene is a highly respected profession, pays well, and the stress is minimal.

Dental Hygiene is a very difficult program to get into and it's very intense once you get in as well. I had to leave hygiene because I have 6 kids and there is no way you can devote time to a family and go throught this extremely rigorous program. You learn a lot but they throw you when you haven't had enough time working on people. Most of the clinical part is how to use the instruments, just adapting, not actually scaling, then you have one appointment on a classmate and boom...you see your first real patient. It's very hard academically as well. It's a great profession but believe me, you earn the money you end up making.

Krista in Salem, Oregon said: If you want to be a dental assistant...Congrats! I am 23 and took the big step to go back to school. I have been wanting to be a dental assistant since high school, and i love my job. I went to Chemeketa Community College here in Salem. With all the other schools out there in Oregon, Chemeketa is the most renowned school out there becuase of the training you recieve. Yes, there were courses you had to complete before being excepted into the dental assisting program, but it took me two terms to complete those courses. Only 30 students are excepted into the program each year, you have the best teachers, you get an awesome clinic for hands-on, and you get to know the information that is important (book smarts). I would say that if you really want to start a good career path, and want to be a graduate from a well known school for its dental assisting program, then look into Chemeketa Community College. It is worth it!

I am currently applying for the Dental Assisting Program at Chemeketa. I have taken my prerequisites to be a dental hygienist, but havn't gotten in so I am thinking about doing dental assisting and then applying again because You have a better chance if you are an assistant. My problem is I currently work part time at an office from either 8-1 or 1-5 Mon-Fri and I am wondering if I would still be able to do this at Chemeketas Dental Assisting Program. I have researched this as much as I can online and from what I see I would be able to by looking at the classes I looked at what the classes were schedule for the previous year, but I have heard that other schools require an additional dental practicum in addition to the classes is this true for Chemeketa? Or is the time you will be at school only for the classes listed? Any advice would be great! THAnks!

Just started assisting a few months ago and I absolutely love it. I think the office you work in could either make you love it or hate it. We do get raises and bonuses and vacation time at my office. Not to mention free dental work and Friday afternoons off. I am single with kids and although hygiene pay is better I simply cannot afford to devote two or three more years to school. Dental assisting is a professional career choice for me and many others and I would like to hear more positive comments about it. Thanks!

Perhaps I could ask you a few questions via email? I am considering being a dental assistant ( career change - self employed for 13 years. I live in the NW suburbs of Chicago and since your from my area - your opinions would be of great help ! please email at KandyKing@aol.com

I would love to answer any questions you have!

i am a 20 yr old student that has finally made up her mind about what she wants to do with her life..lucky me right?..WRONG..i have so little time to make up my mind. ive been contemplating and stressing for the last 3 wks about wether i should go for a 1 yr dental assiting program and get my certificate and then continue for dental hygiene or should i not even take the dental assit. program. my question is if i was to go into dental assiting will that benefit me in the future if i wanted to continue school for dental hygiene? will the courses i take @ the community college be trasnferable or continued towards dental hygiene school? or do you think i should just go straight for dental hygiene? srry for asking soo many questions..if anyone is reading this any kind of advice/guidence will be SSOO helpful! thnks for your time!

I think the experience and knowledge you gain from assisting will greatly help you in hygiene school. No credit from dental assistant school will go towards your hygiene school, also keep in mind you need about 2-3 yrs of pre reqs and hygiene school is two years. Dental is a great field and I really love it, hope I have helped a little. Good luck!

Christina B in Ecru, Mississippi said: You're right! I attended Concorde Career College in Memphis, TN. It's was a good experience for me. Although I have not found a job yet, I really learned alot. My location is small and hard to find jobs. I will probably have to move into a area before I'll be able to find employment in the dental field. Good luck and study hard to stay on top. I did and I graduated with high honors.

I am one of the unfortunate ones that recently graduated from Apollo Dental Assisting program. I am now needing more education. I wish I would have researched more options. Apollo is not even accredited with the Dental Board. My student loans are almost due, and I am unemployable with my worthless education. My mistake has cost me $20,000 dollars.

Paula in Memphis, Tennessee said: Hello everyone. I am looking for any information about concorde career college. I have done a lot of research on the school but i still don't know if it's for me. It is extremely HIGH. Do employers really hire these graduates. Anyone who has gone there and graduated from their respiratory therapist program, please let me know before i make the biggest mistake of my life, PLEASE HELP ME!

Doesn't matter where you go. Just know when you get out it will ALL be different! The schools all teach JUST the "BASICS". It is like a toe in the door, not a whole foot! All doctors work differently and they all use similar, but different materials(some may have less or mores steps than others).
Listen, I have been a Dental Assistant almost 15 years. If I were in your shoes, and I really wanted to go into dentistry... GO TO HYGIENE SCHOOL! Don't be an assistant! You work your BUTT OFF! You have to sit next to your boss ALL day. You do most of the work (when you have the experience and continuing education) and get paid PEANUTS! You take a LOT of BS! (at least this is how it is in FL) Sometimes I am running 2-4 rooms at a time! Some will tell you that is only in an HMO office, I work for a very prestigious office that is a fee for service! OHHH, and it is all about selling! Push veneers, push toothbrushes, OH and the "Let's take care of that today" when there is no time left on the schedule! Which means you can forget about leaving on time, or getting your full lunch hour! So if you are looking to "help" people, like I was, that is a JOKE! Dentistry is NOT what it used to be! BUT, if you still insist after all I have told you..please at least follow this advice:
NEVER WORK ON SALARY! Always work on HOURLY PAY!
GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING BEFORE YOU ARE HIRED!
NEVER WORK IN AN OFFICE WHERE THERE ARE FAMILY MEMBERS WORKING, the dentists son, daughter, wife...that is a huge NO NO!
Well, Good LUCK

I work front desk but read this response and have to say from all that I have seen in the many different offices and from what I have heard from my assistants whom are friends you hit the nail on the head!

Dotty in Oak Park, Illinois said: 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.

That is great that the dentist hiring you have been fair with you. Most likely it's because without you running the show there busisness would do poorly. Being an assistant is differant. I worked three offices were they offered no benefits not even paid vacation even though they promised differently when hired. They would cut my hours when they were slow or had low production as if I was hired per diem and of course there was the ever bellowing doctor belittling you every chance they got. I could go on and on but I've had enough of this profession or as I like to refer to it a non-profession because of the deplorable BEHAVORE OF DENTIST.

i worked for a large dental group for a year and it was horrible- very over worked-low pay -backstabbing staff etc-- we did get vacation pay but they ddi tell you if was approved the week before only after you kept asking so you could make final plans as far as health insurance you forked over you whole check every other week-- paid every 2 weeks-these large groups have very high over head so raises are nil or ridicoulsy small like 20 cents - i was like enough of this stuff found a private practice 2 raises in one year very good raise i might add- paid vacation-paid holidays-christmas bonus- excellant doctor- i am in heaven--

exactly-- you may think your frieds but not really they will turn on you on a dime-i liked my co-workers but did not traust them with personal stuff-learned that in a hurry so it was all business at work-gald i left now i can really be myself at the office i am now at-

Classygirl901 said: I went to Penn foster for dental assistant and I feel like I have waisted money there because I haven't found a job yet. Unfortunately you have to call the dentist yourself. They want help you find one. I've called several dentists offices and they haven't returned my call. I have faxed my resume also.

Normally you have to find your own job. They don't do it for you. lol

i am almost finishedwith PENN FOSTERS dental program! i live in indiana, do you think i'll find work with this certificate?

hi i'm currently in school for DA and it has become an exciting career choice for me. Yes Dentists and Dental Hyg make a lot of money and when i finish this course for DA i'm going to Clayton State for the Dentist program which takes two years, but its worth it. also can u give me some tips on how to better my self with picking the right extern site. and i would love your advice since you have eleven years in dental and you still love it.

Wanda in San Antonio, Texas said: I'm in Tx. and about to finish DH school. I had no DA experience, but I had a lot of work experience in customer service and a lot of volunteer work.. I think the schools like to see the volunteer work because now that I'm here community is emphasized a lot. God Bless you!

what school did you go to in san antonio i also am in san antonio and would like to just go into dh insted of da??

josie in Lebanon, New Jersey said: Were you making less as an instructor ? I always thought DA instructors is better paywise?

What was the pay being an instructor?

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!!!!

and if they are Oral Surgeons they invented God.......

Belle in Pleasant Grove, Alabama said: and if they are Oral Surgeons they invented God.......

Omg!! You are so right! I've lost respect for them...period.

i lost all respect for the first dds i worked for-- we were all hard workers according to her expect at review time and then it was a totally differant story--she loved loved drama-- so i left now work for a great dds-- don;t let these kind discourage you in anyway- i didn;t and moved on- she could not move past things-- as they say taa taa--

Mercy in Crown Point, Indiana said: I am sooo discouraged right now. I have been wanting to get my Dental Hygiene Degree for about 8 years now. I have been a Dental Assistant for basically my entire adult life. Every time I think I'm about to enter a program, some obstacle appears.
The very respected Indiana University that I was considering applying to, only takes a 3.4 minimum G.P.A. Is it just this school that is so competitive ? I am thinking I should just stick with assisting, considering my last job I earned $20 an hour.

Don't get discouraged with the GPA. My daughter had a 3.2 and was excepted into 3 highly ranked universities.

ConfusedOne88 in Paso Robles, California said: i am a 20 yr old student that has finally made up her mind about what she wants to do with her life..lucky me right?..WRONG..i have so little time to make up my mind. ive been contemplating and stressing for the last 3 wks about wether i should go for a 1 yr dental assiting program and get my certificate and then continue for dental hygiene or should i not even take the dental assit. program. my question is if i was to go into dental assiting will that benefit me in the future if i wanted to continue school for dental hygiene? will the courses i take @ the community college be trasnferable or continued towards dental hygiene school? or do you think i should just go straight for dental hygiene? srry for asking soo many questions..if anyone is reading this any kind of advice/guidence will be SSOO helpful! thnks for your time!

'

I personally called around to colleges with the same questions today and was told that the Dental Assisting Classes are not credited towards the Hygiene cause the Hygiene requires different classes.

I am in houston, Tx, I considering a career in Dental Assisting and then Dental Hy. Iam a mother of 2 expeccting another child , working as inventory analyst in a pharmaceutical supplier chain 8am -5pm, however I found a school that fit perfectly into my schedule i.e every saturday 8am - 5pm for 10 weeks , tuition including books and exam is about $ 2800. the name of the school is Houston Dental Assisting school.

How do I confirm if this school is accredited.

do you think I can learn all that that I need to know to get into the job market with 10weeks?

what are some of the challenges in this field

Thanks for your help

jb

hi, im 19 years and i was just accepted into a very good and accredited dental assisting program, indiana university-purdue university-fort wayne, which also offers ortho assisting classes that i am interested in. BUT i am worried that i too and going to hate my job and the pay will be horrible, i kind of want to forget the program and just go for hygiene BUT i still need to take chem, bio, AND micro bio and get good grades in them to even get into the hygiene progam, plus i am horrible in math and science, im not sure if i can even pass the classes. if i fail them i will have wasted a year of my life and deynied a great, resepected dental assisting school. who knows what i will do then!! is it to big of a risk? HELP!!! i only have a week untill i give the IPFW assisting program my awnser.

girl, go to school for hygiene. take on class at a time if you have to. dental assisting sucks...I have been in it for 40 years. it is getting worse.l the doctors want you to do all the work for no money..do not pay for school..get hands on training in an office ..call around ask ...call every office in yellow pages and see if they are willing to train ne one...do not pay for it...I could teach you so much just over the damn phone ...check out schools for ultrasound or x-ray tech...just NO DENTAL !!! all the best!!

thanks for the feeback, but, you wouldnt even reccommend ortho assisting or expanded fucntions? ive heard the pay ans respect for assistants is going up and theres going to be a lot new, younger dentists out there that are willing to pay more and offer more benefits. my state is saturated with hygenists. is there really no one that loves their job as a dental assistant?! i cant believe that!? more feedback from assistants please!

just don't a school that is not accredited in Dental Assisting. Stay clear of Apollo Colleges. good luck

Jaime in Anoka, Minnesota said: 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!

I am not aware of any hygiene school that transfers any of the courses from a dental assisting school. I have taught hygiene since 1972 and I am not aware of any. There are pre-requisites needed for hygiene like anatomy, physiology, microbiology and chemistry and a few others. As how long is needed to become a hygienist depends on your hygiene school of choice, they average from 2-4 years. Goggle it for your area to see what is available for a hygiene school and the requirements needed to enter the program.

I am looking for a dental assisting school in new york city can any body help me find a good school or college.

whatEVER you do, don't fall for the 10-week or 12-week course scam -- they're profit centers for dentists who let their staff teach you in their office on Saturdays and/or evenings. $4000 for 12 days of classes?! Instead, find a dentist who is willing to train you one-on-one, while paying you! You can if you are persistent and have a great personality (and if you are bilingual, NO PROBLEMO!!!)

i beg to differ on your comment about falling for the 10-12 week satirday courses- i took one of those saurdat only courses and it did not cost me 4000.00- i learned so much and shadowed during the week when i could and at my own dentists office who in turn hired me because he was so impressed with what i learned in ten weeks- i knoew nothing about dental assisting- yes he has showed and taught me more then what i saw and learned in ten weeks but you can;t learn it all in ten weeks or a year going full-time- maybe you expected more then what you thought-- i highly recommend these ten week courses- alot of people can not commit to full time class schedules and work and take care of afamily- this was a perfect fit for me and i love love my job---if you are thinking about taking one of thses classes i say go for it!!!

tammi in Lubbock, Texas said: Just started assisting a few months ago and I absolutely love it. I think the office you work in could either make you love it or hate it. We do get raises and bonuses and vacation time at my office. Not to mention free dental work and Friday afternoons off. I am single with kids and although hygiene pay is better I simply cannot afford to devote two or three more years to school. Dental assisting is a professional career choice for me and many others and I would like to hear more positive comments about it. Thanks!

I am also getting ready to start a dental assisting program I was wondering what they started you off pay wise if you dont mind me asking. Thanks

Okay this is the drill....right now I'm working my bachelors degree but, won't be finished until June 2012. So i'm thinking about enrolling in DATS dental program I believe it's about 3 months. Right now I'm unemployed and I've been thinking about a back-up plan for quite awhile now(career paths)is this a smart move? Also is DATS accreditted? Thanks!

Hi. I'm in my late 30's. My unemployment benefits are about to end and I'm considering a dental assisting school. I'm in central Houston, Texas. A friend told me about a 10 week, accredited dental program here. They're website says that they have an 89-95 percent placement rate. I qualify for a grant.

So is the general consensus that working for a private dentist is better than working for, say, the county or HMO dentists?

Also, should I just take the advice of some and just call dentists and ask for an internship and learn on the job? I'd intern for little or no money.

^^^^^ Correction!! Just found out that the school is NOT ADA certified. They ARE state certified, but not ADA.

: )

hi, i have been working as a nursing aid for four years, i love my job and wanetd to take up nursing but cant seem to get in one nursing school. some schools have you wait five years to get in. so im thinking about DA. its just that all the lefting i do at work it really hurting me now and i just need a job thats less stress for the body. i can take mental stress really weel and im good with people. so i just want a little bit more info on the job and the school. it seems my state get pay well.