Show me the money...

Dentist in Frisco, Texas said: Also, I did work in a Dental office years ago short term to assist a former college friend. That person also taught dentistry. He told me that most dentist are business running inept (as he was) and that few to 0 dental school include any type of business "running" training.

Thus most of the private dentist are clue-less in actually running the office.

I have since verified over & over as a business to business sales person & manager that this is generally true for both dentist & doctors of other fields. It is definately not there skill set to Market the office or Run the office.

If you can offer this, you will be very, very valuable.

At the office I worked at the Office Manager was the only one that really used the computer. Thus the dentist & others assumed everything was taken care of.... uhhhh... common sense, work in a management role & a business degree (that I have) were not necessary to figure out the Office Manager wasn't sending out Bills for Payments due.... duhhh... I printed them & mailed them. He had $60K in past due bills in 2 - 3 months!!!!

Malisa Hall in Chicago, Illinois said: do you have any job comeing up I will do any thing.

I see you are in Chicago. I personally don't have a job to offer you. I'm not recruiter. I just happen to know lots of people in lots of places. (Maybe I should be a recruiter! I'm looking for work myself). People have literally given me a list of jobs they want to fill and I keep my ears open.

I've worked with lots & Lots... of HR depts in general business, managers, DR's & Dentists. It's an exchange over years of doing business. I have worked in Chicago as part of my travel area for business.

Are you looking to work in Chicago or move? If you're staying in Chicago, what part of town? North, East, South, West?

Send me your info to:
SpringfieldNow@yahoo.com

I am looking for work in chicago south side any thing I can do.

Crystal in Edmonton, Alberta said: I'm an RDA II in Edmonton, AB. I have 8 years experience, and currently am working one day a week in a pedo office, while attending school one day a week. I'm looking for temp work on Wednesdays or Fridays during daytime hours. (9-4) I have 3 years progressive Zoom in-office bleaching experience (Zoom 1, Zoom 2, & Zoom 2 Advance Power). I have experience with placement of Lumineers brand veneer bonding system. I am loving the experience of expanding into speciality practice. If anyone knows of any possibilities in Edmonton, please let me know.

Hello,
We are currently looking for an Rda II to join our team either full time or part time. We have an excellant team and the Doc is sending us to Scottsdale, AZ in January for a weekend, just as a thank you for working. We are even willing to train the right candiate even with no previous experience.

If you or anyone is interested please call Chantelle @ 780-471-5234.

Tanya in Moscow, Russian Federation said: So, guys when you yourself need you teeth fixed does your dentist you work for do it for you or do you go to some other office? And do you still have to pay for it? I am just curious...

Be very cautious..............General dentist should not be doing endo on you. Case In point I have three failing endos at this very moment from having my work done at a general dentist.

Yes i agree especially if it on molor always go to endo to answer your question you get the work done but it hard you have to put yourself in the schedule or when you get a cancelation but i have been waiting for 2 months i have a cavity on my 2nd bicuspid so hopefully i can get in so before i need endo haha

I have been waiting for a cleaning for 3years!

I am planning on moving to calgary alberta, I am wondering if anyone know's of any job openings. I am a new graduate and have all my expanded skills, i've worked for two offices in Edmonton.

veronica in Edinburg, Texas said: its grammar not grammer.

G-R-A-M-M-A-R

Melody in Apollo Beach, Florida said: G-R-A-M-M-A-R

Being petty is not a virtue.

I do not understand the benefit of correcting spelling or others choice of sentence structure.

It's petty to be the Webster's Dictionary monitor.

That is exactly what I was thinking.

While I agree that spelling and grammar errors are really annoying, I often wonder how difficult it is to work with people that react so harshly to people that make mistakes like that. It's really not necessary to make such a big deal about it, is it? I know a few very intelligent, articulate people that just can't spell. This is a forum on dental assistants helping one another with information, not English class :(

I totally agree! This pity spelling thing has been going on for about a month now. I want to learn about dental assisting, not fuss about which way this and that is spelled. Get a life people & stop trying to bring others down!

I have a question for RDAs that are in Ortho. What are your primary functions in your office? Do you trim models and pack stuff for insurance in addition to adjustments, impressions, consults? If so, what type of salary/benefits do you get? Thanks!

It is also true through much research that many, many highly intelligent people are smart in other ways besides words & spelling. Math smart people often can't spell or write much at all. Computer smart/Engineer smart people are often pompus about their knowledge but don't even acknowledge the interpersonal skills as highly important. They are often absolutely terrible at People smart. The list goes on. There are at least 8 currently recognized different types of Smart. Word Smart (Linguistic)is only one of the 8.

A person who is so very petty about writing formats & spelling on a 'board' is probably very, very much at fault in lack of accepting others & getting along with others not like themselves.

I agree, I'd hate to work with someone like that in any profession. Unless you are ask or paid to be a proof-reader, get a life!

Is there anyone on this forum that has worked in Louisiana as a dental assistant?
I have been thinking heavily on going to school to become a dental assistant.
I am also wondering how do you become an expanded duty dental assistant? Is this something that requires further education after you become a dental assistant?

I have been a Dental Assistant here in New York for 11yrs, and I am just taking the required classes that the state mandates for licensure before I take DANB. What is the difference between CDA and RDA? I keep seeing everyone mention RDA, but after Pass DANB I will be a CDA.

I'm just curious as to what your salary is after 11 years in New York? Also, to answer your question...RDA stands for Registered Dental Assistant. It is only good or valid in whatever state you are registered. A CDA, however is a Certified Dental Assistant,this licensure is valid in any of the 50 states. This one is by far more valuable.

My salary my not impress you because Cortland is in central NY, not the city like most expect. I make 15.00hr now, and she is paying for my classes. After I pass DANB She will bump me up to $18. Which is $4hr more than the norm here. What about you.

I'm not sure that the CDA is more valuable. In order to achieve RDA in NJ, you MUST be a CDA first. It would only be valuable if you intend on moving out of your current state. You should check the NY Board of Dentistry to find out which certifications apply to your state. In NJ, RDA is the most valuable as it allows for expanded functions. CDA does not give an assistant in NJ the ability to do anything more than an unregistered assistant. Good luck!!

I live in Florida where I went to school and received my expanded functions and my radiology certificate. After 2.5 years in the field I make 16.50 an hour have 2 wks paid vacation/ half of my health insurance paid/paid holidays.

Georgia pay scale is higher than TAMPA FLORIDA. With my 17 years of dental assistant experiences i only make between $ 15-16 per hr , However i have signed on with temp to perm agencies and some times they can neigotate for higher rates.One doctor offers to pay me 12 per hr in Oral Surgery and perio.

Kristina in Fort Lauderdale, Florida said: Hi I was wondering if anyone knew of some schools in the Rochester, NY are besides MCC? I'm struggling to find programs up there and I'm moving back in December...I've been wanting to do this program for a while now so if you have any answers it would be greatly appreciated!

Yes. There is a school on JEFFERSON ROAD , CONTINENTIAL HEALTH AND CAREER SCHOOL OR YOU CAN CHECK OUT EASTMAN SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY ON ELMWOOD AVE, across from STRONG MEMORIAL SCHOOL OF MEDICINE. I went there in 1990.Let me know how you make out !!!!

What part of Georgia are you working in? It seems like you should be getting paid for since you've had so much experience. I know people who are new to the field that are making that. Just curious b/c I am about to get into the field once I finish on the job training and thats w/ rad cert & expanded functions.

I am surprised that so many people in this forum want to know and comment on salary. It all depends on cost of living in that area. A dental assistant is just that, an assistant, no matter how much I love my job, we are only a quarter of what makes an office run well. And if you are in a clinic setting where production is #1 and patient care is #2, usually the assistants have their expended functions and patient care goes out the window. Now don't get me wrong, smart and well trained assistants do a very good job, but they are still not a dentist with 4yrs education post undergrad. And in my experience large clinic type settings have a lot of problems.

Not sure why you are surprised...the forum is titled Show Me The Money. It's the way people can guage if they are being compensated fairly for their time. Don't kid yourself into thinking that dentists aren't making money hand over fist (pardon the pun) and they couldn't be nearly as productive if it weren't for "four handed dentistry." I have yet to see a dentist with four hands. $20-$25hr pales in comparison to what a dentist makes-and deserves- based on the years of training/schooling it takes to be in practice. I enjoy hearing what others in the field are making and appreciate the opportunity to encourage those that are considering this profession.

I am curious as to how long you have been an assistant............Because you don't talk like one. Yes assistants are not dentists but who helps with the same procedure that they get well paid for. You must be new to assisting maybe even to the dental world.................

Barbliz...was your comment intended for me? If so, I've been in the field for close to 5 years.

It's only natural to be curious as to what someone in your exact same position is making in a different geographical area/ after X amount of experience.

No this is for Keri in New York. No I agree with you all the way. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

Put in your zip code @ salary.com and you will find the range of pay in your area. If you want to know how your area compares to other cities then simply enter another zip code.

You can also check out other websites that show the cost of living in different cities. If I recall correctly: Careerbuilder has a cost of living site.

Last year I compared the cost of living between Memphis and Frisco, TX (far N. Dallas). Of course Memphis cost much less (if you avoided the sales tax!) but from comparing exact jobs they also were paid much less for the same work.

For that situation & job I would have to be paid at the top of the range for Memphis to actually be increasing my standard of living when moving there.

Also, for those people seeking new fields like myself, remember that it generally holds true that any job title or industry that is predominently female based is virtually always a lower paying. Even when you have tons of experience in a "female" type industry you will still be much lower paid than similar type jobs in a "male" type industry.

It's unfortunate but the facts are there.

Best of Luck to everyone.

So, what are the highest paying jobs for mid-experience level managers & sales & project manager and such. Where is the money for the best paying jobs/industries?

What's the specific titles and functions?

I love the website thank you

Good Grief. I truly hope that each of you enjoys the profession. Otherwise, the pay is far to low to survive as a single income earner in most metropolitian cities.

I wish you well.

No doubt. Hello Hygiene school!

HELLO, I'M IN A DENTAL ASSISTANT SCHOOL AND I PAID ABOUT 13,400. I'M MAD ABOUT WHAT I HAVE JUST READ ABOUT DENTAL... I'M WORKING AS A NURSEING ASSISTANT IN THE HOSPITAL AND I WANTED A CHANGE I MAKE ABOUT 14 BUCKS AN HR. I DO LIKE WHAT I'M LEARNING @ SCHOOL, BUT I THINK I NEED TO CHECK INTO THE DENTAL HYGINISTS.

jennifer in connecticut in Rutland, Vermont said: I have been a dental assistant for 4 years and I make 19.00 an hour and I am not certified but I am going to get my x ray license real soon and I hope to make more. I work for a private practice and get 3 weekes paid vacation, half medical, and 401 k matching. Its not so bad but I want to make more money. where do I take the test? anyone know of any places in the New Haven, Ct area?

You are doing very well for the lack of experience you have--be grateful for what you have.

Cassandraa in Lake City, Florida said: Here is lake City, FL the pay ranges from $8-$15. Depending on your experience. Especially if you amke temporaries and bridge work. The dentist here are very cheap. They don't offer that much beneifits if any. I really hate my job.

You should get more education in order to make more money. More responsibility=more money. That's why the brain surgeons make the big bucks!

Cassandraa in Lake City, Florida said: Angela, I do agree with you all the dentist I have worked for except one are a DAM NUTS. They want all the money for themselves and their families. I feel like I only work so that they can provide for their family. By the time I get my paycheck I might as well not have worked. The cost of living is going up and not my pay check. I am so sick and tired of dental assisting and the complaining patients. I've been doing this for 20 years. I'm 41 years old. I did not plan for the future, so I have to work. I have a son in college (20) and a daughter (12) and my husband. IT also have to have a good staff. You always have to have a brown noser and that is usually th assistant that does not know anything and they do alot of unecessary talking to cover up for they're knowledge of dentatl assisting. I know I have one that works with me.

The dentists should recieve the most compensation, they shoulder all the responsibility for the patients and the practice. If you want to make the big bucks, go to school and go do it! You are working for your pay, it you don't like it find another job.

Nichole in Saint Louis, Missouri said: I have been in the field for 19 years. Pardon the pun but it is like getting teeth pulled to get work done for yourself. I have 3 failing endo"s in my mouth at this very moment. They were done by general dentists who really didnt take the time to do them right. Word from the wise " HAVE A REAL ENDODONTIST DO YOUR ENDO!!

Please speak for your own dentist please-

Industry - Career Change in Frisco, Texas said: Good Grief. I truly hope that each of you enjoys the profession. Otherwise, the pay is far to low to survive as a single income earner in most metropolitian cities.

I wish you well.

Ofcourse the pay is not high--you don't even need a high school education to do this!

Barbliz in Canton, Texas said: I am curious as to how long you have been an assistant............Because you don't talk like one. Yes assistants are not dentists but who helps with the same procedure that they get well paid for. You must be new to assisting maybe even to the dental world.................

The dental assistant merely assists with the procedures. They do not diagnose, nor do they have the responsibility for the patient. The doctor does...that's why they get paid more. If you don't like the arrangement, go study to be the dentist.

BR, you are wrong. Of course you need a HS education to be an assistant. Maybe not in good ol' Texas, but most everywhere else. The assistant plays a vital role in the dentist being able to do his/her job. Why are you making more negative comments in this forum? A registered dental assistant in NJ performs MANY, MANY functions so that the dentists can be more productive. We are an integral part of an office running smoothly and effeciently. As far as not having responsibility for the patient, what in the world are you talking about?! I am just as responsible for the patient as the dentist I work for!! I have to carry malpractice insurance, maybe not at the level as my boss, but I am working on patients and have to KNOW what I am doing, as well as be able to educate our patients on a number of topics. Your general comments are so non productive. Are you in the dental field?

Thank you so much for your input I'm going to check them all out and I will let you know how I make out!

this is supposed to be informative info girls stop fighting! to answer your questions most offices do the work free of charge you just pay for the lab bill or if the dentist is in a good mood he/she will pick it for you p.s.just curious anyone in central jersey like me what are you making if so if you dont mind me ask what the pay like

Lynnette in asbury park, New Jersey said: curious anyone in central jersey like me what are you making if so if you dont mind me ask what the pay like

I make $19/hour and have been an RDA for about 8 months. I've been in the field for almost 5 years working part time. I started out at $10/hour without my XRay license. After I got my x-ray license I worked my way up to $15/hour. When I finished my CDA, I got $16.50 and now I'm at $19. I did this all while raising my family and working less than 20 hours a week. I'm now at about 23-25 hours a week and can get full benefits if I choose, but I have them thru my husband, so I declined.

I am just saying that you act like you are not valuable. Sure the dentist can do his job without you but at least act like you are worth something.

ohh do you live in jersey i should have my cda in feb and my rda in may so hopefully i can catch up with you thanks

Hey Houston do you only have something to say when you are trying to praise the dentist we are just putting our feelings on here and if you don't like it find another forum.................

Yes, Lynnette...I'm not too far from you. I'm in Jackson. I also went to Dental Assisting Services (Gail Scarola). I think it was mentioned previously. If you have any questions, I would be glad to help :) I know DAS gives us so much help already, but if there's anything you need, just ask :)