Thursday, November 12, 2009

Male Dental Assistant?

I'm going to change careers. I'm a 38 yr old male, clean cut and personable. (but not gay. ha!) Are Dentists open minded enough to hire a male assistant? The school here in So. Cal. is charging $10,000 for their 8 month dental assistant program. I don't mind paying if it's a good investment in my future.





Apparently dental assistants are in demand here. So it could be a safe job in the future, which is one reason I'm looking into this.

Male Dental Assistant?
There is a male dental assistant at my dentist....unfortunately, it's the dentist's son... so....





I don't see why not? You could always do some research and call a couple dozen dentists...? Or...talk to the school to see what their placement rate is, specifically for male assistants (assuming they have a placement program)...





But what the real question is...you're "clean cut and personable..." ...BUT NOT GAY?!?! Gasp! You are an anomaly! Are you SURE you're not gay??? I'm just kidding....wonder why you threw that disclaimer in...?





Good luck!
Reply:They are rare around me, but I've had a few at my dentist's office. They seemed nice and did a nice job on my teeth.





I know they have temp agencies specifically for the dental hygenist...look for one in your area and ask them for more adivce.
Reply:Yes, there are male dental assistants. In general, dental assistants don't make the big bucks, but they are in demand.
Reply:Wish you lived in IL, I worked at a hospital with a male dental assistant fresh out of the Navy only one I knew. I don't now why men do not go into this profession, it pays great, and you guys don't get pregnant and leave the practice. Good luck to you- I loved it, I just retired after 30years, 25 of those years with the same dentist. You can also became a hygienist, they start about $40.00 per hour.
Reply:I used to date a male dental assistant. At least he said he wasn't gay!
Reply:I see no problem with you being a male, but I don't know about the 8 month program. I suggest asking a few dentists what they think of the school and what they look for in choosing an assistant. Contact your local ADA (American Dental Association) or your local American Dental Assistant Association and ask them what they think of the school. Or just go into a few local dentist offices and ask around. Also, you may want to check the school's outplacement services. I had on the job training to be a chair-side dental assistant.
Reply:i personally am tired of "certain job" being for women or for men....eg: firefighter...male....NOT...woman are doing great at it....Nursing...female....NOT...many men now hold this job (not just gay men either) so, plz....apply and do it. A job is a job. It should hold NO GENDER. Good luck, and if you want this, love it...GO FOR IT!!!!!!
Reply:I know personally that a lot of dentists do not want a male dental assistant. They don't really have a reason, just don't like the thought of it and would prefer a female assistant. That seems like quite a lot of money to do a dental assisting course. Where I live you do the course at a TAFE college and it is nowhere near that much. You could call up some dentists in your area and ask how they would feel about hiring a male.


Good Luck.





Who says male assistants are quicker? What a load of rubbish. And less dramatic? I don't think so.
Reply:It is true, many male dentists have a prejudice against male assistants. Not sure why, but even when unspoken, it exists.





Fortunately, the percentage of women graduating from dental schools these days has increased to the point where they are equal if not a majority. That means there will be many more women practicing in the near future, and let's hope they don't have the same feelings. After all, women have struggled to be treated as equals in dentistry, they should be more open to thinking outside the box.





I agree that checking with local dentists would be the best way to select a school. Some dentists I know of won't hire from one of the more expensive schools in our area due to a history of poor skills.
Reply:I've worked with one male assistant in the past. I think he had problems with it, because he was a dental student and knew a lot about what I was doing and felt like he could do it himself. I wouldn't let him, of course. He got tired of correcting patients who assumed he was a "young doctor in training."





I know there are male assistants in the military who come out and look for civilian work. Maybe the ADA career center (whatever they call it) has statistics on this. http://www.ada.org
Reply:It would be great to have more guys as dental assistants. Dilute some of the estrogen. Go for it. Let me see if we're hiring. :)
Reply:There is nothing wrong with male dental assistant. Some dentists and specialists actually prefer experienced male dental assistant because most of male assistants are quicker and more importantly ,,,less drama!!!


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