how much money does a certified dental assistant make?
how long would they make right out of college??
can they make more than $20/ hour?
How much money does a certified dental assistant make?
If a CDA fresh out of college with no experience came to me for an interview and asked for $20/hr, she wouldn't be hired.
Certified/licensed (depends on your state's requirments) assistants do make good money, but it also depends on your location, size of office, how long with employer, etc....and you need to prove your worth to your boss. Just because you say you can do this and you can do that, you need to show you can.
I make an excellent salary............and I earned it with alot of work, continuing ed classes, and years of experience.
Reply:It depends on where you live. Check out salary.com
Reply:I live in Texas and I'm pretty sure most of them don't make more than 20. I know I don't but that's why I'm going back to school to become a dental hygienist. Good luck
Reply:probably around 20 ish
but remember, their salaries will stay that level and wont increase much no matter how long you've been doing the job
Reply:It really depends on two things, where you live, and how long you've been doing the job. Just with a CDA, right out of college would not get $20, or even $15 here in CA. I won't tell you what I make, but it is more than that, but I've been a CDA for 14 years. I also have my CDA and my COMSA. I have also been working at the same office 5+ years. Typically, the more you contribute to the office, the higher the amount you can command. You have to be good at what you do. You also have to enjoy your job. Good Luck!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Online Colleges: Going for a Dental Assistant Degree?
Has anyone here ever done an Online College for a degree? I am currently at Kent State and going to be doing a Medical Billing Certificate Program in the Summer. But i'd also like to get a dental assistant degree as well. At the college i am currently at they do not offer it.
I also heard that some Dentist Offices just train assistants on the spot?
Thanks in advance
Online Colleges: Going for a Dental Assistant Degree?
The only fully online dental assisting program I am aware of is at Monroe Community College in New York. They offer a one-year certificate in Dental Assisting:
http://www.monroecc.edu/etsdbs/MCCatPub....
Also, here's a listing of some campus based programs around the nation: http://www.collegeanduniversity.net/coll...
My blog also lists some other health-related programs:
http://www.online-college-blog.com
I also heard that some Dentist Offices just train assistants on the spot?
Thanks in advance
Online Colleges: Going for a Dental Assistant Degree?
The only fully online dental assisting program I am aware of is at Monroe Community College in New York. They offer a one-year certificate in Dental Assisting:
http://www.monroecc.edu/etsdbs/MCCatPub....
Also, here's a listing of some campus based programs around the nation: http://www.collegeanduniversity.net/coll...
My blog also lists some other health-related programs:
http://www.online-college-blog.com
Is anyone a dental assistant out there?
I am interested in this field. I would apprecitate it you could tell me what you do as a dental assistant, and is the pay any good? And does this career involve getting an associtates degree? Thanks in advance.
Is anyone a dental assistant out there?
I started assisting a little over 10 years ago. Back then you only had to have a radiology certificate and be trained in CPR and you could be an assistant. I started out at $7.50 an hour, by the time I was there a year I was making $11.00. I have only been at my current job 3 years and its in a small town, and I only make $15.00 an hour, which is a pay cut from what I was making before this job, but its closer to home and I don't have to fight traffic, so it was worth it for me.
When I started out, I was an assistant to the dental hygientist and I basically took the x-rays, cleaned her rooms and instruments, and helped her do her charting. I moved up to assisting the dentist, but this guy was old fashioned and liked to do everything himself. When I left this job, I found one that would actually let me do the normal things an assistant does. Over the years my skills have improved and I have learned to do more things, and have experience in different fields of dentistry, such as oral surgery, implants, cosmetic, etc.
Normal things that I do as an assistant now, and things you would need to do are:
take x-rays
mount them properly
proper sterilization
knowing names of all instruments and be able to identify them
take impressions
pour up models
make temporary crowns, bridges, and veneers
clean cement on crowns
adjust crowns outside the mouth
adjust dentures and partials
know teeth numbers and charting methods
set up rooms for specific procedures
I have been the implant and surgery assistant in my office for some time now, so I have to handle all the sugerys and I also do the ordering for our office, so my duties go beyond those I mentioned. I wouldn't be concerned with any of that yet though. Like the other lady who answered, I have also been the head assistant in this office, as well as two others that I worked in, so with that comes responsibility that the other assistants don't have.
To be a good assistant you need to be quick. You also need to be able to multi-task. You should be able to read x-rays, though actually diagnosing dental problems and treatment should really be left up to the dentist, though over time any good assistant can do it herself. You should be able to take an x-ray of a tooth and know what it needs to have done on it, but the dentist would actually be the one to present the actual treatment plan to the patient.
I know that in my state, you have to be registered with the state in jurisprudence (Dental laws), infection control, and radiology, as well as having your CPR certification, and have at least 6 hours of continueing ed classes a year.
Reply:I went to school for a year. Some are less than that. The pay varies in where you live, and how much you know. Starting out you dont get that much, but as you get better the pay can be very good. I have been doing it for 5 years now, and I love it. The pay for me now is excellent. It is way more than sucking spit, like everyone says. I am head assistant, and manage the other assistants, and run the whole office. You have to know a lot of stuff ( to be a good assisstant ).
You have to know all the instuments to all the procedure. In general dentistry it varies on what the dentist does. I do Root Canals, Fillings, Crown anad Bridge, dentures, partial, Extractions, Surgical extractions, Tori removal (bone), Alvelorplasty ( shaving jaw bones ), and many many many other things. You have to be ontop of everything. Plus you have to read and diagnois x-rays and be able to see what is the best option for the patient. Plus supply ordering and all sorts of things. When you start oout, you wont know all the stuff. It comes with exsperience like anything wlse. Plus you will not have as many responsibities. The head assistant has the most. It is very demanding, but very rewarding to see the patients confidence restored when they get that pretty smile back.
Is anyone a dental assistant out there?
I started assisting a little over 10 years ago. Back then you only had to have a radiology certificate and be trained in CPR and you could be an assistant. I started out at $7.50 an hour, by the time I was there a year I was making $11.00. I have only been at my current job 3 years and its in a small town, and I only make $15.00 an hour, which is a pay cut from what I was making before this job, but its closer to home and I don't have to fight traffic, so it was worth it for me.
When I started out, I was an assistant to the dental hygientist and I basically took the x-rays, cleaned her rooms and instruments, and helped her do her charting. I moved up to assisting the dentist, but this guy was old fashioned and liked to do everything himself. When I left this job, I found one that would actually let me do the normal things an assistant does. Over the years my skills have improved and I have learned to do more things, and have experience in different fields of dentistry, such as oral surgery, implants, cosmetic, etc.
Normal things that I do as an assistant now, and things you would need to do are:
take x-rays
mount them properly
proper sterilization
knowing names of all instruments and be able to identify them
take impressions
pour up models
make temporary crowns, bridges, and veneers
clean cement on crowns
adjust crowns outside the mouth
adjust dentures and partials
know teeth numbers and charting methods
set up rooms for specific procedures
I have been the implant and surgery assistant in my office for some time now, so I have to handle all the sugerys and I also do the ordering for our office, so my duties go beyond those I mentioned. I wouldn't be concerned with any of that yet though. Like the other lady who answered, I have also been the head assistant in this office, as well as two others that I worked in, so with that comes responsibility that the other assistants don't have.
To be a good assistant you need to be quick. You also need to be able to multi-task. You should be able to read x-rays, though actually diagnosing dental problems and treatment should really be left up to the dentist, though over time any good assistant can do it herself. You should be able to take an x-ray of a tooth and know what it needs to have done on it, but the dentist would actually be the one to present the actual treatment plan to the patient.
I know that in my state, you have to be registered with the state in jurisprudence (Dental laws), infection control, and radiology, as well as having your CPR certification, and have at least 6 hours of continueing ed classes a year.
Reply:I went to school for a year. Some are less than that. The pay varies in where you live, and how much you know. Starting out you dont get that much, but as you get better the pay can be very good. I have been doing it for 5 years now, and I love it. The pay for me now is excellent. It is way more than sucking spit, like everyone says. I am head assistant, and manage the other assistants, and run the whole office. You have to know a lot of stuff ( to be a good assisstant ).
You have to know all the instuments to all the procedure. In general dentistry it varies on what the dentist does. I do Root Canals, Fillings, Crown anad Bridge, dentures, partial, Extractions, Surgical extractions, Tori removal (bone), Alvelorplasty ( shaving jaw bones ), and many many many other things. You have to be ontop of everything. Plus you have to read and diagnois x-rays and be able to see what is the best option for the patient. Plus supply ordering and all sorts of things. When you start oout, you wont know all the stuff. It comes with exsperience like anything wlse. Plus you will not have as many responsibities. The head assistant has the most. It is very demanding, but very rewarding to see the patients confidence restored when they get that pretty smile back.
Good colleges for Dental assistant?
i"m planing on going to college to become a dental assistant, i have done some research but havent found any college that catches my eye, what would you recommend, i am located in san francisco, california. if you could also give me a price range on the college(that would be grate).
Good colleges for Dental assistant?
I know alot of people who have gone to the University of Oklahoma for dentistry. I personally believe it is a great school and I have heard only great things about it. Not sure of the tuition, you could start by visiting www.ou.edu and find the link for the health sciences center. :)
Reply:UNC Chapel Hill
Reply:Try:
http://www.adha.org/careerinfo/entry/ca....
web hosting plans
Good colleges for Dental assistant?
I know alot of people who have gone to the University of Oklahoma for dentistry. I personally believe it is a great school and I have heard only great things about it. Not sure of the tuition, you could start by visiting www.ou.edu and find the link for the health sciences center. :)
Reply:UNC Chapel Hill
Reply:Try:
http://www.adha.org/careerinfo/entry/ca....
web hosting plans
Will become a dental assistant in 3 months...?
I am almost done with school. I have one month of school left and 2 months of extern after that (I won't be getting paid unless the dentist offers it)
Do you think I will find a good paying job right out of school? I've had hands on experience for the past 7 months...just not on real people! :) I am a single mother of 2, so its important to me to have a good job. That is why I went back to school.
What is the average pay for a dental assistant. I have looked into myself, but thought I might get better answers from people who actually are in the field.
If any dentists are out there, would you hire someone right out of school? The school I attend doesn't have the best reputation I have heard. But I am one of the best students in my class. Straight A's.
Serious answers only please!
Will become a dental assistant in 3 months...?
I can only tell you about my personal experience and my opinion of inexperienced assistants.
I did luckely get a job right out of dental assisting school. However, back then, we were not under such strict guildlines as we are now. Back when I started, you basically only had to be certified in radiology and you could be an assistant. Now, in my state, and I am sure in many, if not all others, you have to take a test and be registered with the state and keep up a certain amount of continueing ed credits a year. The school I went to helped me find a job. Dentists would contact the school knowing that they wanted a new, inexperienced assistant, because they wanted someone they could train who wouldn't be set in their ways. That was about 11 years ago and I started out at $7.50 an hour. Yikes!!! Not what you expected huh?? Don't worry, most pay more now. I have heard of assistants right out of school making about $16.00 an hour which shocks me, but it happens. I wouldn't expect that if I were you though. Probably between $9.00-12.00 would be closer to accurate, depending on the area and the dentist.
In my office, the veteran staff get a say-so in the new assistants we hire, and I can tell you in my office, no offense, but we don't hire newly trained assistants. WHY?? Because I don't have the time or the patience to train someone. We just see too many patients a day and have too many detailed, extensive procedures going at any given time, to have someone with very limited dental knowledge working there. We need people who are very quick, can do multiple things at once, and need very little guidance. I'm not saying we have NEVER hired a newly trained assistant, but it just didn't work out. There is alot to dental assisting that is learnt on the job, and we just don't have the time to train people.
Not saying that there are not offices that are not willing to give newly trained assistants a chance, cause there are. You just need to make up a resume and take it to many different offices. Sooner or later you will get a dentist who is willing to take on a new assistant. Hey, we all were there at one time!!!
Good luck
Reply:I had a hard time getting a job right out of school. I think offices do prefer assistants that have a lot of experience. I finally got a job as a hygiene assistant at $8/hr. They did not pay me a lot, but I had to take it. I just realized that I need to get more experience in the field and when I did, I applied for another job. Now I make $12/hr. I finished school in 2004, and I really enjoy my job. So I suggest that you learn everything that you can when you are doing your externship! Ask questions when your not sure of things. Try to assist the doc on the different procedures performed. Hope you get a good job!!
Reply:There are A LOT of dentists that hire right out of school here in California. I am an assistant and got hired right away at where i am working. However, the pay isn't that great, i wouldn't onl;y rely on assisting, i would do more in the dental field if you really like it. Im in school now for hygiene, I think thats where I would be better placed. Look in the newspapers and pennysavers if your state has those or even craigslist.org. The jobs in the papers usually will say hiring students or grads. Your school should actually give you doctors names on who will hire you right away, you can actually get an assisting job now while you are in school. Its practice and its good hands on. Good luck!!
Do you think I will find a good paying job right out of school? I've had hands on experience for the past 7 months...just not on real people! :) I am a single mother of 2, so its important to me to have a good job. That is why I went back to school.
What is the average pay for a dental assistant. I have looked into myself, but thought I might get better answers from people who actually are in the field.
If any dentists are out there, would you hire someone right out of school? The school I attend doesn't have the best reputation I have heard. But I am one of the best students in my class. Straight A's.
Serious answers only please!
Will become a dental assistant in 3 months...?
I can only tell you about my personal experience and my opinion of inexperienced assistants.
I did luckely get a job right out of dental assisting school. However, back then, we were not under such strict guildlines as we are now. Back when I started, you basically only had to be certified in radiology and you could be an assistant. Now, in my state, and I am sure in many, if not all others, you have to take a test and be registered with the state and keep up a certain amount of continueing ed credits a year. The school I went to helped me find a job. Dentists would contact the school knowing that they wanted a new, inexperienced assistant, because they wanted someone they could train who wouldn't be set in their ways. That was about 11 years ago and I started out at $7.50 an hour. Yikes!!! Not what you expected huh?? Don't worry, most pay more now. I have heard of assistants right out of school making about $16.00 an hour which shocks me, but it happens. I wouldn't expect that if I were you though. Probably between $9.00-12.00 would be closer to accurate, depending on the area and the dentist.
In my office, the veteran staff get a say-so in the new assistants we hire, and I can tell you in my office, no offense, but we don't hire newly trained assistants. WHY?? Because I don't have the time or the patience to train someone. We just see too many patients a day and have too many detailed, extensive procedures going at any given time, to have someone with very limited dental knowledge working there. We need people who are very quick, can do multiple things at once, and need very little guidance. I'm not saying we have NEVER hired a newly trained assistant, but it just didn't work out. There is alot to dental assisting that is learnt on the job, and we just don't have the time to train people.
Not saying that there are not offices that are not willing to give newly trained assistants a chance, cause there are. You just need to make up a resume and take it to many different offices. Sooner or later you will get a dentist who is willing to take on a new assistant. Hey, we all were there at one time!!!
Good luck
Reply:I had a hard time getting a job right out of school. I think offices do prefer assistants that have a lot of experience. I finally got a job as a hygiene assistant at $8/hr. They did not pay me a lot, but I had to take it. I just realized that I need to get more experience in the field and when I did, I applied for another job. Now I make $12/hr. I finished school in 2004, and I really enjoy my job. So I suggest that you learn everything that you can when you are doing your externship! Ask questions when your not sure of things. Try to assist the doc on the different procedures performed. Hope you get a good job!!
Reply:There are A LOT of dentists that hire right out of school here in California. I am an assistant and got hired right away at where i am working. However, the pay isn't that great, i wouldn't onl;y rely on assisting, i would do more in the dental field if you really like it. Im in school now for hygiene, I think thats where I would be better placed. Look in the newspapers and pennysavers if your state has those or even craigslist.org. The jobs in the papers usually will say hiring students or grads. Your school should actually give you doctors names on who will hire you right away, you can actually get an assisting job now while you are in school. Its practice and its good hands on. Good luck!!
How much can an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant earn per hour in Merrillville Indiana ?
I have been a Dental Assistant for 7 yrs. I am proficient in Coronal polishing. I can take a DIAGNOSTIC set of Full mouth and Bite-wing Radiographs. I have Lab work experience, i.e., taking impressions, pouring plaster models and cleaning %26amp; polishing removable appliances.
I was also responsible for training new Dental Assistants as hired.
What should I expect to earn in Merrillville, Indiana ?
How much can an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant earn per hour in Merrillville Indiana ?
You are an experienced Dental Assistant. Not a Hygienist. You will get what an experienced assistant will get. I would guess around $15-18/hour, depending on the call volume of the business. It also depends on the dentist you are working for. Typically, I pay my assistants around 14/hour. My hygienists make about $30/hour. When I was first in the work force, assistants did not make much because it was on the job training. However in today's dental world more and more are getting college degrees with emphasis in assisting, which makes it easier and less time consuming for dentists to train etc etc. I suggest going back to school and getting your hygiene degree and if you are able get your dental degree.
Good Luck with your new job.
Reply:I'm a dentist, but I practice in northern IN, not around Merrillville.
If you were working in my office, calling yourself "expanded duties" would mean you would not only be polishing fillings, but also placing them proficiently, preferrably certified in expanded duties via the class offered at the IU School of Dentistry. I don't know if you are from out of state, but IN is one of the few states in the nation that allow expanded duties dental assistants to place fillings. Assistants who are certified expanded and x-ray certified as well can expect to make at least $17/hr in my area. Depending on what type of office you'll be working in, it may be a little more or less. If I were you, I wouldn't settle for less than $15/hr.
I was also responsible for training new Dental Assistants as hired.
What should I expect to earn in Merrillville, Indiana ?
How much can an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant earn per hour in Merrillville Indiana ?
You are an experienced Dental Assistant. Not a Hygienist. You will get what an experienced assistant will get. I would guess around $15-18/hour, depending on the call volume of the business. It also depends on the dentist you are working for. Typically, I pay my assistants around 14/hour. My hygienists make about $30/hour. When I was first in the work force, assistants did not make much because it was on the job training. However in today's dental world more and more are getting college degrees with emphasis in assisting, which makes it easier and less time consuming for dentists to train etc etc. I suggest going back to school and getting your hygiene degree and if you are able get your dental degree.
Good Luck with your new job.
Reply:I'm a dentist, but I practice in northern IN, not around Merrillville.
If you were working in my office, calling yourself "expanded duties" would mean you would not only be polishing fillings, but also placing them proficiently, preferrably certified in expanded duties via the class offered at the IU School of Dentistry. I don't know if you are from out of state, but IN is one of the few states in the nation that allow expanded duties dental assistants to place fillings. Assistants who are certified expanded and x-ray certified as well can expect to make at least $17/hr in my area. Depending on what type of office you'll be working in, it may be a little more or less. If I were you, I wouldn't settle for less than $15/hr.
I get my dental assistant certeficat but I need experience to get hire.what can I do?
everywhere you ask for a dental assistant position they aske u if u have 1 or 2 years experiences.what can I do?
I get my dental assistant certeficat but I need experience to get hire.what can I do?
I am a dental assistant and love my job. I have the always had the easiest time finding a job that paid me well. if you dont really know anyone in your community and they wont train you then I would suggest to be a "sterilization/clean up girl" that way you are there and they sometimes slowly work you into the regualr staff. or all dentist know other dentist in smaller towns, so if someone needs someone there you are and your name will be suggested. good luck
Reply:I am wondering the EXACT same thing. I'm afraid of going through the whole dental assisting certificate thing only to not be able to find a job.
Reply:Use your inexperience as a selling point. Tell any prospective employer that since you have no prior in-office work, you can be "custom-trained".
I have been in the field for almost five years, consistently working, and I still use this as a fallback. Some assistants have been working for the minimum prerequisite time and are harder to train because they are used to doing certain tasks a particular way.
Apply for those jobs anyway; take a positive attitude with you, and sell yourself! "I am aware that you require at least one year of prior experience, however I feel that I would be beneficial to your office because..."
Good luck!
I get my dental assistant certeficat but I need experience to get hire.what can I do?
I am a dental assistant and love my job. I have the always had the easiest time finding a job that paid me well. if you dont really know anyone in your community and they wont train you then I would suggest to be a "sterilization/clean up girl" that way you are there and they sometimes slowly work you into the regualr staff. or all dentist know other dentist in smaller towns, so if someone needs someone there you are and your name will be suggested. good luck
Reply:I am wondering the EXACT same thing. I'm afraid of going through the whole dental assisting certificate thing only to not be able to find a job.
Reply:Use your inexperience as a selling point. Tell any prospective employer that since you have no prior in-office work, you can be "custom-trained".
I have been in the field for almost five years, consistently working, and I still use this as a fallback. Some assistants have been working for the minimum prerequisite time and are harder to train because they are used to doing certain tasks a particular way.
Apply for those jobs anyway; take a positive attitude with you, and sell yourself! "I am aware that you require at least one year of prior experience, however I feel that I would be beneficial to your office because..."
Good luck!
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