| People who work in dental offices have a variety of | | | | the classroom and laboratory. There are two year |
| responsibilities and duties in a dental office. They help | | | | programs at junior and community colleges from which |
| with patient care, have laboratory duties and also help | | | | you will graduate with an associates degree. |
| with office work. They help prepare patients for dental | | | | Some states require these dental office employees to |
| care and also work alongside the dentist during | | | | be license or registered. Many states also require |
| procedures. Dental assistant training is a good way to | | | | continuing education to maintain your license or |
| learn the skills that will help you get a job in this field. | | | | registration. The CDA credential is recognized or |
| There were about 280,000 dental aide careers in | | | | required in many states. There are at least twelve |
| 2006. About 1/3rd of all these are part time. Careers in | | | | states that have no formal licensing or certification |
| this field are expected to increase much faster than | | | | requirements. It is best to check with the appropriate |
| the average for all occupations Job prospects are | | | | state board to find out more about licensing and |
| excellent and opportunities for those entering the field | | | | certification requirements in your state. |
| will be abundant. | | | | To be a good employee in this industry you should |
| In most states, there are no formal training or | | | | possess a few basic traits and skills. You should be |
| education requirements to begin at the entry-level. | | | | organized, reliable, work well with others, have a |
| Many assistants learn through on the job training by | | | | pleasant manner with patients (who may be very |
| working with another worker in the field. However, it is | | | | nervous), and have good manual dexterity. It is best to |
| probably smart to enter a specific program in this | | | | have good office skills as many dentists need their |
| industry as they may allow you to pursue more | | | | assistants to also perform these duties. |
| opportunities. | | | | The job market for dental assistants looks great for |
| There are many dentist office worker training | | | | the near future. Finding a good program for training will |
| programs across the United States that are approved | | | | help you learn the skills to make you a marketable |
| by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Most of | | | | commodity. Once in this field, you will earn a good living |
| these are year long programs that lead to a certificate | | | | while working as a medical professional. |
| or diploma. These programs would include time in both | | | | |