Dental Assistant
Dental assisting offers a number of career options. These positions include clinical assistant, infection control manager, practice manager, preventive assistant, and business/reception assistant. Most dental assistants review patient histories, perform blood pressure screenings, take and develop dental radiographs, apply dental sealants, and directly assist the dentist with patient procedures, dental assistants are responsible for instrument sterilization an, in many practices, help manage the dental office.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work Environment: Besides the private dental practice, additional employment options include dental school clinics, public health clinics, hospital dental clinics, civil and military services. Opportunity may also be found with dental insurance companies, and dental products manufactures.

HIGH SCHOOL PREPARATION
A high school diploma or equivalent with at least one course in algebra is required. Courses in biology, chemistry, geometry, health and typing are recommended.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
A dental assisting training program prepares graduates to qualify as Certified Dental Assistants. Programs should be accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. After graduation, dental assistants are eligible to take the Certification Examination offered by the Dental Assisting National Board. Training usually takes ten months to a year and covers chair-side assisting, X-rays, anatomy of the mouth, care of dental supplies, dental record-keeping and other related topics.

AVERAGE STARTING SALARY
$18,000 - $23,000