Dental assisting?

i am going through a dilemma. right now, i am going to college to become a teacher. i am MISERABLE at the college i am attending and i plan on transferring out of here when this semester ends. my career path has also changed- i want to become a dental assitant. there is a career center back home where i could take classes to be one- it lasts 15 weeks. i've always had dental hygeine and dental assisting in the back of my head, but i wanted to see how i liked teaching before i thought about it. would a 4 month dental assisting program be accredited? it's at my local vocational school. do dentists usually hire 19-20 year old girls? thanks :(

Dental assisting?
First of all....yes, dentists hire young girls all of the time, so your age isn't a factor. You should probably investigate dental hygiene school if you are college material. The pay scale is twice what an assistant makes and your hours are more flexible. On the other hand, you might become a dental assistant first [easier course load] and then continue on with your education and become a hygienist. I've had/encouraged 2 of my chairside assistants to do just that.
Reply:?
Reply:As a Registered Dental Assistant and a licensed dental assisting instructor, I can sooooooo anwser this question!





A fifteen week course in dental assisting will surely get your foot in the door at a dental office. You'll be at entry-level and would need to work your way up. Depending on the rules and regs in your state, you could get your DANB certification and/or state licensure. If you go to www.DANB.org, and type in your state, you'll see the requrements needed.. Just be careful; not all schools/vocational programs are accredited by the Education Department.





As far as dentists hiring girls your age: of course the will! There's nothing like getting a 'fresh' student/graduate who's willing to learn the profession and is trainable.





But as Doc said, dental hygiene is where the money is... but you have to want to do it. Try assisting first and see how you like it, then you can decide later!





Best of luck to you!