Do full time dental assistants make decent money?

I live in CA and I was wondering if I should go to a trade school and become a licensed dental assistant but I'm not sure if it's worth it... anybody know anything about the job? I really want to be a dental hygeinist but I'm getting too old and I work full time. The dental assisting program is only 8 months. Any advice is very appreciated =)

Do full time dental assistants make decent money?
If you want to be a hygienist, go for it!! Don't think about the time it will take. I'm a hygienist and I make 3 times what the dental asst at my office makes. FYI you don't need a license to be an assistant you just get certified.


Whatever you do in life, make sure you like it. You shouldn't work solely for the amount of money you make. It helps if you enjoy what you do for a living.
Reply:OH YA
Reply:search the web for dental assistant salary. All the info you need will be right there.
Reply:I wouldn't assume that you're "too old."
Reply:You can contact any dental office and ask to interview their assitant (s ) to decide if this is the profession for you. If I were you though, I would look into becoming a dental hygienist whose job is almost identical to a dentist. So why not interview the dental hygienist as well.
Reply:Dental assistants really don't make that much money. A reputable dental hygiene school is only 2 years, and you can work and attend school at the same time. One of the best dental hygiene programs is located at Mt. Hood Community college in Oregon. A friend of mine that I graduated with went to this school and got a VERY good job just out of school, and then she was thinking about going on to become a dentist. Trade schools, like Bryman, are a scam. They are VERY expensive, and rush you through with very little training. I make a point to ask my dentist and doctor's offices if they hire people from these "Trade" schools and if they do I don't go back. They don't have near the training as a full-time school.
Reply:Starting for a DA is around 11-12 dollars if you Get your RDA


its about 14-16 starting, but if you have experience you will get more. If you will get your RDAEF about 18-21 also you will get more on private offices depending on how good you anticipate doctors needs and how generous the owner is.


this job is good as a stepping stone to hygiene school.
Reply:I started as a dental assistant back in 2001 when I was 17. I had no experience and started at $11.00. I assisted for another 2 years and was making $16.00 per hour. I switched to the front desk of a dental office and started earning $17.00 per hour. Im salaried at $42,000.00 with benefits right now and work only 35 hours a week, so there is definately a lot of money to be made in dentistry.