The Dry Socket

Even though they aren’t life threatening like bleeding or abscesses, dry sockets can be extremely painful.  They are very common following surgery, and happen to be one of the most painful post extraction problems.  Dry sockets are more common with removal of the lower teeth than they are with removal of upper teeth.  No matter what type of extraction you have performed, a dry socket can occur with any type.

Although there is really no way to prevent a dry socket, you can help to reduce the risk by following your after surgery directions.  Even though you may be following the directly precisely, you could still end up with a dry socket.  They are known as a quirk of nature, and will make you feel like you are on your death bed - although you really aren’t.  Those who are more at risk to dry sockets include those who smoke following extractions, and those who like to grind their teeth frequently.  

A dry socket is a condition where the blood clot that forms after an extraction detaches itself from the socket walls.  Sometimes, the clot will dissolve, leaving the bone exposed to food, the weather, and even saliva.  Once the bone is exposed, it can become inflamed.  The inflammation that occurs is very painful, often times being a deep pain that makes you feel as if you are dying.

If you leave it alone, the dry socket will heal.  It will normally take around a month or so, although the pain won’t let up during the healing period.  If you have a dry socket, you’ll find that antibiotics and even the strongest of prescription drug won’t cure it.  An antibiotic will normally cure infections, although a dry socket isn’t considered to be an infection.

The best way to fight a dry socket is to go back to your dentist and have him pack the socket.  Packing the socket is done without any anesthesia and can be quite painful.  It doesn’t take long to complete, and it can provide relief from the pain.  Once you have a dry socket, you won’t care about anything but stopping the pain.  The pain can be so intense at times that you will be willing to do anything to stop the pain - even for a few minutes.

Once the socket has been packed, you will be relived from pain for a day or so.  If you go back to your dentist, he will remove the old packing, wash the socket out, and place a new packing in.  This way, you can get relief from the pain and help the socket heal.  Keep in mind that it will take time to heal - and the best way to stop the pain is to do your best to avoid a dry socket at all costs.

Taking Care Of Sensitive Teeth

As millions of people all around the world know, sensitive teeth can make life in general a nightmare.  Sensitive teeth comes with pain and discomfort that can make eating or drinking your favorite foods a painful experience.  Although you may suffer from sensitive teeth, you can rest assured that they can be treated.

Normally, this condition presents tooth pain after drinking cold liquid, eating hot or cold foods, or breathing cold air.  If the pain becomes too much to bear, you should immediately see your dentist, as the nerve of your tooth could be exposed.  Normally, sensitive teeth starts when the gums begin to pull away from the teeth.  With the gums being a protective blanket, they cover and protect the teeth’s roots.  When the gums recede and pull away, the roots have no protection, and therefore they will be exposed.

The exposed root tips contain small tubules that lead directly to the nerves of the teeth.  Whenever pressure, hot, or cold elements travel down the tubules, it will trigger the nerves and result in pain.  Those who don’t have sensitive teeth will have their gums covering the tubules, which prevents these types of things from happening.

The idea here is to stop tooth sensitivity and keep the gums healthy.  If you reduce the pressure you use when brushing your teeth, you’ll find that your gums will remain healthy.  When taught to brush their teeth, most people are instructed to use a lot of force.  While this can get the teeth clean, it will also tear at the gums, which can lead to sensitive teeth.  If you have sensitive teeth now, you should try using an electric toothbrush such as the Sonicare advanced.

Although you may have sensitive teeth now, there are ways you can help to improve your gums and your teeth.  There are several toothpastes out there on the market that contain potassium nitrate, which helps to reduce pain and discomfort associated with sensitivity.  Although there are several toothpastes to choose from, Sensodyne is the preferred.  It’s recommended by dentists as being the best, simply because it affects the nerve of the tooth and stops the pain where it starts.

Mouthwash can also help tooth sensitivity, providing it contains fluoride.  You can also ask your dentist which mouthwash he recommends, as there are several to choose from.  Scope is a great brand to use, as it offers you plenty of fluoride without any alcohol.  Unlike Listerine, Scope won’t burn your mouth when you use it.  It will leave you with a clean feeling, and get your mouth and teeth completely clean - killing millions of bacteria.

If you start using fluoride toothpaste such as Sensodyne and mouthwash, you’ll notice a bit improvement in your teeth and gums.  The sensitivity will begin going away, giving you almost immediate relief.  When you brush, make sure you brush gently, and avoid using any type of force, as it will always cause your gums to recede again.

In the event that using Sensodyne and fluoride mouthwash doesn’t help, you should ask your dentist about other options available to you.  Your dentist will know what will help you, so you shouldn’t hesitate to ask.  Your dentist will know how to eliminate your sensitivity once and for all, and how to prevent it from coming back.  Tooth sensitivity is something that many of us have to deal with - although there are ways that you can fight back and prevent the pain and discomfort associated with sensitivity from making your life harder than it has to be.

Support for Dental Assistants

Dental Assistants can find themselves easily overwhelmed with the level of responsibility they have and the many duties of their job. Since they work hard to meet all of these requirements, it is no wonder they can find themselves stressed out and needing someone to talk to. It is always easier to talk to those who know exactly what you are talking about. The medical and dental professions are known for taking enthusiastic qualified individuals and squeezing the very life out of them will took much be asked of them on a daily basis. 

Dental Assistant support groups are not meant to be an arena to negativity to breed and escalate. It is to provide Dental Assistants with social interactions with others in the field who are experiencing the same types of things in their employment endeavors as well. Too often, individuals in the dental field are their own worst enemy. They demand too much of themselves. Being part of a Dental Assistant support group will help you set realistic goals and expectations for yourself. 

Dental Assistant support groups can be formed of your co-workers if you work in a fairly large dental facility. If not, consider advertising for Dental Assistants from other facilities to get together and form a group. This can offer valuable insight as to how other organizations deal with issues that you are experiencing in your role as a Dental Assistant. Most dental facilities will support your endeavors as they understand the restraints of the Dental Assistant field. You may also want to open the group up to those interested in pursing a career as a Dental Assistant, those in a Dental Assistant program, and those who have retired from a career as a Dental Assistant. Each can offer unique perspectives on the dental field of being a Dental Assistant. 

Often, each dental facility can take a turn hosting the meeting. Another option is to get a 

Church or library to allow you to meet in their facility free of charge. You can host meetings once a week, every other week, or monthly depending on how in depth you want your support group to be.

Another great option is to join a support group online. You can stay anonymous, as well as interact from the comfort of your home. Most online support groups for Dental Assistants are free of charge and hosted by dental organizations. They offer tips, advice, online magazines, chat rooms, and message boards. All available at your fingertips with the touch of a few simple keys. These are an excellent source of support for those not wanting to put effort and time into organizing a Dental Assistant support group. 

A career as a Dental Assistant can proof to be challenging. To avoid burnout and the effects of stress, consider joining a Dental Assistant support group. It can be a wonderful opportunity to meet new people in the field, gain information, share your experiences, and just get some needed support from those who know best what your experiences are on a daily basis in your role as a Dental Assistant. 

Support groups are known to offer social interactions, stress relief, and friendships. Having a support group for Dental Assistants is no different. To make sure your support group is effective, set some ground rules. The support group is to stay positive. It is available to discuss problems, but not just as a complaint mechanism. The goal needs to be to offer support and solutions to the issues Dental Assistants are experiencing. You will also want to keep your meetings set on a regular day and time. An agenda will also prove to be useful as is a newsletter. Just make sure to get plenty of help with organizing the details or the support group can overwhelm you. Ironically, that will result in your career as a Dental Assistant proving to be even more stressful for you!

Stopping The Pain Of Toothaches

Everyone out there at some point in time, will experience the pain of a toothache.  Toothaches are very excruciating, some of the worst pain you will ever feel in your life.  Even though you may have had dental work in the past and follow proper hygiene, toothaches can happen at anytime.  Although it can be very painful, there are ways to get relief through natural herbal remedies or pharmaceuticals.

If you plan to use herbs, you should use them in tincture form, as the alcohol content will disinfect the area, and help to reduce the inflammation and kill the infection.  Once you have the tincture, you should use roughly a teaspoon of it and gently rinse your mouth out.  Once you have help it in your mouth a minute or so, you should either swallow it or spit it out.  Tinctures are natural remedies that use herbs and alcohol to massage the affected area and stop the pain by numbing the nerves of the tooth that is causing you so much pain.

The best way to deal with toothache is to put out the fire.  If you manage to put the fire out, the pain will follow.  Even though the pain may go away, the problem will still be there until you go to the dentist and get it treated.  Although the dentist is the preferred way to go, you may have to wait on an appointment, or the toothache may occur on a weekend or a time when the dentist isn’t available.

Your best advice is to seek dental care ASAP, as the infection can always return at any given time.  If you don’t get problems fixed as soon as you can, they can spread and cause you more problems with your teeth.  Cavities will need to be filled, while the rotten or dying teeth will need to be extracted.  If caught in time, the dentist can normally save the tooth via root canal.

The most common way to stop the pain of a toothache is by using a pharmaceutical such as Ambesol.  With these types of toothache relief products, you simply rub the ointment on the affected area and it will kill the pain. These products work quickly, although they may not be able to help if the infection has spread or has gotten so bad that the tooth is literally dying.

Another way to stop the pain is to use Tylenol or aspirin.  If you are going this route, you should use tablets that dissolve.  Simply take the tablet and put it in your mouth, then use your tongue to hold it against your tooth.  The aspirin or Tylenol will start to dissolve, and work it’s way into your nerve and stop the pain.  This is a very effective way to stop the pain, although once the pill dissolves it can leave a terrible taste in your mouth.

The best way to stop the pain is to visit the dentist and have it treated once and for all.  Keep in mind that if the problem is an infection, you’ll need to use antibiotics until the infection is gone.  Once the infection is gone, the dentist will be able to proceed with treatment.  Most toothaches are the result of a cavity, which will need to be filled.  Anytime you start to experience a toothache you should get it treated.  If you aren’t able to make it to the dentist, simply get some Ambesol or other product that will give you relief from the pain until you can get to the dentist and get the problem taken care of.

The Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry

The benefits of cosmetic dentistry have spanned to making lives better. Imagine the confidence it can provide you the next time you go out on a date, a party, or a meeting. You will be able to smile wider and broader with the peace of mind that you are giving off genuine, great smile and nothing like your old shameful smiles. But how will you be able to achieve these benefits from the so-called cosmetic dentistry?

Well, it’s so simple and easy. You just have to find the right cosmetic to fix your crooked, gapped, and different sizes teeth. When you’ve got the perfect dentist for your need, you discuss what you want to have for a result. Then, you go under a treatment and you get the results realized.

Some of the most beneficial procedures being done in cosmetic dentistry are as follows:

1.) Teeth whitening. This will turn your teeth into eight times whiter than your old teeth. The procedure length will depend on the type of treatment you pursue. There are two for this matter: the laser and the gel tray procedures. The4 laser will provide the whiteness you desire right after the treatment while the gel tray will be for months. But even so, the results will be highly satisfying so indulge!

2.) Teeth reshaping and resizing. This cosmetic dentistry procedure will do wonders for crooked and uneven teeth. It can also close small gaps on someone’s teeth. It may cost big for the professional’s fee and time but the result will definitely be best. 

3.) Dental bonding. This will take away all the decaying teeth you got in your mouth. A dental bonding works so much like reshaping or resizing although it concentrated more on fixing teeth and not on the shape or size. It is also worth the same as dental reshaping and resizing but you can enjoy results as soon as the visit is done. 

4.) Dental veneers. Veneering is another option for dental contouring, reshaping and resizing, or bonding. You only have to put it over your teeth and enjoy the new set of even, whiter, and much aligned teeth it gives you. It also closes gaps if you have some gapped teeth. This also cost as the other two above.

5.) Dental contouring. This cosmetic dentistry procedure will provide you with even whiter teeth in less the time and cost. Enjoy results in the same price as the other three above. 

Now that all the cosmetic dentistry procedures have been known to you, pick the right procedure to go through to enjoy the best results. If you think it is suited, you can go through one or two of these procedures. But of course, you have to find the perfect cosmetic dentist first who will be amenable to your desired results. As soon as you have already found one, you can now make a decision on which will be great for you with the professional advice you need.

This way, you will be able to be the best of who you are when out with other people as you don’t have t be shy of your teeth and of how you appear all the time. Be more confident and change your lifestyle with newer, whiter, and even teeth in a matter of a day or months, depending on the cosmetic dentistry procedure you go for. 

The Basics Of Brushing

Brushing and flossing are something we all learn at an early age.  The proper way to brush your teeth takes less than 2 minutes, although many people tend to spend much longer, or much less.  Most adults tend to spend less than a minute, which isn’t enough time to clean your teeth.  To get the right amount of time brushing, you should try using a stopwatch while you brush.

When you brush your teeth, you should avoid using pressure but instead use short, gentle strokes.  You should focus on hard to reach places, and make sure that you get the areas between your teeth as well.  You should also make sure you get eating surfaces as well, along with your upper and lower gums.  If you focus on all areas of your mouth, you’ll get everything when you brush.

Along with using the proper brushing techniques, you will also need to use the right toothpaste as well.  There are a variety of toothpastes available, designed to help you with a variety of different conditions.  You can get toothpaste that will prevent toothaches, stop sensitivity, and prevent things such as tartar and gingivitis.  Toothpaste is the best way to protect your teeth, therefore you should always ask your dentist what type of toothpaste he recommends for you.

To get the most out of brushing, you’ll need to have a good toothbrush.  There are many different models to choose from, which can make it extremely difficult to choose one.  When you make your choice, you should look for brushes that have soft bristles.  Soft bristles are easy on your gums, and they will remove plaque and other debris from your teeth.  A small head is also preferred, as it can easily reach hard to get places, such as your back teeth.

You should also remember to replace your brush every couple of months, or when it starts to show signs of wear.  If you’ve had a cold you should replace your toothbrush, simply because the bristles can contain germs that could get you sick all over again.  Toothbrushes that show wear should always be replaced, as they can have an impact on your gums.  If the bristles start to get worn down, they can tear away at your gums, leading to sensitivity.

To get the most from your brushing, you should always use a bit of common sense and ask your dentist for his recommendations.  Brushing your teeth will help keep them healthy, and prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar.  Keep in mind that brushing does help your teeth, although you still need to go to your dentist for regular checkups.  If you take care of your teeth and brush them on a regular basis - you will keep them free of infections and cavities.

The Demand for Dental Assistants

Dental Assistants are essential to the field of dentistry. They work hard to make sure all the dental tools are cleaned properly, patients feel comfortable, and they assist Dentists and Hygienists with dental procedures. In addition, they help with lab work and are trained in medical emergency procedures. Combined, these duties require individuals who are energized and ready to help others. Dental assistants much be effective communicators and fast learners.

The demand for dental assistants continues to grow. Many people are taking more of an interest in their oral hygiene now than ever before. Since people are living longer, their teeth are requiring more preventative care as well as dental procedures. Dental technology has also made procedures less painful. As a result more people are willing to go in for dental services. Another area is the market for cosmetic dentistry. People are going to dental facilities to get their teeth whitened and to improve the shape of their teeth.

There are over 280,000 Dental Assistants currently employed Nationwide. Most of these Dental Assistants are working in dental offices. A small portion work in government agencies, prisons facilities, and physician offices. Many Dental Assistants are working in more than one dental office due to the demand for more Dental Assistants. The potential for this occupation is better than most other medical fields. It is anticipated that it will be one of the top contenders in growth through 2012. 

There are many job opportunities for Dental Assistants in the market already. This means almost all Dental Assistants who complete a training program will secure employment immediately. This job market is Nationwide, so relocation for employment is a great possibility for those who are interested. In some instances, the employer will assist you with relocation costs. 

Many individuals choose to enter the field of Dental Assistant because of the job market outlook and the rate of pay. On average, Dental Assistants earn $13.62 per hour as a new employee without any job experience. The highest noted starting rate Nationwide is in New York at $19.97 per hour. Considering the minimum wage in most states, the starting pay for Dental Assistants is at least double. That is a great incentive to pursue a career as a Dental Assistant. 

Pursuing a career as a Dental Assistant can be a perfect career move. It will provide you with the opportunity to work with people, allow you to explore the dental profession, you will have not trouble securing employment, and the pay is great. You will also have standard working hours with paid Holidays. Most dental assistants receive discounted or free dental care for themselves and their families. Keeping all this in perspective, the demand for Dental Assistants is a great motivation to take a look into the career options. 

To find out more about Dental Assistant programs in your area, contact you State Dental Board or your local colleges. You can also find great information on such programs via the internet. It is very important that you make sure any program you are considering is accredited in your state. Most programs can be completed in 12 to 24 months. Tuition assistance and scholarship programs are available. Most Human Services programs will assist with the cost of programs that can be completed within 2 years and that there is a job market for.

The Different Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Missing tooth, decays, and uneven teeth are now easy to repair. All you have to do is find a reputable cosmetic dentistry practitioner to take care of your dental problems. Whatever procedure you will have to undergo after a diagnosis is made will be discussed to you and must be agreed right before the start of the procedure. So that makes every procedure safe for you and specific for the dentist as well. Some of the most prevalent cosmetic dentistry procedures used in cosmetic dentistry are listed below for your reference:

1.) Teeth whitening. This procedure is done on those that are looking for far better looking teeth in terms of color. There are two methods used in this procedure: the dental clinic-based laser teeth whitening and the home-based gel tray teeth whitening. The patient can choose between the two, of which is best for his/her time and capability to pay. 

2.) Porcelain veneers. A person’s teeth can get chipped, cracked, or decayed as years take toll on his/her teeth. These dental problems can be concealed with a porcelain veneering procedure. It is a ceramic that is used to place over damaged teeth to restore the same good looking teeth and smile. 

3.) Dental implants. One of the valuable restoration procedures for a missing tooth is embedding an artificial root to the jaw of a patient. A prosthetic tooth is also placed over this embedded root so the patient can restore the same complete set of teeth before one was missed.

4.) Dental bonding. Decays in the teeth are very annoying so having it restored with a dental bonding procedure rather than losing it in an extraction procedure will be better. In the process, a composite material will be filled into the scarred teeth and then polished to reveal the same good looking set of teeth.

5.) Tooth-colored fillings. Amalgam fillings are the usual composite materials used in filling scarred teeth. Having the same color filling as your teeth, like white, will be something that will really bring back the same beautiful set of teeth you have. 

6.) Porcelain inlays/onlays.  Porcelain inlays or on lays is more effective alternative to fillings and crowns as they require less teeth reductions. It is therefore used to fill and repair cracked teeth.

7.) Dental crowns. This procedure is used rather than a simple filling. It is a cap made from the original tooth and placed over the recovered tooth after cleaning. 

8.) Dental bridges. Missing teeth can also be solved by going through dental bridges procedures. This is the method where a metal-free prosthetic tooth is placed in place of a missing tooth. It uses two crowns for every tooth.

9.) Invasalign. Some adults are avoiding orthodontic braces because they feel they look silly with these teeth straightening and repairing materials. Invasalign is the perfect solution then for their seriously irregular teeth alignment like overlapping, gapped, and unevenness.

All these cosmetic dentistry procedures are subject to your approval before they will be applied to you. Depending on the service you agreed to go under with, will the professional fee be classified as well. Having the ample time to make a decision on which is best for you is then assured and guaranteed right before the treatment proper begins so there will be no confusions you will be subjected to. 

Risks of Being a Dental Assistant

Having a career as a dental assistant is a great career opportunity. You will have the ability to work in the dental profession and observe many types of dental procedures taking place. In addition to assisting dentists and hygienists with the procedures you will have the opportunity to get to know patients as well as help them to feel comfortable before, during, and after procedures.

However, in this type of career, it is important that you are completely aware of the risks and take all necessary precautions to protect yourself. While it is very rare, some patients become upset and irate as a result of dental work. They may be afraid of the processes or not happy with the work. This can result in verbal or physical abuse taking place.

To protect yourself, make sure you are aware of the proper policies and procedures of the dental office you work in and follow them completely. Generally, the police will be called to take a report. Since most dental offices are very small, your communication skills are very important. Your efforts to de-esculate a situation can make the difference of how it plays out. 

Most dental offices understand the importance of a good working relationship with all individuals. They work together to make the office environment fun, relaxing, a learning experience, and a place everyone looks forward to working at. Since we spend so many hours at work in the presence of co-workers, it is important to establish quality relationships.

Unfortunately, in some dental offices, Dental Assistants are treated poorly. Other staff does not show them respect or include them in things that take place both in the office and get togethers outside of it. There are reports of Dental Assistants who claim they were sent to get coffee for the other staff and other such tasks rather than being able to participate in the dental procedures. Other Dental Assistants have reported verbal and physical abuse at the hands of the other staff. They have been ridiculed for having less knowledge and even kicked for handing staff the wrong instrument.

It is important that you do not allow yourself to continue being the victim of such abuse as a Dental Assistant. If you are having problems with other staff, let the dentist know immediately. If the issue involves the dentist, immediately remove yourself from the dental facility. You should also report the incident to the State Dental Board for further investigation.

The possibility of being infected with a communicable disease is the biggest risk Dental Assistants face. Since most communicable diseases are transmitted via saliva and blood, it is obvious why it can be such an issue. All dental offices should follow proper procedures including always wearing sterile gloves during all procedures. Dental Assistants should always wear gloves if they are in the area of a procedure. Emergencies can happen fast where you have to reach into a patient’s mouth. You should always be prepared to help as well as have yourself protected.

If you believe you have punctured your sterile gloves, immediately change them no matter how small of a hole you believe you have made. This will help protect you against communicable diseases. 

If you come into contact with saliva, blood, or other bodily fluids, immediately wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. Most dental offices have patients fill out a questionnaire asking about comunicable diseases. However, since the information isn’t verified, it is unknown if it accurate. Therefore, treat every patient respectfully, but always be prepared for the risk of infection from a communicable disease. 

The Dreaded Root Canal

Sometimes, when you have a toothache, the cause is due to the tooth being severely decayed.  If the toothache is causing you severe pain, the never on the inside of the tooth may be dying or already dead.  If this is the case, you’ll need to either have the tooth extracted or the nerve removed from the tooth, in order to remove the abscess. Removing the nerve will save the tooth, and is known as a root canal.

Root canals are very common within the world of dentistry, as they represent a known way to save the tooth from dying.  Although many people end up having their teeth extracted, others turn to the root canal.  This dental procedure isn’t preferred by many, as it can take quite a long time, normally around 3 - 4 hours.  If the abscess is severe, it will take longer, as the dentist will have to scrape out all of the dying pulp from inside of the tooth.

Now days, dentists are starting to use machines to do a majority of the scraping and probing associated with root canals.  In the past, the dentist had to do it all himself which took quite a bit of time.  Now, with the use of a machine, the dentist can drill the hole in the tooth then let the machine to do the scraping.  This helps to cut down on the amount of time for a root canal, as well as ensure that all of the dead or dying pulp has been removed efficiently.

The cost for a root canal may also be something that people fear worse than the actual procedure itself.  Root canals can cost around $800 to over $1,000 dollars, which makes it something that many can’t afford.  Instead of paying a high price to have a root canal, most choose to pay a smaller price and simply have the tooth extracted.

The choice you need to make when thinking about a root canal, is whether or not you wish to save the dying tooth.  Sometimes, a dentist will recommend the root canal, especially if he thinks it would be in your best interest to save the tooth.  Other times, he will let you make the decision, and decide if you want to save it or just go ahead and have it extracted.

Although the root canal is a procedure that many fear, it is also a procedure that can save the life of your tooth.  If you have a dying tooth, you should consider this procedure.  It isn’t really that painful, as you’ll be numb the entire time.  The only thing that’s really frustrating is the time it takes to complete the root canal.  Even though it may be time consuming - it is still an efficient way to save the life of your tooth.

The Demand for Dental Assistants

Dental Assistants are essential to the field of dentistry. They work hard to make sure all the dental tools are cleaned properly, patients feel comfortable, and they assist Dentists and Hygienists with dental procedures. In addition, they help with lab work and are trained in medical emergency procedures. Combined, these duties require individuals who are energized and ready to help others. Dental assistants much be effective communicators and fast learners.

The demand for dental assistants continues to grow. Many people are taking more of an interest in their oral hygiene now than ever before. Since people are living longer, their teeth are requiring more preventative care as well as dental procedures. Dental technology has also made procedures less painful. As a result more people are willing to go in for dental services. Another area is the market for cosmetic dentistry. People are going to dental facilities to get their teeth whitened and to improve the shape of their teeth.

There are over 280,000 Dental Assistants currently employed Nationwide. Most of these Dental Assistants are working in dental offices. A small portion work in government agencies, prisons facilities, and physician offices. Many Dental Assistants are working in more than one dental office due to the demand for more Dental Assistants. The potential for this occupation is better than most other medical fields. It is anticipated that it will be one of the top contenders in growth through 2012.

There are many job opportunities for Dental Assistants in the market already. This means almost all Dental Assistants who complete a training program will secure employment immediately. This job market is Nationwide, so relocation for employment is a great possibility for those who are interested. In some instances, the employer will assist you with relocation costs.

Many individuals choose to enter the field of Dental Assistant because of the job market outlook and the rate of pay. On average, Dental Assistants earn $13.62 per hour as a new employee without any job experience. The highest noted starting rate Nationwide is in New York at $19.97 per hour. Considering the minimum wage in most states, the starting pay for Dental Assistants is at least double. That is a great incentive to pursue a career as a Dental Assistant.

Pursuing a career as a Dental Assistant can be a perfect career move. It will provide you with the opportunity to work with people, allow you to explore the dental profession, you will have not trouble securing employment, and the pay is great. You will also have standard working hours with paid Holidays. Most dental assistants receive discounted or free dental care for themselves and their families. Keeping all this in perspective, the demand for Dental Assistants is a great motivation to take a look into the career options.

To find out more about Dental Assistant programs in your area, contact you State Dental Board or your local colleges. You can also find great information on such programs via the internet. It is very important that you make sure any program you are considering is accredited in your state. Most programs can be completed in 12 to 24 months. Tuition assistance and scholarship programs are available. Most Human Services programs will assist with the cost of programs that can be completed within 2 years and that there is a job market for.

The Risk of Communicable Disease for a Dental Assistant

Dental Assistants need to make sure they fully understand the risk of communicable diseases. A communicable disease is one that is transmitted by saliva, blood, and other bodily fluids. Dental Assistants are at a very high risk because their hands come into contact with patient’s mouths all day long. This exposes them to saliva and often blood. While patients are asked to disclose information about communicable diseases including HIV, many choose not to. Some communicable diseases such as herpes form sores in the mouth and Dental Assistants need to be able to identify them. A Dental Assistant should assume every patient is contagious and take all precautions against infection.

Dental Assistants should always were gloves while working with patients. Even if they are only observing the procedure. This is because you never know what a normal procedure will turn into a crisis. The Dental Assistant will have to be able to jump in and assist at a moments notice. There is no time to stop to put on gloves, and it is not accepted in the dental field to perform any type of procedure without them.

If you feel that you have poked a hole in a glove, immediately throw it away and replace it. Do not take any chances. Communicable diseases can make you ill as the least or result in death at the other extreme. Since open sores are the most common way for communicable diseases to enter your body, make sure any such sore is completely covered with a bandage, band aid, or other covering that won’t come off with your gloves. Keep the sores covered until they have healed completely.

Another valuable way to prevent communicable diseases is to follow all safety procedures as outlined by the employer. If you are unclear, ask. Never take shortcuts, especially in the areas of sterilizing tools and the proper use of tools. This can lead to serious repercussions if other patients become infected with communicable diseases from dirty tools.

If you find that you have come into direct contact with saliva, blood, or other bodily fluids that could potentially lead to a communicable disease, wash the area immediately with soap and water. Many communicable diseases including the flu and the common cold can’t survive soap and water. You will also need to report the incident to your direct supervisor.

All dental facilities have policies and procedures in place for dealing with contact of saliva, blood, or other bodily fluids. It is important that you completely understand these policies and procedures from the first day of employment. Make sure you follow them completely if you do experience such contact. Most dental facilities will have the procedures written and in an easily accessible location for quick reference.

Working as a Dental Assistant is a fun and rewarding career choice. You will have the opportunity to work with many people and to learn more about the dental field. You will be required to perform a variety of duties as well as sit in on several types of dental procedures. It is important to remember that your safety is very important. Make sure you are aware of the risk of communicable diseases and follow all procedures for prevention as well as reporting if such contact does take place during your employment as a Dental Assistant.