Working as a dental assistant is one of the best options for those who are looking for entry level jobs that pay well. It also does not require any formal training or work experience. That is why being a dental assistant is also ideal for those who are fresh out of high school and those who are working their way through college. In fact, many professionals in this field receive on the job training. The duties and tasks are quite simple and straightforward. They do not require special skills or knowledge in order to be properly performed. However, there are some functions that are more advanced and complicated which can be executed only by a certified dental assistant as these tasks cannot be performed by those who have inadequate experience or have not undergone any formal training. Because these functions cannot be performed by just anyone, you can expect to get paid a higher salary if you are certified.

How does one become a certified dental assistant? There are two ways to get a license. One method is by completing a training program and the other method is by having the minimum required work experience. Either method will qualify you to take the licensing exam which is administered by the DANB or the Dental Assisting National Board. Passing the said exam will earn you the certificate and will make you a certified dental assistant.

If you decide to get formal training, you will find that there are many schools that offer certificate or diploma courses. You can search the internet for information about the different schools and their curriculum. Some schools offer clinical practice aside from classroom lectures and laboratory work. Find a program that suits your schedule especially if you are working part-time.

If you would rather not go to school, you can qualify for the credentials by working full-time as a dental assistant for at least two years or by working part-time for at least four years.

Enrolling in a training program has many advantages. The program trains students how to properly assist dentists when doing a procedure by handing over the right dental instruments. Students are also taught the right way of using the dental suction, how to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), radiography or dental x-ray, crown removal, polishing coronal surfaces, removing teeth stains and other advanced procedures and functions. The program also includes the improvement of administrative skills and, more importantly, interpersonal skills. After all, dental assistants are also tasked to greet and interview patients and to make them comfortable and less anxious. Also, a formal training will open doors to other career opportunities in the fields of education, office administration and even in health insurance.

Getting certified is very important even if it is not a requirement. Being a certified dental assistant can make you more qualified and will allow you to choose from more job offers and more competitive employment terms.

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Pediatric dentistry is one of the nine recognized dental specialties of the American Dental Association. Pediatric dentists complete two to three years of additional specialized training (after the required four years of dental school) to prepare them for treating a variety of children’s dental problems. According to the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, the child’s first dentist visit should be scheduled in infancy. The goal is to begin forming positive oral habits as soon as possible and maintain them throughout a lifetime.

The staff at a pediatric dental practice is specially trained to introduce the child into the world of healthy oral care without any anxiety or fear. At the time of the first dentist visit, a comprehensive exam is performed in addition to consultation with the parents regarding nutritional choices and alleviation of detrimental oral habits. The patient’s medical history and any genetic predispositions are reviewed and taken into consideration when creating a treatment plan. Early detection of oral diseases will prevent untimely tooth loss and create a good relationship between the patient and dental provider.

Once the child starts to develop the primary dentition, the parent will play a major role in the child’s daily oral care. A routine hygiene regimen will help the patient develop a positive attitude toward oral health. Children learn by example and need constant encouragement from their parents to form confidence and trust. Positive reinforcement of the beneficial aspects of oral care and regular dental visits should become a part of the daily routine at home.

During the developmental stages of the dentition, unwanted oral habits may hinder proper growth of facial features and ultimately impact the speech patterns and line of occlusion leading to improper mastication. Thumb sucking and untimely tooth loss, due to rampant caries, is the main cause of incorrect dental growth with severe discrepancies affecting both gingival and bone structures. The pediatric dentist is equipped to provide several preventive options to help the patient cease the undesirable habits and restore proper function of the mouth. Medically challenged patients can benefit from the expertise of a pediatric dentist as well.

The pedodontic or pediatric dentist focuses on monitoring the patient’s oral care from infancy to adolescence. Individuals with good oral hygiene are scheduled for regular periodic exams and cleanings. Patients with genetic predispositions and health issues may be scheduled more often to ensure proper dental care. Patient education is always offered and reviewed at the time of each visit with the dentist or dental hygienist.

In summary, a pediatric dentist is a recognized primary oral health care provider and resource for specialty referral, and the best choice for dental care for children and adolescents. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

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No pediatric dentist worth their salt will paint a weak picture of themselves. If you listen to them advertise their services, you will be at a loss when it comes to choice. Everybody looks great on paper or the digital display and they sound awesome in the media outlets.

You may need to have personal experience with a few to see who stands up to the image they have created of themselves. Some pediatric dentists may have opted for pediatric dentistry because they saw a niche. Others have genuine love and regard for children and want to make their dental experience as trauma-free as possible.

In your search for the perfect dentist for your child or children, make sure they have the following qualities:

He/she should have the child’s wellbeing at heart

Everything from attitude to the environment in the office should be geared towards creating an ambiance that favors children. It is not just about toys and Sponge Bob playing on TV. Children should find comfort and something to keep them occupied and entertained in the dentist’s office. The staff should be able to interact with the little ones at their level so that they feel at ease.

The décor of the exam room, the smells and sounds should make the child feel comfortable rather having that clinic atmosphere that only makes a child feel the tension.

The supplies should be kiddie-sized

You cannot use the same gadgets that are used on adults for children. They are little and therefore have little mouths. Imagine trying to use equipment meant for adults on a child. Not only will she resist it, for obvious reasons, but she will also be traumatized by the whole process. A pediatric dentist must have the child’s comfort at heart even when purchasing supplies and equipment for their office and exam room.

Converse with the child at their level

No, you do not need to sound like Minnie Mouse. Of course, your tone and pitch should be appropriate, but it is more like using words that the child understands. So, even as you work on your delivery, dental lingua is only going to earn you blank confused looks.

Also, remember all those gadgets don’t exactly look like the utensils they use to eat pies. It is bound to look a tad intimidating. It would help if you would gently explain what any gadget you have to use it for and how it is going to help the child.

No two children are the same, so a good dentist first gets a feel of each little patient before they talk to them by having a chat with the parents of new patients to know whether or not kiddie talk will work or the child will not buy it.

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It isn’t fun looking for a dentist for your family. Trying to find the best orthodontist for your family’s need isn’t a piece of cake either. Both are nerve-wracking, stressful and frustrating.

Here are some things to look for when deciding which one is the most ideal fit for your family:

• Years of Experience
• Type of Equipment Used
• Accepted Insurance
• Office Location
• Office Environment

Years of Experience

Every orthodontist is a college graduate who has also completed their graduate degree at a Commission of Dental Accreditation accredited school. To get into a graduate program at an accredited dental school, aspiring professionals must take and pass their state’s dental exam and get their license. Students who graduate dental school either get a master’s degree of a Ph. D in orthodontics. After dental school graduation, orthodontists must take and pass a written and clinical exam administered by the American Board of Orthodontics.

While the schooling is an important component, patients will be more comfortable with a professional who has many years of experience under his or her belt than one right out of dental school.

Experience teaches orthodontists things they don’t or can’t learn in school, such as interacting with and effectively communicating with patients.

Professionals who have many years of experience have likely seen their fair share of unusual, complex and mundane cases which will likely indicate that you or your child’s unique orthodontic needs and treatment aren’t anything he or she hasn’t seen before. They’ve seen similar cases before and will know the best course of treatment.

Equipment Used

Does the orthodontic professional in consideration use outdated tools and equipment that can lead to inaccurate readings and diagnoses, repeated visits and unpleasant office visits? Or does he or she utilize the most modern equipment?

Accepted Insurance

Most dental insurance plans don’t fully cover orthodontic costs, but some offer the benefit of discounted costs if done at an office that is within the insurance’s network. Some dental insurance plans have out-of-pocket deductible limits and copays.

Looking around at orthodontic offices that are approved, “in network” providers will help save your family money.

Office Location

There is nothing more frustrating than the need to go out of your way to see your family’s orthodontist. The inconvenience spends your precious, limited free time may add additional stress and chaos to your already busy schedule.

A highly trained orthodontist with years of experience, who takes your insurance and is a quick drive the street is ideal. Even if there isn’t one close to your home, you can try looking for one that is located to places you regularly visit such as a school or grocery store.

Office Environment

The orthodontist can be knowledgeable and amazing, the office is conveniently close, the latest and greatest equipment is used and your dental insurance is accepted. However, when you enter the cold, boring, outdated waiting room and greeted with by an oblivious, rude, impersonal receptionist, both you and your kids think of turning around and heading back out the front door.

Few people enjoy going to the orthodontic office. An office environment that make one feel unimportant and unwelcomed can only enhance this displeasure.

Kids are especially more sensitive. You’ll know an orthodontist is right for your family if you and your kids are comfortable and relaxed in the office.

While these are all great ways to narrow down your orthodontist search, the best way to get a feel for whether he or she is a good orthodontist for your family is to meet him or her and ask him or her questions, similar to an interview.

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Oral cancer rates are significantly increasing. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, nearly 42,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. Unfortunately, this type of cancer has historically high death rates because the cancer is routinely discovered late in its development. Fortunately, it has been found that early detection has lead to successful treatment. Therefore, many dentists have build oral cancer screenings into a routine six month visit.

Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth and pharynx. Typically people who are at risk for this type of cancer are those who smoke cigarettes, use chewing tobacco, and drink alcohol. In fact, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, “using tobacco plus alcohol poses a much greater risk than using either substance alone.” Other risk factors include exposure to the sexually transmitted virus HPV16, age, sun exposure, and diet.

When you go for your routine dental checkup, your dentist or hygienist will most likely conduct a painless exam. During the exam, your dentist or hygienist will check your face, neck, lips, and entire mouth for possible signs of cancer. Because dental visits are recommended to occur twice a year, these are opportune times to have this exam and have your questions answered about this type of cancer.

However, there are eight symptoms that everyone should know. It should be warned that if you suspect you have a problem, please schedule an appointment with your dentist or doctor immediately. These symptoms include:

1.) A sore, irritation, lump, or think patch in your mouth, lip, or throat

2.) A white or red patch in your mouth

3.) A feeling that something is caught in your throat

4.) Difficulty chewing or swallowing

5.) Difficulty moving your jaw or tongue

6.) Numbness in your tongue or other areas in your mouth

7.) Swelling in your jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable

8.) Pain in one ear without the loss of hearing

One of the real dangers of oral cancer is that in its early stages it can often go unnoticed. In fact, as these growths and cells develop, you may not experience any pain or symptoms. Therefore, it is extremely important that you have routine checkups with your dentist or doctor who are trained to spot these abnormalities in their earliest stages. Like mentioned before, when caught early, oral cancer is extremely treatable. Don’t neglect your routine dental visits because you just never know if you may have a serious problem that may treatable if diagnosed in the beginning stages.

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