Orthodontist Assistant Salary
If you find yourself struggling week after week to pay your bills and still have money for groceries, you are not alone. Thousands of people are having the same problems and many of them have made a decision to go back to college and get career training in a new field that will provide a much better living than their current job. Some of these people are finding the answer to their needs lies in a career as an orthodontist assistant. An orthodontist assistant salary can help you to live more comfortably and to finally be able to afford some of life’s little extras.
Education and training to earn an orthodontist assistant salary
The first step toward earning an orthodontist assistant salary is to get formal training through a dental assisting program at a vocational school or a community college. You can choose to complete this training to earn either a certificate or an associate’s degree. Certificate programs focus on the technical parts of the job such as dental materials, dental radiography, and chair-side assisting. These programs take around one year of training and prepare you for entry-level assisting positions.
Associate’s degree programs take two years and are much more in-depth than the certificate level training. These programs combine general education, technical training, and clinical experience. Typical coursework includes infection control, advanced radiography, dental science, clinical practice procedures, dental emergencies, and preventative dentistry. Associate’s level programs often also require the completion of internships or externships in dental clinics. Although these programs take longer to complete, they will also often allow you to earn a higher orthodontist assistant salary.
Becoming licensed and certified
In many states, you will be required to become licensed before you can take x-rays and perform certain other functions. Requirements vary from one state to the next so it is important to learn the regulations of your specific state. Once you attain licensure, you will be required to earn continuing education credits on a regular basis in order to maintain your license. This serves the purpose of ensuring that you are current on advances in dental practices. The Dental Assistant National Board provides state-specific licensing information.
You can also become certified through a voluntary program that is provided by the Dental Assistant National Board. This is available to those who have completed an accredited dental assisting program or who have completed at least 3500 hours of relevant work experience. This certification must be renewed annually by attaining 12 hours of continuing education, maintaining CPR certification, and paying a renewal fee. The certification exam consists of two exams in infection control and orthodontic assisting.
An orthodontist assistant salary can easy average $40,000 a year, plus employment benefits. If you have been looking for a better life, start working on your training today and in a year or two, you will be enjoying the career you always dreamed of. Think of the difference you can make in your life and the lives of your family members while working in a job you can truly love. Start your classes and change your career today.
