This isn't a question regarding a dental problem, but I thought this was a good place to ask some questions I have about dental hygiene and assisting. 1st off, I'm a certified assistant here in Alabama. Since it is not required by law that dental assistants be certified here, the money is basically zilch. But I absolutely love this profession. I am interested in going for my hygiene license, but I was not impressed with the only hygiene school here in Alabama and I'm not a big fan of the preceptorship available here. So anyhoo, the question I have is about employment oppurtunties throughout the US for assistants whether it be through something like the military, Indian Health Service, etc. for assistants. What's out there and where can I find info?And what's available in this line of work in the military. Thanks for your time and any info.

I am glad to hear that you are not interested in trying to go the easy way and do perceptorship. Perceptorship is a quick way to get a hygienist status/title, but it does you no good throughout the country. The Military is the same way. The Air Force has what they call prophy techs, and you are trained to clean teeth in the military, but again, this does you no good anywhere else in the country, after the military. And last I want to suggest, if you are looking to make more money at what you are doing, you will need to move to another state within the U.S. Alabama is in their own Dental world. It must be a great place for a dentist to make a lot of money, but a poor place for any kind of dental auxillary. I recently moved here to Arizona, and was very impressed with the restrictions Arizona places on all dental personnel. So in effect from these restrictions, dental personnel are treated like professionals, and so paid like professionals. A good dental assistant can easily make around $15.00 an hour. A hygienist easily doubles that in an hourly pay. To sum up what I am saying, if you want to make more money doing exactly the same thing, you need to move somewhere where dental professionals are held in high regard. But, you will also need the proper training to back up your desired pay. Good Luck!

I can't speak for any of the other options but as far as the military is concerned I'd suggest caution. While many find it a great career it is very demanding and involves quite a bit more than just dental duties. I'd say that if dentistry is your true interest than you should persue a civilian job. You should only consider joining the military if you want to be in for the sake of being in the military. Good luck!