Dental Assistant/Hygienist: Plan A

Jenna Hoffman

 Dental assistants clean and sterilize dental equipment and set up trays for dental procedures, make patients feel as relaxed as possible in the dental chair, take x-rays of patients mouths, pass instruments to the dentist as needed and operate suctioning device to keep patients mouths dry. Dental hygienists perform dental hygiene treatments, provide dental services and provide patients with information to prevent diseases and disorders of the teeth and mouth. Dental hygienists conduct dental assessments and consult with patients on their dental care needs. They perform x-rays, examine gums for potential diseases, clean teeth to prevent tooth decay, apply fluoride treatment and take tooth impressions. They also may preform orthodontic procedures like putting on braces or making a retainer under the direction of a dentist. On a typical day a Dental Hygienist would perform the tasks above depending on the type of patient.

What Do They Do?

 Dental Assistants mostly work in dental offices and usually work evenings and weekends. You are in a normal dental office environment and wear masks and scrubs. You work sometimes beside the Dentist or one your own.
Dental hygienists in this occupation typically work 32-40 hours per week. You work in a normal controlled environment such as an office or hospital. Workers in this occupation must comply with sterile techniques and follow proper procedures when taking xrays. Often wear safety glasses, masks, gloves and scrubs to protect themselves.

Working Conditions

 A dental assistant can make up to $33K - $44K a year.

Salary

A dental hygienist can make up to $55,000 to $73,000 a year.

Future Outlook

A growing and ageing population will require more dental services, which will result in new job openings for this job. Job opportunities will also become available due to retirements. As with many health-care professions, there is a shortage of dental hygienists in rural communities of the province.

 For Post Secondary I will be in college taking Dental Assisting Program at Okanagan College and Dental Hygiene Program at Vancouver Community College.

Education Pathway

The Dental Assisting program is 10 months and the Dental Hygiene Program is 2 years. I like how the Dental Assisting Program is available here at home and the Dental Hygiene Program is close to home so I am not to far away from family.

For Dental Assisting Program: Tuition Fee - $16,463.20 Student Union Fee - $50.36 College Initiative Fee - $93.20

Uniform Fee - $30

Student Union Health Plan Fee - $ 150.52 Student Union Dental Plan Fee - $ 143.33 Textbooks, uniforms and school supplies, professional dues and licensing fees: $2,500 For Dental Hygiene Program:

Cost

Tuition Fee - $16,463.20 per year Student Union Fee - $75.54 per year College Initiative Fee - $93.20 per year Uniform Fee - $30

Student Union Health Plan Fee - $ 150.52

Student Union Dental Plan Fee - $ 143.33 Approximate costs of textbooks and supplies $7500.

 The programs in order to get into this program are:

English 11 and 12 Math 11 Biology 11 and 12

Pre-requisites of Program

Chemistry 11 and 12
Psychology 11 and 12 Social Studies 11

Why am I Interested in this Job

I am interested in this career because I have always liked the dental field. I have been interested since last year when my sister mentioned some jobs and this one caught my eye. It suits me because I like working with people and even though I am quiet at times I think this job will help me be more social.