Dental Assistant

Duties and responsibilities: 

• assisting the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures
• taking and developing dental radiographs (x-rays)
• asking about the patient's medical history and taking blood pressure and pulse
• serving as an infection control officer, developing infection control protocol and preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment
• helping patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment
• providing patients with instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental treatment procedures, such as the placement of a restoration (filling)
• teaching patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health

Education: community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes, universities or dental schools.

Salary:$34,500

I would not like to be one becuase I hate dentists.

                    Dental Lab Technician 

Duties and responsibilities: 

• Full dentures for patients who are missing all of their teeth
• Removable partial dentures or fixed bridges for those who are missing only one or a few teeth
• Crowns, which cover the tooth and are designed to restore its original size and shape
• Veneers, which are bonded to the tooth surface to improve the appearance of discolored, worn, chipped or misaligned teeth
• Orthodontic appliances and splints used to help straighten and protect teeth

Salary: $37,690

Education: Dental laboratory technicians may receive their education and training through a two-year program at a community college, vocational school, technical college, university or dental school. Graduates of these programs receive either an associate degree or a certificate. There also are a few programs that offer a four-year baccalaureate program in dental technology.

I would not like to be one because i have went through enough with the process of my braces that I would not like to be associated with anything about teeth ever again.