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Career Profile - What You Need to Know About...

Dental Assisting (5155)

At a Glance
Limited Access

This PSAV program is intended to provide individuals with the certification and educational training they need to pursue a career as an expanded function dental assistant in the dental profession.
Employment Opportunities Upon completion of this program, you may seek employment as a Dental Assistant in various environments such as a general dentist’s office, specialty dentist’s office, public health department, or Veterans Administration clinic. About 35 percent of dental assistants worked part time, sometimes in more than one dental office.

Occupational Outlook Handbook
Job Outlook Palm Beach County Employment and Outlook

Outlook: Increasing

Growth is estimated to be an annual average rate of 4.6 percent, faster than the 2.5 percent growth rate for all occupations in Palm Beach County

employflorida
-Under “Resources”, select Labor Market Information; Occupational Profile; click on A County, click on Palm Beach n the map; type dental assistant.


employflorida
Salary Information Earnings:

The mean hourly wage for dental assistants in Palm Beach County in 2008 was $17.10. The mean annual wage or salary was $35,561.91. In Florida in 2008 as a whole, the mean hourly wage for dental assistants was $15.66. The mean annual wage or salary was $32,570.84.
Salaries vary depending upon location, skills, experience, position, education, and organization.

employflorida
-Under “Resources”, select Labor Market Information; Occupational Profile; click on A County, click on Palm Beach n the map; type dental assistant.


employflorida
Special Skills or Qualifications Needed Manual dexterity. Attentiveness. Good vision and hearing. Ability to take direction. Strong written and oral communication skills. Neat appearance, healthy teeth and attractive smile. You need the ability to relate well to patients, dentists, and other staff.
Career Path Notes A student who completes the Dental Assisting program will be eligible to transfer up to 19 credit hours toward the A.S. degree in Dental Hygiene. For information on transfer agreements, visit Transfer Agreements.
Career Planning Suggestions for Success Thoroughly research the occupation and talk with a Dental Assistant in the field. The PBCC Career Consultants Network may have the name of a person you can contact. Refer to the Career Center information listed below.
Obtain a part time job in a dental office.

PBCC Career Centers Can Assist You:

Currently enrolled students can also log in to the PBCC Online Career Office program http://www.pbcc.edu/career/ (choose student log in) to locate other resources for information on occupations, employment opportunities, and people in the community willing to talk to students about their career.

Contact a Career Center for assistance with your career planning or job search at your campus:

Lake Worth: (561) 868-3066
Palm Beach Gardens: (561) 207-5350
Boca Raton: (561) 862-4325
Belle Glade: (561) 993-1167

Or E-Mail Us careercenter@pbcc.edu If you prefer.




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