Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/648015
February 29 - March 21, 2016 17 Working World l WorkingWorld.com they can help treat patients and do tasks, such as taking an x ray. ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS Dental assistants should have excellent organizational skills. They should have the correct tools in place for a dentist or dental hygienist to use when treating a patient. LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND REGISTRATIONS Some states require dental assistants to be licensed, registered, or certified. In other states, there are no formal requirements to become an entry-level dental assistant. States that allow assistants to perform expanded duties, such as coronal polishing, require that they be licensed, registered, or hold certifications from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). To earn certification from DANB, applicants must pass an exam. The educational requirements for DANB certification are that dental assistants must either have graduated from an accredited program or have a high school diploma and complete the required amount of work experience. Applicants also must have current certification in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). In addition, many states require assistants to meet specific education or training requirements in order to work with radiography (x ray) equipment. Requirements vary by state. Contact state boards of dentistry for specific requirements. Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics The median annual wage for dental assistants was $35,390 in May 2014. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24,580, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $49,540. Most dental assistants work full time. However, nearly 1 in 3 assistants worked part time in 2014. Some may work evenings or weekends. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Dental Assistants, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/ healthcare/dental-assistants.htm For more information contact: Los Angeles Valley College careereducation@lavc.edu (818) 947-2529 • (818) 947-2600 http://www.lavc.edu Head to a High Paying Job and Great Career Opportunities. LAVC Classes Los Angeles Valley College ■ Administration of Justice ■ Broadcasting ■ Business ■ Child Development ■ Commercial Music ■ Computer Science ■ Electronics ■ Engineering ■ Fire Technology ■ Journalism ■ Manufacturing ■ Media Arts ■ Nursing ■ Photography ■ Respiratory Therapy ■ Solar Technology ■ Technical Theater Enroll in the Following Areas: Including General Education Courses to Complete Your Degree The Semester Runs February 8, 2016 – June 6, 2016 CAREER TRAINING