Dental assistants are part of a dental care team and work under the direction of dentists. They perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties. Dental assistants may perform a variety of tasks within a dental office, including both laboratory and office duties. Assistants work closely with, and under the supervision of, dentists. You should not be confused with dental hygienists, who are licensed to perform different clinical tasks.

Dental Assistant Certification in most states will regulate the duties that are allowed to be performing through licensed, registration or certification. Certification is an acknowledgment of a Dental Assistant’s qualifications and professional competence and may be an asset when one is seeking employment. Most assistants earn salaries equal to other health care personnel with similar training and experience such as medical assistants, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapy assistants, veterinary technicians and pharmacy assistants. Dental assistants also report excellent career satisfaction.

Educational requirements and skills are usually learned on the job, although some receive training from Dental-Assisting programs offered by community and junior colleges, trade schools, technical institutes, or the Armed Forces. According to the American Dental Association, 87 percent of dentists offer reimbursement for continuing education courses taken by their assistants. Most educational programs take 12 months to complete. For annual recertification, individuals must earn continuing education credits.

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Determining that a loved one cannot function as independently as he or she used to is often a difficult realization. However, once it is apparent that the health and safety of that loved one may be jeopardized in their current living arrangement, alternative senior housing options should be considered. One of the most common choices in a situation like this includes a move from independent living to an assisted living facility for seniors. Although peace of mind may be achieved knowing that your loved one is in the care of experienced health professionals, moving a loved one from living independently to living in an assisted living facility can be a difficult transition for both the individual and the family.

While the decision to move to an assisted living facility often occurs due to the inability for one to live safely independently, the choice of assisted living facility most appropriate for the individual sometimes must be made quickly. When a healthcare crisis involves a hospital stay, the individual usually transitions first to a Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, where they will received skilled nursing care. Once their health has improved, a rehabilitation facility will typically recommend 1-3 assisted living facilities. Researching assisted living facilities thoroughly is extremely important to ensure you choose the right environment, offering the lifestyle and services needed for your loved one.

If you are considering a transition from independent living for your loved one to a long term care facility, consider their health needs as well as their lifestyle preferences. The following is a list of long term care facilities available to seniors and the common services offered in each.

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Have you been looking for ways to make a true impact on those around you? If the answer is yes, then you are not alone. There are tons of people who are beginning to feel the desire to make a difference in the world. And they are taking on the role of the helper in many ways, ranging from that of the philanthropist who donates money to causes that mean something to them, to those who get their hands in the dirt and build homes for Habitat for Humanity and other positive organizations. But if your desire to help others is reflected in a need to interact on a one-on-one basis then you might want to consider a career as a certified nursing assistant.

What is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?

The field of nursing is considered to be a “direct care giving” field. Whether you are a home health aide, personal care assistant, patient care technician, or certified nursing assistant (CNA), your specialty lies in your ability to care for a person on a one-on-one basis.

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