An interview with a dental assistant for Sunrise Dental Clinic. While willing to answer all of the questions, the interviewee has chosen to stay anonymous.

Q:  How long have you been a dental assistant?

A: Eighteen years.

Q: What type of training did you have to become a dental assistant?

A: I was trained on the job and I continued education classes at Broward College.

Q: What do you like best about your job?

A: Everything. Just being able to interact with people and help people and to learn new things everyday. I like every aspect of my job. I can’t pick out one in particular. I like my patients, and I like to treat them as I am treated.

Q: Describe your typical day on the job.

A: Very busy.  Clock in, check my charts, get my patients ready. Once the patients come in, we just get ready for what that work entails. That’s everyday. Sometimes we take x-rays. Besides that, working with the doctor doing different procedures. It’s such a broad spectrum of what I do everyday.

Q: What career were you in before becoming a dental assistant?  Do you feel that it helped prepare you for becoming a dental assistant?

A: I was a schoolteacher and a financial service clerk. It’s helped me tremendously because I am a people person. Being a schoolteacher helped me deal psychologically with people.

Q: What traits do you feel are necessary to be successful as a dental assistant?

A: You have to know how to communicate. So, communication skills are important. And you have to learn your skills. And you have to be good at it. You have to learn to take instructions and follow them. You need to be ambitious, too. You have to have an open mind and be very observant.

Q: Would you say it’s imperative to have a college education for a career such as this one?

A: Yes. I do have one. But it’s not required.

Q: Even though it’s not required, do you feel it helped you get this job, as opposed to someone who didn’t get a college education?

A: Definitely. They have good reason to pass a high school graduate up. But not me, unless I didn’t have a good personality.

Q: Would you recommend this career to someone else?

A: Yes, definitely. I recommend this as a career because it’s a stable job, you can make good money, and you can always advance. If you want to be more than an assistant, you can go back to school to become, say, a hygeinist. The more credentials, the more the money you get. With college, there are more doors open for you.

Q: What is your next career move, if any?

A: I don’t think I have another one, because I’m nearing retirement. I’m sixty-two and I want to leave here and retire.

Does Dental Assisting sound like it could be a good career for you?  Find a dental assisting program near you in Florida.

An interview with Bill Mills, owner of Florida Film and Video in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Q: What is your job title? Where are you employed?

A: Director’s cameraman, director of photography. I have my own company, Florida Film and Video, and I’ve been doing it for about twenty-five years.

Q: How long have you been a cinematographer?

A: I’ve been doing it for several years, but I started my own company at about 1984.

Q: What type of training did you have to become a cinematographer?

A: I went to the University of Georgia.  I had a four-year bachelor’s degree in journalism. That put me into a position to see how the industry has changed a lot. Coming out of college, kids should just start their own company.  First, they should decide what they want to do in the industry and then go for it. The sky’s the limit depending on the career path you choose.

Q: What do you like best about your job?

A: Working for myself. Having the freedom to make your own decisions, to make your own path about what you want to do. But you can go for a month without working if you’re on your own, so definitely put yourself on a business path as well as a creative path. Take businesses classes, not just liberal arts. The film industry is a business, just like the music industry. You have to be a self-starter.

Q: Describe your typical day on the job.

A: Which job? Normally when I’m not working, I’m in my office doing paperwork. From your office, you might have to go somewhere on location and that can be anywhere from two days to thirty days. A lot of our stuff is remote locations. Every job is unique. As soon as you think it’s typical, it changes.

Q: What career were you in before becoming a cinematographer?  Do you feel that it helped prepare you for becoming a massage therapist?

A: I was doing journalism, working at a newspaper and making a decent earning. I found myself incorporating paramount to my words, and when I started taking pictures and filming, I realized this was what I’m most passionate about. But when you have a creative bone in your body, like writing, it’s easier to expand into other aspects of a different creative trade.

Q: What traits do you feel are necessary to be successful as a cinematographer?

A: Everybody takes different paths to be successful. But you have to keep up-to-date. Editing and graphics has changed so much. The whole dynamics has completely changed. You have to be totally flexible and stay with the current trend.

Q: Would you say it’s imperative to have a college education for a career such as this one?

A: I don’t think it’s imperative, but what I got out of college is I networked a lot. I don’t think it’s a hundred percent necessary. But, of course, you should have a good school to teach you what you need. When you’re in college, you need to start working on building a portfolio and college can help with that. If two people went for the same job and they both had impeccable portfolios, but one also carried a four-year degree, you can bet that person’s going to land the job. To be in the industry full-time, not just freelance, means it’s important to get that degree.

Q: Would you recommend this career to someone else?

A: Yeah. I can’t think of anything better to do. I see things that people don’t see. Is it for everybody? I don’t think so. You have to have thick skin. You have to work for months on end. Don’t set your expectations too high. Be realistic. My first recommendation would be to go to college and get that full-time job. Get a feel for what the industry is all about. It’s hard to just have a good portfolio, unless you’re an amazing cinematographer. Doing it without college is extremely hard to do.

Q: What is your next career move, if any?

A: Retire and go sailing. No, but seriously, I’m going to do more projects. I want complete control of my future projects.

If you’re intersted in pursuing a career in film, a great first step is to find a training program.  View our list of schools in Florida offering film programs.

Q&A session with a Bob C in Miami, Florida who chose to keep his employer anonymous.

Q: What is your job title? Where are you employed?

A: I’m a truck driver at a small carrier.

Q: How long have you been a truck driver?

A: For a year now.

Q: What type of training did you have to become a truck driver?

A: I had to first take three months training at a driving school.

Q: What do you like best about your job?

A: I like to travel-you’re never in one state for too long. Plus the pay is good.

Q: Describe your typical day on the job.

A: My typical day would be to sleep, drive, eat, drive, eat, drive, sleep.

Q: What career were you in before becoming a truck driver?  Do you feel that it helped prepare you for becoming a truck driver?

A: I was a warehouse manager. No. I wouldn’t say it helped.

Q: What traits do you feel are necessary to be successful as a truck driver?

A: First, you need to have good health. Then, you have to also be responsible, punctual, hard working, and since you’re always on the road, basically by yourself all day, you need to be able to keep yourself entertained.

Q: Would you recommend this career to someone else?

A: Depends if they have a family or not. If they do, I would not recommend it.

Q: What is your next career move, if any?

A: I’m going to buy my own truck so I can work less but make more money.

Q: How can owning your own truck help you work less but make more money?

A: Simple.  If I own my own truck, I get to keep all of the profits.  Right now, I only get a part of what my employer makes.  Since I will be able to put more of the money in my pocket, I can work less hours and still make the same amount of money – or even more.

Q: How hard is it to buy your own truck and to drive for yourself?

A: It really isn’t as hard as you might think.  Really, it’s all about the money.  Trucks aren’t cheap, so there is a big upfront cost.  But, if you are a good driver, it won’t take much time to earn that money back.

View a list of truck driving schools in Florida.

If you are looking for a new career path that offers great employment opportunities and the potential to earn an attractive income, you might want to pursue a career in Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC) systems field.  As an HVAC technician, you will be responsible for installing, maintaining and repairing heating and air-conditioning units.  In order to become qualified to work as an HVAC technician, however, you will need to complete the proper training and instruction first.  Depending upon the route you take, the training component can take as little as six months to complete.  Regardless of the program you select, you should be able to be trained for an HVAC technician position in 2 years or less.

Taking a Closer Look at the Work

In many cases, an HVAC technician will specialize in either installation and maintenance of HVAC systems or in repairing these systems.  Some may also specialize in just heating or air conditioning work, but all HVAC technicians are trained in all aspects of the job.

Regardless of your area of specialization, you will be called upon to work with a variety of different electrical and mechanical components.  Some of these include pumps, compressors, motors, ducts, fans, thermostats, pipes and switches.  In order to repair heating and air conditioning systems, you must be able to troubleshoot the problem and then make the necessary adjustments to system controls.  In addition, you will need to use special tools and equipment to test the overall performance of the system.  Some of the testing equipment commonly used by HVAC technicians includes combustion analyzers, carbon monoxide testers, oxygen testers and carbon dioxide testers.

HVAC technicians must be able to follow blueprints and other types of mechanical and electrical specifications in order to install heating and air conditioning systems.  They must also be able to install water and fuel supply lines as well as vents, air ducts and pumps.  Once the system is installed, the HVAC technician is also responsible for performing routine maintenance on the system and completing any other necessary repairs.  When performing these duties, the HVAC technician must take care to properly recover and recycle the refrigerants used in air conditioning units and refrigeration systems, as they chemicals can potentially be harmful to the environment.

There are many tools that the HVAC technician must be adept at using.  Some of these include:

• Acetylene Torches
• Electric Drills
• Hammers
• Manometers
• Measurement Gauges
• Metal Snips
• Pipe Benders
• Pipe Cutters
• Pressure Gauges
• Thermometers
• Voltmeters
• Wrenches

HVAC technicians also use special testing devices to help them check refrigerant pressure, airflow, burners, electrical circuits, and more.

HVAC Working Conditions

HVAC technicians may be asked to work in a variety of different settings, including homes, hospitals, retail establishments, factories and office buildings.  When installing heating and air conditioning systems in buildings that are being newly constructed, the HVAC technician may be exposed to very cold or hot weather elements.  When making repairs to these systems, the temperature may also be unpleasant since the heating or air conditioning system is damaged and is not providing the necessary climate control.

There are also a number of hazards a HVAC technician must take steps to avoid.  If proper safety procedures are not followed, the HVAC technician may accidentally get burned or shocked.  He or she may also experience muscle strain or other similar injuries if heavy equipment is not handled properly.  In addition, if the proper procedures are not followed when handling refrigerants, the HVAC technician may suffer from skin damage such as frostbite and even blindness.

Becoming an HVAC Technician

Although some HVAC technicians learn the trade through on-the-job training, most either complete an apprenticeship or attend a trade school.  Community colleges and junior colleges also offer HVAC programs, which generally can be completed in 6 months to 2 years.  Some of the coursework typically included in these programs includes:

• Electronics
• Equipment Construction
• Equipment Design
• Installation Basics
• Maintenance Basics
• Repair Basics
• Temperature Control

Three different accrediting agencies are responsible for establishing the academic standards that must be met by these programs.  These include the National Center for Construction Education and Research, HVAC Excellence and the Partnerships for Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Accreditation.

In order to work as an HVAC technician, most states require their technicians to obtain special licensure. Obtaining the licensure requires passing an examination, which varies from state to state.  After passing the examination and obtaining the proper licensure, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that HVAC technicians can expect their employment opportunities to grow as quickly as the average occupation.  Opportunities for those who have completed training through a formal apprenticeship or accredited technical school are expected to enjoy excellent opportunities for employment.  In addition, the median hourly wage for HVAC technicians was $18.11 in May of 2006 with many earning more than $30 per hour, which means you can also expect to enjoy a rather handsome income if you choose to become a HVAC technician.

Do you think you might be interested in a career as an HVAC technician.  If so, you may want to browse a list of schools in Florida offering HVAC training programs.

The Paralegal Role Merges with the Lawyer Role

The paralegal job role has become more and more blurred with that of the attorney. Lawyers are being forced to take on larger workloads because of the demand for their service. This increased workload and decrease in time means that lawyers are forced to submit and allow the paralegal to be called upon. As a result, the paralegal is now capable of preparing a court case and collecting evidence. However, there still remain aspects that they simply cannot touch. For instance, a paralegal is unable to determine legal fees or present in court. It is also illegal for a paralegal to offer legal advice.

Interviewing and Communicating

While a legal assistant is unable to directly “practice law” or conduct legal proceedings, they can interview and communicate with clients and witnesses. This interviewing and communication role is an essential part of determining the validity of a case or establishing the grounds for a case. The legal assistant is also usually responsible for tracking down suspects as well as interviewing them. This can consume large amounts of time and often requires knowing the appropriate contacts and a few tricks.

Investigation and Research

Investigation and research both provide the lawyer with information when required. Legal research and investigation can be an incredibly long-winded and very drawn out procedure. If lawyers were to complete this task then they would have little time for anything else. As a result, this task most often falls into the hands of the paralegal.

Legal Documents

Drafting legal documents can, and is often, done by the paralegal. Many aspects of the legal document are standard so it can take surprisingly less time than you might imagine. In a similar vein, it is also their responsibility to document interviews with suspects and any necessary associated paperwork. The result of this work is then passed to the lawyer for them to decide on the proposed course of action.

Studying to be a Paralegal

Clearly the roles and responsibilities of a paralegal are very important. The role is ideal for anyone interested in law and legal proceedings. Law school itself takes time and considerable money to complete. In contrast, studying to become a paralegal takes between 2 and 4 years and will cover many of the same topics.

Employment Opportunities

There is a growing demand for paralegals as lawyers begin to hand over more and more of their responsibilities. This trend is likely to continue in the near future and because companies are looking to save money in terms of there legal costs, private firms are increasingly likely to employ paralegals. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics believes that more than a 30% increase will be witnessed for the appropriately educated candidates.

Continuing your Education

Completing a paralegal program is the quickest way into a paralegal career. Whether you choose a two-year or four-year degree, both offer a much better opportunity to advance your chosen career than attempting to gain on-the-job training. Because the position requires a wide range of legal knowledge, many paralegals choose to continue their education even once they have found full-time employment. While this isn’t necessary, it can certainly be beneficial in advancing your career.

View a list of paralegal diplomas and degree programs in Florida.

As baby boomers reach the latter stage of their life, the need for qualified medical professionals is increasing every day. One such worker, a medical transcriptionist, is not thought of quite as frequently as a doctor or nurse. In reality, a medical transcriptionist is just as important because it is this skilled worker that ensures medical files contain every note a doctor or health care professional makes. Medical transcriptionists listen to doctor’s verbal recordings and then enter the notes onto the correct form, letter, or other piece of important information.

Some states, including Florida, are considering requiring that medical transcriptionists write notes verbatim. This is proving difficult to some, but in reality it is important to make sure that a doctor’s notes or other critical information is not incorrectly transcribed.

Medical transcriptionists are required to know medical terminology, medical abbreviations, anatomy, medication names, diagnostic procedures, and other aspects of the medical word. Training generally lasts a year and is extremely vigorous. If you are considering a career in medical transcription, you must have a knack for memorization, typing skills, computer skills, and an interest in working long hours behind a computer.

In Florida, medical transcriptionists’ salaries vary slightly from area to area. Medical transcriptionists who hold certification or membership into national organizations often receive higher paying job offerings because they prove their dedication to privacy and agree to additional training throughout the year. This proves a medical transcriptionist is willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure complete satisfaction in the job they perform.

• Boca Raton – $27,000 to $49,000
• Miami – $28,000 to $41,000
• Orlando – $28,000 to $40,000
• Pensacola – $27,000 to $38,000
• St. Petersburg – $26,000 to $38,000
• Tampa – $27,000 to $39,000

There are two levels of medical transcription (MT), a level one medical transcriptionist is highly specialized in one area of medicine such as family practice, ER, radiology, surgery, etc. A level two medical transcriptionist has expertise in all areas of medicine. Level two medical transcriptionists earn a higher salary than level one transcriptionists, so it can be worthwhile to make sure you have level two training.

In Florida, a typical medical transcription program costs approximately $750 plus an additional $200 in textbooks. You should expect to pay around $1,000 in order to get your medical transcription certification. Before you can enroll in any Florida Medical Transcription program, you must be aware that a typing speed of at least 45 words per minute is generally required, you must have a thorough knowledge of English, excellent hearing, and experience with a word processing program (Word, OpenOffice, Microsoft Works, or Word Perfect.) Courses you are expected to pass include:

• Anatomy
• Critical Thinking
• Disease
• Ethics
• Grammar
• Medical Abbreviations
• Medical Law
• Medical Report Formats
• Medical Software
• Medical Specialties
• Medical Terminology
• Pharmacology
• Physiology
• Problem Solving
• Transcription Practice

Nationally, medical transcriptionists are welcome to join AAMT (American Association of Medical Transcriptionists.) An individual membership costs $135 per year. By joining, you open yourself up to a number of discounts on office supplies. You are also placed into a national database so that customers can easily find you. You can also apply for special credit card offers, bank loans, and discounted insurance policies. All of these benefits can help you save money while you build a solid client base. This is especially helpful to those working from home.

The Florida Association for Medical Transcription (FAMT) is equally important. With the Florida Association for Medical Transcription, you have the option to attend statewide lectures and other advanced learning opportunities. Joining a statewide association also gives you the opportunity to join local MT networks. Your area’s MT associations often meet monthly allowing you to chat with others about the struggles you encounter and the rates that people are generally charging so that you are not losing money that you could be earning. Local association membership rates are usually around $15 to $25, so the cost is certainly worth it. Look for local chapters in:

• Jacksonville
• Melbourne
• Miami
• Orlando
• Tallahassee
• Tampa

By joining a national and local chapter, you are guaranteed to stay up to date with MT changes in regards to the law. One such change is the requirement that all MT’s transcribe a doctor’s notes verbatim. If a doctor has mistakenly used a word that is similar to what he or she meant, the transcriptionist would be required to use the incorrect word, even if the MT knows it is wrong. The medical transcriptionist is then required to flag potential errors and return the papers to the doctor. This is going to mean longer hours as a transcriptionist then has to find and fix all errors a second time, instead of calling when the mistake is found and fixing it immediately. In the long run, verbatim transcription will lead to a heavier word load, less communication between a medical professional and his or her MT, and the chance for misunderstanding down the road.

View a list of schools in Florida offering medical training programs.

Recently, the accountants in my firm were discussing the pros and cons to our job. It led to a rather intriguing discussion regarding how we are perceived by the general public and what we wish we could change about public opinion. This is our chance to dish the dirt about our job on a day-in, day-out basis.

To start with, I’d like to clear up the general idea that to get a degree in accounting, you only need to know how to add and subtract. This is a common misconception! To gain a degree in accounting, a bachelor’s degree (four-year college program) must be achieved. The program must be accredited, so many of the quick and easy online programs that you see in pop-ups and “get your degree in two month” emails that you see are no more than scams.

Take a look at what I had to pass in order to become an accountant. You’ll find the course load was pretty tough. I also had to keep a 3.0 grade average at all times with the Fisher School of Accounting. This means at least a B- at all times. If I got a C in any course, I had to retake it until I passed. My other option was dropping out. Before Fisher School of Accounting even let me into their program, I had to complete 60 credit hours at the University of Florida gaining a basic college education with English, Algebra, and the likes. Can you truly say that is easy?

During my four years with this tough accounting school, I was expected to pass a number of difficult courses including:

• Accounting Processes I and II
• Auditing
• Business Finance
• Business Law
• Business Writing
• Calculus I and II
• Cost Accounting
• Economics
• Federal Taxes
• Financial Reporting
• Financial Risk Management
• International Accounting
• Interpretation of Literature
• Introduction to Accounting
• Introduction to Statistics
• Macroeconomics
• Management
• Marketing
• Mergers and Acquisitions
• Microeconomics
• Problem Solving Using Computers
• Statistics
• Supply Chain Accounting

Following graduation, I had to pass the CPA exam before I could begin working as a certified public accountant. These questions were extremely difficult. In all honesty, do you know how to report the annual income of a company who earns 500,000 in profit and spends 50,000 on business luncheon expenses and another 50,000 in tax expenses? The answer is not 400,000! How do you record fixed assets that are donated to a non-profit government agency? What is the term for the market value of all goods produced by a country’s citizens? These are only a small sampling of the questions found on a CPA exam.

The CPA exam is set up in four different parts-Auditing & Attestation, Business Environment and Concepts, Financial Accounting & Reporting, Regulations. The cost alone is rather disturbing because it can cost upwards of $800 to take all four parts of the CPA exam. Each part is set up in groups of questions, usually each group, called “testlets” is around 30 questions. Each part to the test contains three “testlets” and then a couple of simulations. This means each test part comes out to approximately 100 questions. 75% of all questions in each part must be answered correctly in order to pass the CPA and become a licensed accountant. Few of us pass the parts on our first try, which can be a problem considering the tests are only offered 60 days out of every year. Each section must be passed within 18 months of taking the first section.

Once the stressful CPA exam has been passed, you can start working as a certified public accountant. Starting out, the average CPA is only earning about $40,000 a month. For all the rigorous education and test completion, this salary is barely enough to pay off college loans, find an apartment, and purchase a car if necessary. It becomes rather cut-throat to find a high paying job in a firm that isn’t cold and unfriendly. It took me a few years to settling into a firm that I enjoyed, but I managed to work my way up and now earn around $58,000 a year. I still have an uphill climb though.

It was also important for me to join the FICPA (Florida Institute for Certified Public Accountants). I spend $295 a year to be a member of this honored organization. By joining, I gain discounts for many continuing education courses, I’m kept up to date with changes to the law, I get to mingle with others in my line of work, I am offered discounted insurance plans, and more. It is expensive, but I have far more resources at my fingers than others.

On a daily basis, I am required to contact my assigned clients. My tasks vary by season. In tax season, I am the person to fill out my client’s tax forms and make sure they are getting all of the deductions they possibly can without breaking the law. In the spring, I help them establish a plan of attack for preparing for the next tax season. I go over their books to make sure the money is where it should be and not being misappropriated by any department or person. When a major purchase is necessary, I am the one to research financing and make sure the company can truly afford to buy what they are after. I help my clients apply for loans that fit their needs. I also help make sure they have enough money to handle expenses such as payroll, benefits, and the likes. Without my help, a company would never get off the ground. I’m that important!

View a list of schools in Florida offering accounting programs.

Dental assistants are in high demand in today’s world. Statistics show that only around 25% of Americans fear the dentist in today’s world. With more people seeing dentists regularly, dentists need to rely on dental assistants to help complete appointments on a timely basis. In the state of Florida, dental assistants often have completed an accredited program, become certified, and participate in continuing education courses in order to retain their certification. Some dentists use internships to help train the dental assistant to meet their needs, if this is the case the dental assistant must still take state approved courses in radiography and health protocol or their job duties are severely limited.

Going to School to Become a Dental Assistant

Before a dental assistant can start his or her duties, a number of courses are generally required. A high school diploma or GED is required. Those opting to attend a college or vocational program must complete around 1,200 hours of coursework that lasts for around a school year. At Palm Beach Community College, the course requires nine months of study. Students must pay their tuition (average cost is $2 per classroom hour for in-state students and $8 for out-of-state students), application fees ($10 for in-state, $20 for out-of-state), registration ($15), lab fees ($250), text books (around $650), uniforms ($300), parking ($9 per semester), and dentistry board fees ($225). The full vocational program requires a total of 40 credits.

Any college offering a vocational program in dental assisting requires proof of Hepatitis B vaccination for both the patient’s safety and the dental assistant’s. Many colleges also require proof that all vaccinations are up to date and some colleges also require the meningitis vaccination.

Classes required to gain a certificate in dental assisting include:

• Clinical Practice and Clinical Practice Lab
• Clinical Procedures and Clinical Procedures Lab
• Communication
• Dental Anatomy
• Dental Assisting and Dental Assisting Lab
• Dental Lab
• Dental Practices
• Dental Psychology
• Dental Theory
• Materials and Materials Lab
• Office Emergencies
• Office Management
• Patient Relations
• Preventative Dentistry
• Radiology and Radiology Lab

There is the option of receiving training directly in a dental office. This is often a less expensive route to take, but some dentists are unwilling to invest that much time and energy into their dental assistant. If you are lucky and stumble into an apprenticeship, you are still required to take Patient Relations/Ethics and Radiology/Radiology Lab. Without these two courses, you will find the number of job duties you can legally complete are severely reduced. All x-ray taking and development become illegal to perform until you’ve completed the radiology courses.

Working as a Dental Assistant

With the completion of a training program, one can then begin working for a dental office. Job duties vary, but on an average day you will be handling these duties:

• Helping patients get comfortable in the dental examination room
• Taking x-rays of patient’s teeth
• Developing the x-rays for the dentist
• Manage the front office
• Maintain patient records during the visit
• Handle routine instructions and follow-up care
• Hand dental equipment to the dentist during examinations
• Take molds of the patient’s teeth
• Prepare filling material when fillings are necessary
• Provide fluoride treatments
• Polish and remove tartar from teeth
• Clean and sterilize all equipment and the room following a visit

Some dental assistants even handle billing, appointments, supply orders, billing patients, and creating temporary crowns as required. Often the more advanced duties like making crowns require additional training. Most dental assistants work a normal 40 hour work week, though there is a growing trend of having more than one dental assistant per office and then having them work part-time. This can prevent burnout and help cover vacations more easily. On the other hand, it can be hard for a worker who needs a full-time job. Part-time dental assistants have the option of then working in a different field for the other half of a work week, which helps break up the monotony some job details may present.

People rarely think about the fact that dental assistants work for long hours on their feet, in intense lights, and in a climate controlled environment. Because dental equipment must be kept sterile, dental offices cannot open windows in the offices, so fresh air is not an option. Those who find air conditioning to be bothersome to the sinuses may find it hard to work effectively in a dental office setting. Another issue is that patients will sneeze, cough, or otherwise spread germs unintentionally. Dental assistants and health care workers are exposed to far more germs than other people. Those with immune system problems will generally not want to work in this field. Dental assistants do wear protective masks which help, but nothing is 100% germ proof.

Find a program in Florida for becoming a dental assistant.