AIM Magazine 2016 | Page 61

jobs in that area based on information from NWA Workforce Connection. A registered dental assistant must take and pass a class to earn a state certificate. You can work as a dental assistant without a certificate, but the pay is less. Dental assistants in Northwest Arkansas earn an average of $ 34,800 annually.
A dental hygienist, who performs many preventive dental care procedures such as cleaning teeth, is required to hold a license.
That license requires an associate degree in dental hygiene, which could take three years to earn. That investment pays off with the average pay for a hygienist hitting $ 67,800 per year.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in health care, there are some basic skills that apply to all jobs in the field. You must be able to use math and science to solve problems, be a good listener and be able to communicate clearly. Health care workers must also be able to recognize potential problems, and use logic and reasoning to solve problems.
Locally, there are many options for education and training available for those who choose a career in health care. Many high schools offer classes that introduce students to patient care, anatomy, medical terminology and more. Northwest Technical Institute, NorthWest Arkansas Community College, the University of Arkansas and John Brown University all offer nursing programs. NTI and NWACC also offer classes for dental assisting.
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