Americans' obsession with their pearly whites has created a tremendous demand for professionally trained dental assistants and dental hygienists.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that the dental assistant profession is expected to grow about 42 percent by 2012. This is good news for the thousands of dentists who rely on certified dental assistants or dental hygienists to help with patient care.

Dental assistants, who train in various dental assisting programs across the nation, are usually the first and last people patients see at the dentist's office. They assist with routine cleanings and dental x-rays, prepare equipment, and perform other tasks requested by the dentist.

"We have come a long way from just scheduling appointments and putting on a patient bib," said Mary Frohn, CDA, CDPMA, EFDA, B.S., a professor in the Massasoit Community College Dental Assistant Program. After eleven years working in a clinical setting, Frohn now trains the next generation of dental auxiliary students to enter the field.

"I get great satisfaction from taking students from not knowing anything about dental assisting on their first day of class, to help make them dental career professionals in less than a year," Frohn said.

Growing trends