I have been a dental assistant for 9 years. I took a dental assistant class and became a certified dental assistant right out of high school. While the class taught me the book side of things it did not teach my the hands on portion of the job very well. Every doctor is different from the materials they use to the techniques they prefer. I learned more by working than reading a textbook.

I worked as an assistant as I earned my associates degree and completed my prerequisites for dental hygiene. Unfortunately while I have a passion for dentistry hygiene is not for me. I love being an assistant and I want to become a DA II. After looking into it there is no possible way for me to become a DAII without quitting my job. The closest class is 2.5 hours away. I have a family to provide for and can not afford to quit my job to take a DA II course. If a certified dental assistant with significant experience has a doctor sign off on clinical hours and they can pass the exam why not allow them?