Assisting the dentist with procedures, setting up the rooms, taking x-rays and doing lab work are all part of her job. She says the instruments really haven't changed in dentistry but the materials, such as those used for fillings, have changed.

Her advice to students wishing to pursue a career as a dental assistant includes job shadowing a dental assistant for a day and concentrating on anatomy and physiology in high school.

"My favorite part of my job," she says, "is working with people." She enjoys the communication and contact with patients and says there are many interesting people to meet and what better place to meet them than the dentist's office!