New York, New York (PRWEB) March 16, 2012
Dr. Catrise Austin has a flourishing career as a dental expert. Dr. Austin owns VIP Smiles, a private dental practice in New York City in which her clients include A-list celebrities and every day professionals. Shes an author and professional speaker that educates consumers on dental health and how to cosmetically enhance their smiles, and she is an HIV Advocate. Out of all of Dr. Austins accomplishments, it is her role as a trailblazing woman in dentistry, a traditionally male dominated field, that she is most proud of. During March (Womens History Month), Dr. Austin is sharing why the professional and supportive roles within dentistry are a perfect career choice for women – especially in todays current and competitive job market.
Even as a struggling job market is challenged to offer new and fruitful prospects to job seekers, dentistry continues to pay well, offer flexible hours for women with families, and provide a steady stream of available of work. Healthcare remains in the top job categories for 2012 according to US News. TopUSAJobs.com currently has a listing of over 2,000 dentistry related jobs- administrative positions included, and IHireDental.com lists several hundred dentistry related jobs by state. I would recommend anyone interested in the field of dentistry to volunteer as an intern to see which position in a dental office best meets their skill set. Said Dr. Austin about choosing which profession in dentistry would be a great match for interested women. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the annual average wage of a dentist is $ 160,000. The median annual wage of dental hygienists is $ 66,570. Office managers can make up to $ 80,000 annually. Dental assistants make an average of $ 20 per hour and a receptionist can make $ 15-20 an hour.
Women interested in becoming a dentist must complete four years of college with a science degree, then dental school for four years with an internship. Those interested in becoming a dental hygienist will discover a two to four year degree in Dental Hygiene is required, depending on the state of residence. Responsibilities include working side-by-side with a dentist, cleaning patients’ teeth, and educating patients about caring for their teeth and gums between dental appointments. The dental office manager is a unique position, as it stems from a variety of backgrounds. Dental office managers must come to the job with knowledge of how a dental office functions, which includes some knowledge of dental terminology and methods. Therefore, many dental office managers first complete a one-year dental assistant program at an American Dental Association accredited school. Dental assistants and receptionist positions mostly require on the job training, but many women go to Dental Assistant Schools for a six to nine month period for formal training.
I am inspired by the female leaders of dentistry. It is my goal to let women everywhere, high-school students included, know that Womens History Month isnt just about respecting the leaders of the past. It is about honoring their contributions to society by finding inspiration to map out a successful future. Says Dr. Catrise Austin, who owns VIP Smiles. Dr. Ida Gray Nelson Rollins was the first Black woman in America to earn a Doctorate in Dental Surgery Degree. She paved the way for women, like myself, to have a rewarding career that pays the bills but also changes lives. I want women to recognize all dentistry has to offer them personally and professionally, but also understand how we got here too.
If it wasnt for the women leaders of yesterday, like Dr. Lucy Hobbs Taylor who was the first female dentist in the USA or Dr. Bessie Delany who was a civil rights leader and earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from Columbia University in 1923, there wouldnt be the opportunities that exist today. Dr. Austin hopes to continue to build the dentistry profession by championing awareness of todays dentistry statistics combined with its relevance to Womens History month. Professional career groups, colleges, and womens associations are welcomed to reach out to Dr. Catrise Austin through her website, VIPSmiles.com, or through email at: vipsmilesny(at)aol(dot)com.
Dr. Catrise Austin recently solidified her place in Womens History by having the first private practice dentist office to HIV testing during routine dental exams. She has been honored by the National Black Leadership Commission On AIDS, Inc. at the Choose Life Awards and has been recognized by Nation to Nation Networking Ltd. at their Fourth Annual International Diaspora Award Dinner Gala. Dr. Austins Flagship office is based in New York City. She is also licensed in California and New Jersey. Her celebrity clientele include Paula Abdul, Karina Smirnoff, Wendy Williams, and Toni Braxton to name only a few. Dr. Austin has been a featured guest on the Today Show and Good Morning America. More information, and clippings, can be obtained by visiting: http://www.vipsmiles.com.
