INPUT ARTICLE: Article: While it may be possible to get a job as a dental assistant without a high school degree or equivalent, you'll have a much better chance if you do. If you did not graduate from high school, make plans to get your GED before you begin applying for jobs. While you're in high school, focus on taking classes in biology, chemistry and anatomy to prepare you to work as a dental assistant. You may also want to do volunteer work or get an internship in the field of customer service, to work on your interpersonal skills. As a dental assistant, you'll be working with patients every day, and employers will look favorably on this type of experience. Some states do not require dental assistants to have any type of training or education beyond a high school degree. Others require job candidates to get certification from an accredited program. To find out about your state's requirements, do an online search for your state + board of dentistry. Click on a link that directs you to information about dental assisting or dental assistant registration. In states that don't require a certificate, your training will take place on the job. In these cases you may become a "registered dental assistant" when your dental employer lists your name on the practice's dental license renewal. Look for a program that has been accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) in your area. Many community colleges offer such programs Most programs last one year. In the program you will participate in both classroom and laboratory work to learn about teeth, gums, dental instruments you'll be using, and other facets of the dental assistantship career. In states where getting a certificate is not required, you may still benefit from completing such a program. It can give you a competitive edge over other job applicants. To receive your certificate, you'll need to pass this exam at the end of your program. To take the exam, register with the Dental Assisting National Board. You must meet the following requirements to take the exam: You must have graduated from an accredited program In states that don't require you to complete a program, you must have your high school diploma or equivalent You must have current CPR training

SUMMARY: Get your high school degree or GED. Research your state's requirements for dental assistants. Enter a certificate program if required by your state. Pass the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Dry brushing is a technique you can use with any brush where you start with a completely dry brush. Add a little paint to the very end of the brush, and wipe off any extra. Run the tip of the brush over the canvas lightly, which creates a feathery look. The key to this stroke is to not get too much paint on your brush. A fan brush is spread out like a fan, so it makes it easy to create things like palm tree leaves. Use the long side to make an edge, and then use the fan part to make the line thicker, pulling it down into thin leaves or lines. This technique is called impasto. Use your palette knife to pick up a blob of paint and apply it to the canvas. Don't smooth it out completely. Rather, leave some of it raised up to give the painting texture. This technique gives you permission to go a little crazy with your paint. Lay your canvas out flat, and then pour paint on the canvas. You can use a cup, the tube it came in, or a paint brush to drip it. For a splattering effect, hit the brush against your hand, letting the paint splatter on the canvas. For this technique, thin your paint with 1 part water to 2 parts paint. You can use a wide variety of household items to paint on canvas, such as a clean toothbrush, paper towels, a sponge, a cotton swab, or a toothpick. Experiment with different items to see what effect you like. Keep in mind that acrylic paint is permanent on many surfaces once it dries so only use items you're willing to throw away afterwards.

SUMMARY: Try dry brushing for a feathery look. Use a fan brush to create multiple lines at once. Apply paint thickly with a palette knife for texture. Pour or splatter the paint on the canvas for a fluid effect. Add interesting textures with household items.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: . If your child is acting out in an aggressive way, stay calm. Don't get angry, yell, or act in an aggressive way to the child. Remaining calm will help your child calm more quickly. If you get upset, that will feed your child's aggression and make things worse. Your child relies on you for stability, especially when they are upset. Often, the child is aggressive because they are upset or feel out of control. Staying calm will help communicate to your child everything is okay. To stay calm, take a few deep breaths. Inhale and count to 10 before responding. Remind yourself that your child is learning how to control their emotions. When your child acts out, don't respond in a dramatic or over-the-top way. Don't give your child too much attention when they act aggressively. This may feed into your child's aggression and emotions. Instead, respond quickly and efficiently. Keep your words straight to the point, and try to redirect your child's actions. If that doesn't work, take them away from the situation. Trying to talk to your child and giving them a lot of attention if they are aggressive or throwing a tantrum may reinforce negative behavior. For example, if your child is biting another child, say in a firm tone, "No, you don't bite people. Biting hurts." Toddlers will probably hit, bite, or act out multiple times, so remember to repeat your point over and over until they understand. To redirect your child, after you have corrected the behavior, try saying, "Why don't we go down the slide?" or, "Pick up your doll and let's continue playing." Your child acts in an aggressive way because they are angry or upset about something. When they act in this manner, acknowledge their feelings; however, you should follow this up with how aggressive behavior is not an appropriate response to their feelings. For example, if your toddler gets angry, you can say, "I understand that you are angry because the other kid took your toy, but hitting someone is not okay;" or, "I know you are upset because we have to leave when you want to play, but you cannot kick and scream." When you correct your toddler's aggressive behavior, use an authoritative, strong tone. Sometimes, words may not be enough with a toddler. Use actions along with your words to get your point across. For example, when you tell your toddler to stop hitting or snatching, hold their arm in place to emphasize they aren't supposed to use their hands. Make sure to be firm and authoritative, but not angry or aggressive. This may take many repetitions before your child corrects the behavior.

SUMMARY:
Remain calm Respond quickly and simply. Acknowledge your child's feelings. Back up your words with actions.