11 th Grade Graduation Project

1. 11th Grade Graduation Project

2. Occupational ResearchProfessional Firefighter

3. Nature of Work • Clean and maintain equipment • Conduct drills and training in fire fighting techniques • Provide public education on fire safety • Put out fires using hoses and pumps • Find and rescue victims in burning buildings or in other emergency conditions

4. Education and Training Education • Most firefighters must have a high school diploma. • An increasing number of firefighters also have postsecondary education. • Some colleges offer certificate programs or degrees in fire engineering or fire science. • Training • Entry-level firefighters receive several weeks of training at fire academies run by the department or by the state. • Through classroom instruction and practical training, recruits study fire-fighting and fire-prevention techniques, local building codes, and emergency medical procedures. • They also learn how to fight fires with standard equipment, including axes, chain saws, fire extinguishers, and ladders.

5. Qualifications • Firefighters need to quickly evaluate emergency scenes and decide what to do. • They must be able to communicate conditions to the other emergency responding crews. • Must be able to deal with dangerous situations on a daily basis. • Firefighters must be strong enough to move equipment and debris at an emergency site. They also need to be able to carry victims who cannot walk. • Firefighters may have to stay at disaster scenes for long periods of time to rescue and to treat victims. They may be called to respond to emergencies at any hour of the day. • When working at dangerous emergency sites, firefighters must work as well-trained teams to react quickly and to minimize injuries.  

6. Job Outlook • Employment of firefighters is expected to grow 9 percent. • The rate of growth is slower that the average rate of growth for all other occupations. • Continued population growth will increase the number of emergency calls requiring firefighter responses. • The majority of situations that firefighters respond to are medical—rather than fire—emergencies. • An increase in urban populations, where full-time firefighters are more common, also is expected to increase the demand for firefighters.

7. The median annual wage of firefighters was $45,250 in May 2010. In 2010, 67 percent of firefighters were union members or covered by a union contract. Most Firefighters work about 50 hours a week. Some firefighters work 24-hour shifts on duty and are off the following 48 or 72 hours. Additional hours may be required when responding to a fire or medical emergency. Earnings

8. Related Occupations • EMTs and Paramedics • Fire Inspectors and Investigators • Police and Detectives • Security Guards and Gaming Surveillance Officers • Correctional Officers

9. Grandfathers OccupationDentist (19??-present)

10. Nature of Work • Remove decay from teeth and fill cavities • Repair cracked or fractured teeth and remove teeth • Straighten teeth to correct bite issues • Place sealants or whitening agents on teeth • Give anesthetics to keep patients from feeling pain during procedures • Write prescriptions for antibiotics or other medications • Examine x rays of teeth, gums, the jaw, and nearby areas for problems • Make models and measurements for dental appliances, such as dentures, to fit patients • Teach patients about diet, flossing, use of fluoride, and other aspects of dental care

11. Education and Training • Dentists should take courses in chemistry, physics, biology, anatomy, and mathematics. • Most dental students need at least a bachelor's degree before entering dental school • All dental schools require applicants to have completed certain required science courses, such as biology and chemistry. • Dental schools require students to take classes such as local anesthesia, anatomy, periodontology (the study of oral disease and health), and radiology. • Dentists must be licensed in all states; requirements vary by state. In most states, a license requires a degree from an accredited dental school and passing a written and practical exam.

12. Qualifications • Dentists must have excellent communication skills. They must be able to communicate effectively with patients, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and receptionists. • Dentists must be detail oriented so patients receive appropriate treatments and medications. They must also pay attention to space, shape, and color. For example, they may need to closely match a false tooth with a patient’s other teeth.  • Dentists may work for long periods of time with patients who need special attention. Children and patients with a fear of dental work may require a lot of patience.

13. Job Outlook • Employment of dentists is expected to grow by 21 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. • Dentists are likely to hire more hygienists and dental assistants to handle routine services. • Dentists will continue to see an increase in public demand for their services as studies continue to link oral health to overall health.

14. The median annual wage of dentists was $146,920 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Earnings vary according to number of years in practice, location, hours worked, and specialty. • Equal to or greater than $166,400 for oral and maxillofacial surgeons • Equal to or greater than $166,400 for orthodontists • $161,020 for dentists, all other specialists • $141,040 for general dentists • $118,400 for prosthodontists • Most dentists work full time. Some work evenings and weekends to meet their patients' needs. Earnings

15. Related Occupations • Chiropractors • Optometrists • Physicians and Surgeons • Podiatrists • Veterinarians

16. References • www.bls.gov/ • www.westsandy36.webs.com • www.americancityandcounty.com • www.flickr.com • www.freewebs.com • www.wpclipart.com • www.eric-morris.com • www.medicmagic.net