1. Careers Dentistry Information Provided By:
Georgia Statewide Area Health Education Center (AHEC)
PowerPoint Presentation By:
Juliane Monko & Dr. Frank Flanders
CTAE Resource Network, June 2009
Based On PowerPoint Ideas From:
Penny Howard, RN, Healthcare Science Instructor 1

2. There are six centers in the Georgia AHEC Network, and each serves a multi-county region. 
The AHEC mission is to meet the health needs of Georgia by improving the supply, distribution and quality of healthcare providers.
AHECs offer enrichment programs, camps, learning tools, student counseling, volunteer and mentoring activity coordination, and access to other educational resources.
Contact your regional AHEC for more information. 
A H E C

3. Objectives
Students will be able to describe health careers in the field of Dentistry.
Students will be able to plan a healthcare career path in Dentistry.

4. Careers in Dentistry
Dental Assistant
Dental Hygienist
Dentist

5. Dental Assistant

6. Dental Assistant
Work side by side with dentists to increase efficiency in providing direct patient care. They greet patients, make them comfortable, and prepare them for examinations.
Dental assistants show patients how to brush and floss their teeth.
Denatal assistants take and develop dental x-rays, record patient histories and monitor vital signs.
Also help in the day-to-day office management, such as scheduling, billing, filing insurance and ordering supplies.

7. Dental Assistant Work Environment Salary
Community health agencies
Dental and dental hygiene schools
General and specialty dental offices
Health maintenance organizations
Hospitals
Military bases
Prisons
Private and state institutions
Public health departments
VA hospitals
Average Starting Salary $27,040
Figures according to 2006 data. To see updated figures, visit the SOWEGA-AHEC website at:

8. Dental Assistant Academic Requirements
A high school diploma or equivalent is recommended.  Most dental assistants enter the field through one- to two-year academic programs leading to certificates, diplomas, or associate degrees. On- the-job training is also available, but formal educational programs enable students to advance more quickly in salary and responsibility. Graduation from an ADA accredited program or at least two years of work experience is required for certification eligibility.

9. Dental Hygienist

10. Dental Hygienist
Working with dentists, they provide dental care by examining teeth for cavities, removing tooth deposits, applying fluoride and sealants, and performing preventive services. 
They instruct patients on methods to improve and maintain their oral health, including brushing, flossing, and eating the proper foods. 

11. Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists record patient histories, update patient charts, and make impressions of teeth so that treatment options can be evaluated by a dentist.
They also do oral cancer and blood pressure screenings and take x-rays.

12. Dental Hygienist Work Environment Salary
Community health agencies
Dental and dental hygiene schools
Dental companies
Dental offices
Health Maintenance Organizations
Industry
Public health departments
Average Starting Salary $55,862
Figures according to 2006 data. To see updated figures, visit the SOWEGA-AHEC website at:

13. Dental Hygienist Academic Requirements
Dental hygiene two-year programs lead to associate degrees while four-year programs lead to bachelor's   degrees. Some hygienists enter post- certificate dental hygiene programs to programs to earn bachelor's degrees in dental hygiene or related fields such as biology or health education.  A dental hygienist may also pursue a master's degree in  health education, adult education or public health.  

14. Dentist

15. Dentist
Diagnoses and treats diseased and injured teeth, gums, and oral tissues.
Dentists also educate people about oral health and prevention of dental problems.
Dentists help improve the appearance of their patients through dental techniques such as braces and dentures.

16. Dentist Areas of Specialty
Specialty status can be achieved by completing an ADA accredited residency and passing a board exam. 
Dental Public
Health Endodontics
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Orthodontics
Pediatric Dentistry
Periodontology
Prosthodontics

17. Dentist Work Environment Salary Average Starting Salary $76,250
Complementary health centers
Dental schools
Equipment manufacturing companies
Military
Private practice
Public health departments 
Average Starting Salary $76,250
Figures according to 2006 data. To see updated figures, visit the SOWEGA-AHEC website at:

18. Dentist Academic Requirements
Each dental school has its own admissions requirements. Research these criteria before planning any pre-professional curriculum. Dental students must apply for admission and take a national admissions test before entering dental school. A bachelor’s degree or at least three years of college is usually required to enter dental school.
Most dental schools conduct a four-year program leading to a doctoral degree in dentistry. An additional one to three years are required to practice in a specialty area.

19. Summary
As a group, oral health care providers are responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of oral health problems. As the nature of oral health problems has come to be better understood, the emphasis in dentistry has changed from treatment to prevention. Educational requirements vary by career and career level. Students interested in these careers should use the information provided here as a basis for a career plan. The student should also research the career further to complete a career plan.
Careers available in Dentistry include:
Dental Assistant
Dental Hygienist
Dentist