DENTAL CAREERS

Careers in Dentistry The goal of the dental team is to provide optimal care of the oral cavity for all patients Dental team members can work in: – Group or specialty practice – Schools – Government or community clinics – Dental insurance companies

Dentist Education – 4-year degree from college or university – 3 to 4 years of dental school training – 2 years of additional training for specialty – National examination required for licensure Degrees – Doctor of dental surgery (DDS) – Doctor of medical dentistry (DMD)

What Does a Dentist Do? Diagnose and Treat diseases, injury and malformations of the teeth and mouth Improve a patient’s appearance by using a variety of cosmetic procedures Perform surgical procedures such as implants, tissue grafts, and extractions Educate patients Perform research – improving oral health and developing new treatments

Specialties of Practice Endodontics concerned with the human dental pulp and periradicular tissues Oral and maxillofacial pathology deals with the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. includes research and diagnosis of diseases using clinical, radiographic, microscopic, biochemical, or other examinations. Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology concerned with the production and interpretation of images that are used for the diagnosis and management of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral and maxillofacial region.

Specialties of Practice Oral and maxillofacial surgery – concerned with the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects involving both the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region. Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics –includes the diagnosis, prevention, interception, and correction of malocclusion, as well as neuromuscular and skeletal abnormalities of the developing or mature orofacial structures.

Specialties of Practice Pediatric Dentistry Periodontics –encompasses the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth - Gums Prosthodontics –specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues Public health dentistry –form of dental practice which serves the community as a patient rather than the individual –concerned with the dental health education of the public, with applied dental research, and with the administration of group dental care programs

Dental Hygienist Education – 2-year community college – 4-year college or university program – Completion of accredited program and national examination for state licensing

What Does a Dental Hygienist Do? Records patient’s health history Removes calculus and plaque Examines teeth and oral structures Screens for oral cancer and blood pressure abnormalities Counsels and teaches patients Applies preventive materials such as sealants and flurides

Dental Assistant Education – 1- to 2-year accredited program – Certification through the Dental Assisting National Board

What Does a Dental Assistant Do? Assists dentist with a variety of treatment procedures – works with dental instruments and materials Prepares and sterilizes instruments and equipment Takes and processes X-rays Performs a variety of office management tasks

Dental Laboratory Technician Education – Primarily on-the- job training – Certification available through the National Association of Dental Laboratories

What Does a Dental Laboratory Technician Do? – Creates replacement for natural teeth – Uses artistic talent and “high tech” methods to create customized, hand- crafted dental restorations made from gold, chrome, alloys and ceramics