Are you interested in dentistry? Do you want to help people achieve and maintain good oral health? Dentistry is a field that offers many career paths for those interested in helping people maintain their oral health. From dental hygienists to dentists, there are many opportunities for professionals who want to work in the dental field.
This blog post will explore six of the most common career paths for people interested in dentistry. It will also discuss the duties and responsibilities of each position and the educational requirements necessary to obtain these careers. Let’s get started.
Dental Assistants
Dental assistants are important members of the dental team. They work closely with dentists and dental hygienists to provide patients with quality care. Dental assistants perform a variety of tasks, including sterilizing instruments, preparing materials for dental procedures, taking X-rays, and assisting patients in the dental chair.
Most dental assistants have completed a dental assistant program at a community college or technical school. For instance, this dental assistant school in Tennessee offers an accredited dental assistant program that can be completed in as little as nine months. You will learn how to perform the duties of a dental assistant and be prepared to take your state’s dental assisting exam.
Dental Hygienists
Dental hygienists are responsible for cleaning teeth, taking X-rays, educating patients on oral hygiene, and providing other preventive care. They work closely with dentists to ensure patients receive the best care possible. Most dental hygienists have an associate’s degree in dental hygiene.
To become a dental hygienist, you must complete an accredited dental hygiene program and pass your state’s licensure exam. You must enroll in a dental hygiene program at an accredited school and learn about the various aspects of dental care. In addition to taking courses on oral anatomy and physiology, you will also take classes on dental materials, public health, and pharmacology.
After completing your accredited dental hygiene program, you must pass your state’s licensure exam to become a licensed dental hygienist.
Dental Laboratory Technicians
Are you interested in working with your hands? Do you have an eye for detail? If so, a career as a dental laboratory technician may be the perfect fit for you. Dental laboratory technicians work behind the scenes to create dental prosthetics, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures.
To become a qualified dental laboratory technician, you must complete a certificate III or IV in dental technology. Alternatively, you can complete a traineeship. You should also consider completing a dental technology degree, which will allow you to learn about the latest advances in dental technology. In most cases, you will need to complete an accredited dental technology program to be eligible for certification.
Dentists
Dentists are responsible for diagnosing, treating, and preventing oral health problems. They examine patients’ teeth and gums, order X-rays, and develop treatment plans. In addition, dentists may also provide preventive care, such as fluoride treatments and sealants. It is one of the most common career paths for people interested in dentistry.
Besides treating oral health problems and providing general dental care some dentists also decide to specialize in cosmetic dentistry procedures such as porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, and Invisalign. One such example of a dentist is Dr. Sabourin who is one of the best cosmetic dentists in La Jolla CA.
To become a dentist, you must complete four years of dental school and earn your Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. During your time in dental school, you will take courses on oral anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology. You will also complete clinical rotations, where you will gain hands-on experience treating patients. After dental school, you must pass your state’s licensure exam to become a licensed dentist.
Orthodontist
Orthodontists are dental specialists who focus on the alignment of teeth and jaws. They use a variety of treatments, such as braces and Invisalign, to straighten teeth and improve a patient’s bite. This career is somehow related to dentistry, but it is more specialized.
To become an orthodontist, you must complete four years of dental school and earn your DDS or DMD degree. After dental school, you must complete two to three years of additional training in an accredited orthodontic residency program. During your residency, you will learn how to diagnose and treat dental and facial irregularities. You will also gain experience working with patients of all ages. You must also pass your state’s licensure exam to become a licensed orthodontist.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dental specialists who diagnose and treat conditions affecting the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face. They may also provide cosmetic surgery services. This career is one of the most demanding and requires at least eight years of schooling and training.
To become a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, you must complete four years of dental school and earn your DDS or DMD degree. After dental school, you must complete a four-year oral and maxillofacial surgery residency. During your residency, you will receive anesthesia, surgical techniques, and wound care training. You will also gain experience in managing complex facial trauma cases. After completing your residency, you must pass a written and oral examination administered by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery to become board certified.
There are many different career paths that you can take if you are interested in dentistry. You can become a dental laboratory technician, dentist, orthodontist, or oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Each of these careers has its own requirements, but they all involve working with teeth. Whichever path you choose, you will need to complete a rigorous education and training program. But the rewards of working in dentistry are many, and you can be sure that you will make a difference in your patients’ lives.