Dentistry is one of the careers expected to have a steady, stable rise even in the midst of a weak economy. If you’re looking to find out more about dentistry careers and the different options therein, here are some important facts to help you out:
- Know the typical duties of a dentist. Dentists have a wide range of responsibilities, such as cleaning teeth, filling in cavities, extracting teeth, treating gum disease, straightening teeth and replacing missing teeth.
- Know the different specializations. If you want to become a dentist, there are many particular specializations on which you can focus. For example, you can work in general dentistry; get involved in cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics and much more. Here are some of the specializations:
- Pediatric dentistry, which specializes in treating children’s teeth
- Orthodontic dentistry, which specializes in teeth straightening through braces and retainers and other devices
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery, which specializes in surgery of the mouth and jaws
- Prosthodontic dentistry, which specializes in the replacement of missing teeth through the use of dentures and crowns
- Endodontic dentistry, which specializes in root canals
- Periodontic dentistry, which specializes in gum treatment
Many dentists choose to focus on one or more of the above fields, or undergo continuing education for additional specializations while in practice. Depending on the specialization you choose, the dentist jobs available may vary.
- Know the different careers in the field of dentistry. Apart from the dentist that we typically associate with the field of dentistry, other careers associated with dental care include the following: hygienists, dental assistants and dental lab technicians.Dental hygienists’ duties include cleaning and putting sealants on the patient’s teeth, taking and developing dental x-rays, and taking the patient’s dental history. They do not perform dental operations on patients. To be a dental hygienist, one can undergo a two- to four-year course at universities, dental schools and community colleges.Dental assistants, as the name implies, act as the overall assistant in the clinic. The difference between dental hygienists and dental assistants is that dental hygienists have to undergo training (see above) to be qualified, while dental assistants need only a high school diploma, and on-site hands-on training. Dental hygienists also do not need to work under the dentist’s supervision.Dental lab technicians work with the tools and equipment used by the dentist, including high-tech instruments and equipment. They are also the ones who create the orthodontic appliances, crowns, veneers, etc. To be a dental lab technician, a one-year certification after a four-year undergraduate degree is required.
- Know the job outlook. The field of dentistry is one of the most stable jobs available because of the improvement of dental care and the need of everybody to have preventative maintenance on their teeth, as well as the restoration of flawed teeth and gums.To be a dentist, it is necessary to obtain a four-year undergraduate degree, followed by training in dentistry at a dental school for another four years. The first two years of dental school are mostly spent in the classroom, learning subjects such as anatomy, lab techniques and biochemistry. Graduates are awarded a Doctorate of Dental Medicine or a Doctorate of Dental Surgery. To practice their profession, graduates must pass a licensing exam in their state.
There you have it! These are just some of the things that you should know about dentistry careers if you are interested in working in this profession.