Dental Career Overview for Community College Students - CareerAlley

Dental Career Overview for Community College Students - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. The Dental Industry The dental professional has remained strong even through the recent economic downturn and is considered a promising career area for the future. Anyone interested in health care and personal aesthetics might especially want to consider a career in the dental industry. Some of the factors that point to dentistrys strength as a career include: Anticipated improvements in dental care insurance coverage New dental technologies and treatments that open up a range of new services to more people Greater public awareness about the importance of dental hygiene in contributing to overall personal health and well being Dental practitioners improving the experience of their patients by creating a more welcoming and patient-friendly environment Related dental career positions include dentists, hygienists, assistants, lab technicians, as well as dental office and other specialist roles. Dental Education Basics The American Dental Association (ADA) is a good source of information on dental education. The ADA works to ensure that dentists anddental team members receive the best possible education and training. The demand is considered strong for dental team positions such as dental hygienists, dental assistants and dental lab technicians. Hygienists and assistants interact closely with patients to ensure a high level of care, while dental labtechnicians work behind-the-scenes, designing the dentures, crowns and braces used by dentists. TheCommission on DentalAccreditation (CODA)has arigorous process for developing accreditationstandards for dental education programs across the United States. Community College students interested in considering a career in dentistry will find it helpful to review the American Dental Associations website. The site contains information concerning entrance and aptitude tests, lists of accredited dental programs, and a range of educational options including online courses, seminars, and continuing education. Dental Course Requirements To become a dentist a four year program is standard. Non-clinical studies comprise the first two years. Clinical training is included in the final two years. Specializations such as periodontics and orthodontics require additional training after receiving a DDS degree. There are numerous programs that support dental hygiene, assisting, and dental laboratory training and education. Educating patients about proper oral hygiene, cleaning teeth, and administering preventive dental care are the major responsibilities of dental hygienists. They record abnormalities and problem areas in patients mouths. Other tasks include taking oral x-rays; giving fluoride and fissure sealants; providing periodontal therapy in the form of root planning; removing plaque, calculus, and stains from teeth. Hygienists often work side by side with dentists. Passing a practical and written test and graduation from an accredited dental hygiene school are requirements to gain licensure in the State in which they are practicing. All States and the District of Columbia accept the examination given by the American Dental Association Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations. To become a dental assistant there are several possible paths. Some states require assistants to graduate from an accredited program and pass a state exam. Dental assistants who do not have formal education in dental assisting may learn from on-the-job training. The dentist or other dental assistants in the office teach the new assistant dental terminology, the names of the instruments, how to do daily tasks, how to interact with patients, and other activities necessary to help keep the dental office running smoothly. Most states regulate what dental assistants may do. Those who are just beginning their professional lives or are considering a change have many career and educational paths available to them. The field of dentistry offers numerous interesting and rewarding career possibilities to consider. Byline: Ron McCoy is an observer of the dental profession and writes on various related topics for Adler Cosmetic and Family Dentistry and Boulder Center for Advanced Dentistry in Boulder, Colorado. This is a Guest post. If you would like to submit a guest post to CareerAlley, please follow these guest post guidelines. Good luck in your search. Good luck in your search. Visit me on Facebook