Dentistry is a field that offers many career paths. You can become a dentist, dental hygienist, dental assistant, or lab technician. Each of these careers has its unique set of responsibilities and requires different levels of education. For example, you can get your associate’s degree in dental hygiene at Geogia Highlands College. This blog post will discuss the different career paths in dentistry and what you need to do to qualify for each one.
Dental Assistants
Dental assistants are an essential part of any dental team. They support the work of dentists and hygienists by preparing patients for treatment, sterilizing instruments, taking X-rays, and providing patient education. Dental assistants can find employment in various private practices, clinics, hospitals, and public health facilities.
Dental Hygienists
Dental hygienists are responsible for cleaning teeth, taking X-rays, and providing preventive care. They usually work in a dental office under the supervision of a dentist. Most dental hygienists have an associate’s degree in dental hygiene. Some states require dental hygienists to be licensed.
Dental Laboratory Technicians
Dental laboratory technicians work in dental laboratories and fabricate dental prosthetics, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures. Dental laboratory technicians typically need an associate’s degree from an accredited program.
General Dentist
A general dentist is a dental practitioner who diagnoses, treats, and manages the overall oral health of their patients. They are also responsible for providing preventative care and educating their patients on maintaining good oral hygiene. General dentists typically work in private practices or clinics. To become a general dentist, one must complete an accredited dental program. After completing their dental program, they must pass the National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE) to obtain their license.
Orthodontist
An orthodontist is a dentist focusing on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial abnormalities. To improve a person’s appearance and bite, orthodontists apply braces, retainers, and other appliances to align teeth and jaws.
Periodontist
The career path of a periodontist is to treat and prevent gum disease. They also place dental implants, artificial teeth anchored into the jawbone. Periodontists usually work in private practices or with other dentists. To become a periodontist, you must complete four years of dental school and three years of specialty training in periodontics. You must also pass a written and clinical exam administered by the American Board of Periodontology.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects of the head, neck, face, jaws, and teeth. They work closely with other medical professionals, such as plastic surgeons and ENT specialists, to provide comprehensive care for their patients. Dentistry is a growing field with many career paths. Each of these careers offers different opportunities and challenges. The best way to find the right path for you is to speak with professionals in the field and learn more about each job.
We hope this article has given you a better understanding of the different career paths in dentistry, and we wish you luck in finding the perfect fit for your future.