Dental Job Descriptions
The dental industry provides a number of jobs in various areas. In addition to general dentistry, there are nine other specialty areas of dentistry. In addition to working in an office, there are dental jobs that don't require working with the public or in an office. Whether you are looking for an entry level job or a more advanced job, there are plenty of options.
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Dental Assistant
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According to the American Dental Association, the job of a dental assistant is one of the most broad and diverse in the dentist's office. The job requires interpersonal as well as technical skills. A dental assistant gets information on a patient's medical history, takes her blood pressure and pulse and takes dental x-rays. The dental assistant also teaches patients appropriate oral hygiene to improve or keep up good oral health. A dental assistant may perform some basic office management including scheduling appointments, answering the phone and billing.
Dental Hygienist
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The dental hygienist works closely with the dentist. The hygienist may have some similar responsibilities to those of the dental assistant including reviewing medical history, pulse and blood pressure and taking x-rays. A dental hygienist also removes plaque and applies sealants and fluorides to a patient's teeth. Dental hygienists also talk to the patient about good nutrition and its effect on his oral health. Dental hygienists are also responsible for some office management, including documentation.
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Laboratory Technician
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A dental laboratory technician rarely works directly with patients. Instead, she works directly with the dentist and his instructions to provide necessary products for patients. Lab technicians use impressions or molds of a patient's teeth or soft tissue to create full dentures, partial dentures, crowns, veneers and other orthodontic appliances or splints. Most opportunities for laboratory technicians are in a lab, but there are some jobs in private dental offices.
General Dentist
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A general dentist works with the dental hygienist and dental assistant in the office to serve a patient's needs. A dentist analyzes x-rays and examines a patient's teeth and mouth. A dentist administers anesthetics if necessary. She performs basic teeth cleaning with brushes, a mouth mirror and other polishers. Dentists may also use drills or other tools to clean out and fill cavities, rebuild broken teeth or extract teeth. A dentist also writes any necessary prescriptions for patients.
Specialty Areas
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In addition to general dentistry, there are nine dental specialty areas. Orthodontists work on straightening teeth. Oral and maxillofacial radiologists diagnose diseases in the head and neck. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons operate on the mouth, jaws, teeth, gums, neck and head. Pediatric dentists work with children and special needs patients. Periodontists treat gums. Prosthodontists replace missing teeth. Endodontists perform root canal therapy. Oral pathologists diagnose oral diseases, and dental public health specialists work with the community to promote good dental health and prevent dental disease.
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References
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