Careers in Dentistry
A dental education opens the door to a wide range of professional opportunities. Beyond private practice, today’s dental school graduates can work in hospital emergency rooms, conduct advanced research, teach future dentists, or even travel the world with international health and relief organizations.
If you’re looking for a rewarding career in healthcare with a competitive salary and a sustainable work-life balance, dentistry might be for you. Follow the ADA News series, “Becoming a Dentist,” to learn more about the exciting journeys of today’s dental students.
Dental Team Careers
What Does a Dentist Do?
Dentists are doctors who specialize in oral health, with responsibilities that include:
- Diagnosing and treating diseases, injuries, and malformations of the teeth and mouth
- Improving patients’ appearances through cosmetic procedures
- Performing surgical procedures, such as implants, tissue grafts, and extractions
- Educating patients on oral care and disease prevention
- Teaching future dentists and dental hygienists
- Conducting research to improve oral health and develop new treatment methods
What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?
Dental Hygienists use their knowledge and clinical skills to provide essential dental hygiene care for patients, including:
- Performing patient screening procedures
- Educating patients on proper oral hygiene practices
- Applying preventive materials like fluoride and sealants
- Counseling patients on nutrition and its effects on oral health
- Removing calculus and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from teeth
What Does a Dental Assistant Do?
Dental Assistants play a key role in patient care and office management, assisting dentists in various tasks:
- Assisting with dental procedures and working with instruments and materials
- Helping patients feel comfortable during treatment
- Taking and developing x-rays
- Preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment
- Communicating with patients, health professionals, dental suppliers, and insurers
- Managing office tasks such as scheduling and billing
What Does a Dental Laboratory Technician Do?
Dental Laboratory Technicians use their expertise and sophisticated tools to create dental prostheses, including:
- Full dentures for patients missing all their teeth
- Partial dentures or bridges for patients missing one or a few teeth
- Crowns to restore teeth to their original size and shape
- Veneers for enhanced aesthetics and function
- Orthodontic appliances and splints to straighten and protect teeth
Dental technicians work with a variety of materials such as waxes, plastics, alloys, stainless steel, porcelain, and composites. They play a crucial role in creating replacements that are both attractive and functional.
Explore the many rewarding opportunities in dentistry and become part of a dynamic and essential healthcare field.
