Learn About Dental Career Options

Learn About Dental Career Options Learn About Dental Career Options The field of dentistry is concerned with the health and appearance of the oral cavity which includes the teeth, gums, and tongue, as well as with the jaw. The first occupation that typically comes to mind when we think of this branch of medicine is dentist, but other options might interest those who want to work in this field but arent willing to, or cant, spend the significant time it takes to prepare for this career. If you want to help people preserve their oral health and appearance, you can become a dentist, dental hygienist, dental assistant or dental technician. Their roles and responsibilities of these dental careers differ significantly from one another, as do their  educational and licensing requirements. Read through these brief descriptions and then dig further to learn more about them so you can decide which is the best fit for you. Dentist Dentists  are health professionals who diagnose and treat problems with their patients teeth and mouth tissue. They may be general practitioners or specialize in an area of dentistry like orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics or pediatric dentistry, and many own their own practices. Expect to spend at least six years preparing to become a dentist. That includes at least two years of college and four years at an accredited dental school. While some programs dont require a bachelors degree for admittance, many do. If you want to specialize, you will have to spend another one to two years doing a residency in that area of concentration after you graduate from dental school. All states require a license to practice. You will have to pass Parts I and II of the National Board Dental Examinations. Their extensive responsibilities and training garnered general dentists a substantial median annual salary  of $152,700 in 2015. Specialists  earned more. Dental hygienists and assistants, who both work alongside dentists, have significantly lower earnings, but that is proportional to their preparation and level of responsibility. Dental Hygienist Dental hygienists, generally working under the supervision of a dentist, provide preventative dental care. They typically spend a lot of time with their patients, performing cleanings, examining their mouths and teeth, and teaching them good oral hygiene practices. Their duties vary according to the rules of the state in which they practice. You must earn an associate degree from an accredited dental hygiene educational program if you want to work in this occupation. You will also need a state license. Requirements differ by state but always include passing an exam such as the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE).   Although their compensation is significantly less than that of dentists, dental hygienists salary is quite good. Their median annual earnings  of $72,330 in 2015 make  it one of  the top 10 highest paying occupations that require only an associate degree. Dental Assistant Dental assistants work alongside dentists, performing some patient care, but not the same tasks dental hygienists are licensed to carry out. Laboratory and office duties are also among their many responsibilities. In some states, those who want to become dental assistants must graduate from a one-year diploma or certificate program. Dental practices located in states that dont require formal education to provide on-the-job training. A license, registration or certification is compulsory in some states.  Dental assistants earned a median salary of $35,980 in 2015. Dental Technician Dental technicians manufacture prosthetics and other appliances based on dentists specifications. They are also called dental laboratory technicians. They do not perform direct patient care. Most  dental technicians receive on-the-job training from laboratories that manufacture dental appliances. They begin their careers as helpers and are given more complex tasks as they gain experience. States do not license them, but they can get voluntary certification  from the National Board for Certification, an independent board established by the National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL). In 2015, dental technicians earned a median annual salary of $37,190. Comparing Careers in Dentistry Education License Median Salary Dentist Dental School (4 years) Required in all states $152,700 Dental Hygienist Associate Degree Required in all states $72,330 Dental Assistant H.S. Diploma / Formal Training or On-the-Job Training (requirements vary by state) Required in some states $35,980 Dental Technician HS Diploma and On-the-Job Training or some formal training Voluntary certification $37,190 SourcesBureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, on the Internet at bls.gov/ooh/ andEmployment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/ (visited May 6, 2016).