Many career opportunities are available within a dental staff, and you don't even have to be a dentist. You could be a dental assistant, a dental technician or a dental hygienist. Do some research on your options before you apply to a dental program.
Dental Assistants
The main job of dental assistants is just like the title says: They help the dentists in the practice. They can perform basic duties like cleaning and preparing any dental instruments used on patients before they arrive. Assistants also prepare a patient for the visit, set her up with a tray, make x-rays and help with quick evaluations of the teeth.
Dental Technician
For a more technical position on the dental staff, dental technicians essentially construct and repair dentures, crowns and bridges. They perform other duties, such as making models of the mouth for patients and preparing other appliances for clients, such as braces or mouth guards. People who are suited for this job have a steady hand and enjoy working with models and plastics.
Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists have varying degrees of responsibility based upon the state in which they practice, but they all clean teeth and advise patients on proper dental health care. They will definitely take and evaluate x-rays, remove plaque from the teeth and apply preventative treatments for teeth. A dental hygienist's main focus is to educate the patients on proper dental health. They often work in schools, hospitals and nursing homes.
Other Positions
Dental secretaries make appointments for patients and send out bi-yearly reminders for cleanings. They often will hand out brochures and packets as people are leaving the office. Interns may also shadow the dentists and might pitch in with paperwork as a way to break into the field of dentistry.
 | Dental training programs offer individuals the opportunity to become dental hygienists or dentists. While dental schools are four-year postgraduate programs that train dentists, shorter dental assistant training programs prepare students to enter the dental hygienist field. |
 | Certified dental assistants perform many of the daily tasks in a dentist's office. Certified dental assistants can also go on to teach other dental assistants in schools and training programs. |
 | Have you ever considered becoming a dental hygienist? This career offers flexibility when it comes to work hours and can provide a solid income. Start by mapping out a plan for heading to school and getting a dental hygienist degree. |
When applying to dental schools, you'll want to know their requirements, and you should find a school that is a good fit for your personal needs and abilities. Start early, and brace for plenty of competition. |
Dental continuing education can help keep dentists on top of the changes in the industry. Through dental continuing education courses and new online dental continuing education opportunities, seminars and lectures, dentists can improve their skills and learn about new techniques. |
