Recently, the dental industry has been significantly growing. That’s because it’s ideal for people who enjoy helping others while working in healthcare. If you’re among those individuals, the many careers in the dental industry may interest you. However, it’s wise to know your options.
Here are the career paths in the dental industry.
1. Dental assistant
A dental assistant is an in-demand career due to the increased demand for preventive dental services. However, since a dental assistant does not have the authority or all qualifications to perform a complete cleaning, their task is to assist the dentist. Such duties include spotting cavities and cleaning teeth under the dentists’ supervision.
Additionally, the dental assistant sterilizes equipment, prepares and develops x-rays, and guides patients. Also, a dental assistant can schedule appointments or in topical anesthetic.
2. General dentist
You’ll likely visit a general dentist regularly the same way you see a primary care physician. A general dentist prevents measures such as cavity filling and teeth cleaning. Also, the general dentist performs regular examinations to prevent or stop diseases or refer patients to specialized dentists.
To become a general dentist, you must be licensed in the state. Although the license requirements will vary, you must graduate from an accredited dental school.
3. Cosmetic dentist
A cosmetic dentist’s role is to increase your teeth’ appearance. They perform various tasks such as teeth whitening, veneers, etc.
4. Orthodontist
An orthodontist is a professional in straightening teeth and jaw alignment. Also, an orthodontist corrects crooked teeth or overbite using braces/retainers. Orthodontists consult and practice on younger patients because their teeth are easier to move.
5. Administrative career
Like other industries, the dental industry has an administrative task. Such tasks include handling billing issues, answering questions, or dealing with insurance companies. And such roles make administrative tasks an essential career path in the dental industry.
6. Public health dentists
Dentists in federal Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) give dental care services at little cost. You’ll be helping a marginalized community by providing dental care services such as regular cleaning.
7. Pediatric dental assistant
Usually, seeing a doctor terrifies kids. But as a pediatric dental assistant, you can change their experience. Your work is to ease stress and educate kids on how to brush teeth and floss. Therefore, if you love to work with kids and improve dental habits early, a pediatric dental assistant will be your ideal career.
8. Dental craniofacial researcher
Like other industries, the dental sector relies on research about techniques, diseases, and surgical procedures. As a dental craniofacial researcher, you’ll work for both state and federal government and academia.
9. Dental laboratory technician
As a dental laboratory technician, your primary role is to manufacture dental prosthetics. Such include bridges, crowns, and dentures. You’ll have additional specialization in the field, such as orthodontic appliances and ceramics.
You’ll at least require a high school diploma or equivalent to become a dental laboratory technician.
10. Periodontist
A dentist specializing in preventing, diagnosing, and treating periodontal disease is a periodontist. You’ll, however, require extensive training like completing postdoctoral training to become a periodontist.
11. Oral and maxillofacial surgeon
As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, your task is to perform surgical procedures on the mouth and jaw. The producers aim to repair the structural abnormalities or rectify jaw problems.
Additionally, you can specialize in reconstructive surgery for facial injuries.
As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, you will have various work environments like hospitals, dental practices, etc. TO become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, you must complete postdoctoral training.
12. Dental faculty member.
Academic dentistry will be your ideal option if you’re torn between a teacher or a dentist. Your role will be to teach or work with colleges to educate students about dental-related information.
Conclusion
The dental industry is an enriching career that enables you to help patients maintain a healthy smile. Most importantly, you’ll have options to choose a career path that is comfortable and inspiring. Therefore, look at the above career paths in the dental industry.
