Dental Careers

Could this be your future?

Maybe dental careers have always been of interest to you,or,like me you may have never previously thought about pursuing a career in dentistry. I will present a guide to all of the major occupations that fall under the dental umbrella. If you follow the links for more information, you may be heading down a dental career path. Who knows what the future might bring?

Degree: D.D.S.-doctor of dental surgery, or D.M.D.-doctor of dental medicine--depends on the school attended, they are equivalent. Most programs are 4 years. Usually a bachelor of science degree is obtained prior to entering dental school. Candidates must score well on the Dental Admission Test (DAT)

Certification: Dentists must pass state board exam-each state has its own requirements and must pass National Boards.

Dentists can work in group or solo private practice, for the government or military, in research, in academia, for dental equipment and materials manufacturers as a representative. Some work in dental practice management, or for insurance companies.

General dentist or specialist?

The general dentist must be skilled in all areas of dentistry, but can choose to focus on areas of interest or need in the community. Dentists work in delivering direct patient care. They are responsible for examining patients to check the health of the entire oral system including the teeth,gums and other oral soft tissues, muscles, bones, joints and nerves. Dentists must possess manual dexterity, good spacial skills and be able to work well with people. Attention to detail and the ability to solve problems are also valuable skills as well as an artistic eye for creating beautiful smiles.

Some general dentists complete a one year hospital based residency program in general dentistry after graduation from dental school. Of all the dental careers, the specialties require the longest training and have the narrowest focus.

Recognized Specialties:

All dental specialists complete the four year dental school program to become general dentists first, then take additional training in the specialty area. Specialist programs can range from 2-4 years of additional training after dental school. The following are the names of the dental specialists and the type of treatment each one provides.

• ENDODONTIST-Root canal therapy and surgery related to the root canal.
• ORTHODONTIST-Movement of the teeth and facial bones.
• PERIODONTIST-Surgical and non-surgical treatment of gum and bone diseases. Most place implants also.
• PROSTHODONTIST-Restore complicated cases using dentures, partial dentures, crowns, bridges and implants.
• PEDODONTIST-Treat children and special-needs patients.
• ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEON-All aspects of oral surgery including tooth extractions, jaw and TMJ surgery, implant placement, repair of facial fractures, realigning the jaws after injury, or for functional reasons.
• ORAL PATHOLOGIST-Diagnoses oral conditions from laboratory specimens taken at biopsy, or from oral smears.

If becoming a dentist doesn't fit into your plans, here is an overview of some other dental careers:

Dental Hygienist

Degree: most often a two year associate degree

Certification: RDH-registered dental hygienist

Dental hygienists clean teeth, help patients understand periodontal disease, give oral hygiene instructions, perform treatments for gum disease and in some states can administer local anesthetics by injection. They can work in private dental offices,corporate dental offices, hospitals and public health clinics. They can work for dental equipment manufacturers, practice management groups or work in research.

Dental hygiene candidates must posses manual dexterity, the desire to learn new things and be good communicators.

Dental Assistant

Degree: certificates awarded for completion of a dental assisting course.

Certification: Radiographer certification and expanded duties certifications are available

Dental assistants help the dentists at chairside, they work closely with patients to make them comfortable and take care of their needs. They take dental x-rays, sterilize and maintain instruments, clean and disinfect the treatment rooms and prepare them for dental procedures. They perform office and lab functions as well.

Excellent people skills and the desire to learn are good qualities for potential dental assistants.

Dental careers do not necessarily involve direct patient contact:

Dental Laboratory Technician

Degree: Usually associate degree or certificate through a two year degree program, or a dental lab training course. On the job training in dental offices or labs are other ways to get started in the field.

Certification: Certified Dental Technician-must pass a test administered by the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology. Certification is not required for employment.

Dental laboratory technician can work in dental offices, but most work for independent labs. They fabricate replacements and reinforcements for natural teeth. They must possess manual dexterity to work with dental materials such as ceramic,gold and chrome to produce restorations that mimic natural teeth. There is an artistic component to the work since much of it is hand-crafted.

Dental Administration

People with excellent communication and clerical skills will excel in the administrative aspects of dentistry. On the job training or previous experience as a dental assistant or hygienist is helpful. There are courses available that give instruction in dental practice management.





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Dentistry offers a wide array of career choices. Entry ranges from on-the-job training to advanced college degrees, so there are opportunities at all levels. The future is bright for dentistry. Continuing research leads to new developments to help patients in their quest for life-long oral health. This is a field that is constantly changing and requires workers that embrace change and want to do the best for their patients.



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