Your Guide to Careers in Dentistry
A Bright Future Awaits!
Understanding Careers in Dentistry
If working in dentistry interests you, then good news! There are great pathways for students who want to start working right now, out of high school, those seeking additional training after graduation, or those planning to attend dental school.
Here's a guide to three key careers in the dental field:
Dental Assistant
As a dental assistant, you will support dentists by performing basic dental tasks and handling administrative duties.
Key Qualities of Effective Dental Assistants
- Strong Communication Skills: Dental assistants play a vital role in interacting with patients, dentists, and team members every day. Clear and effective communication of treatment plans and important information is essential.
- Exceptional Customer Service: Providing outstanding customer service is crucial for dental assistants, as it helps patients feel comfortable and cared for during their visits.
- Excellent Interpersonal Skills: Working well with a diverse range of individuals, including children, seniors, and patients with special needs, is key for dental assistants.
- Strong Work Ethic: Attention to detail and precision are vital in a dental assistant's role, as even small mistakes can lead to significant issues.
- Flexibility: The fast-paced nature of dental offices requires assistants to be adaptable and responsive to changing schedules and tasks.
Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists play an essential role in helping patients maintain good oral health. Performing regular cleanings and offering helpful tips for effective home care are among the key responsibilities.
Key Qualities of Effective Dental Hygienists
- Strong Communication Skills: Dental hygienists frequently interact with patients and dental professionals, making clear communication essential. They must effectively explain procedures, provide oral health education, and discuss treatment plans.
- Commitment to Patient Care: Providing compassionate and attentive care is crucial for dental hygienists, as they help patients feel comfortable during cleanings and exams.
- Attention to Detail: A successful dental hygienist must have a keen eye for detail, as they are responsible for assessing oral health and identifying potential issues.
- Strong Work Ethic: Dental hygienists work in a fast-paced environment that demands reliability and a strong work ethic.
- Ability to Educate and Motivate: An essential part of a dental hygienist's role is to educate patients about oral hygiene practices and motivate them to maintain good habits.
- Adaptability: The dental field is constantly evolving, and hygienists must be adaptable to new technologies, procedures, and patient needs.
Dentist
A career as a Dentist can take several paths, from being an Associate or Lead Dentist in a practice, to becoming a Specialist or a Dentist who teaches and trains other dentists.
- Associate Dentists work with established dentists to provide comprehensive dental care, diagnose and treat oral health issues, perform procedures, and build strong relationships with patients.
- Lead Dentists/Clinical Directors oversee and may own the dental practice, hire and manage the dental team, coordinate patient care and ensure the quality of dental services. They also help the practice stay up-to-date with the latest dental practices.
- Dental Educators offer guidance and training to other dental professionals or organizations. They may develop training programs, teach classes, conduct workshops, and help practices improve their patient care strategies.
- Dental Specialists are dentists who have completed advanced training in a specific area of dentistry, focusing on specialized treatments and procedures. They tackle complex cases that general dentists may refer to them.
Specialty Fields of Practice
- Orthodontics treat misaligned teeth and jaws.
- Periodontists treat gum diseases.
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons perform complex surgeries on the mouth, jaw, face, and neck.
- Pediatric Dentists specialize in dental care for children, from infants to teenagers.
- Endodontists treat the inside of the tooth, treating infections and damage to the tooth’s nerve.
- Prosthodontists restore and replace teeth lost because of injury, disease, or aging.
- Oral Pathologists study diseases and conditions that affect the mouth, teeth, gums, and facial areas.
- Oral Radiologists use X-rays, CT scans and MRIs to diagnose dental and facial conditions.
- Public Health Dentists do research, develop programs and educate the public about dental health.
Key Qualities of Effective Dentists
A dentist with good communication skills creates a trusting doctor-patient relationship and helps patients understand their oral health. Dentists need manual dexterity to perform procedures, and compassion and listening skills to help patients through the procedures. Attention to detail helps dentists resolve problems and ensures they won't come up again. Many dentists serve as leaders within their practice, and in their community as a trusted voice in healthcare. Other qualities of an effective dentist include: ethical behavior, problem-solving skills, up-to-date knowledge, and professionalism.
Preparing for a Career in Dentistry
If working in dentistry interests you, then good news! There are great pathways for students who want to start working right now, out of high school, those seeking additional training after graduation, or those planning to attend dental school.
- Get Involved: Join health-related clubs like HOSA, volunteer at local clinics, or participate in community service to gain experience in healthcare.
- Focus on Science and Health Classes: Take courses in biology, chemistry, and health to build a strong foundation in the sciences.
- Develop Communication Skills: Participate in school extracurricular activities like debate club, writing for the newspaper, or drama to enhance your verbal and written communication.
- Explore Educational Paths: Now that you have some career options in mind, explore the educational paths that will help you get there. Not every career requires a four-year college degree, and there are many paths to success.
Where to Start
Dental Assistant
High School: To become a Dental Assistant, you’ll need to earn a high school diploma or GED.
Dental Assistant Program: While it’s not always required by law, completing a dental assistant program is highly recommended and may help you find a job faster. Consider enrolling in a CODA-accredited dental assistant program.
In Georgia, there are several accredited programs available at community colleges, technical colleges, and vocational schools. These programs typically take anywhere from 9 months to 2 years to complete.
Get on-the-Job Training: If you decide not to attend a formal dental assistant program, you can still enter the field through on-the-job training.
Many dental assistants gain skills by working as an entry-level dental assistant and learning the necessary tasks under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
Become Certified (Optional but Beneficial): In Georgia, you do not need to be licensed to work as a dental assistant, but certification can improve your job prospects and earning potential.
One of the most common certifications is the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
Additional Certifications: Dental assistants may pursue additional certifications in specialized areas, such as:
- Radiology certification (required in some states to perform X-rays)
- CPR certification
- Coronal Polishing certification (to polish teeth)
- Pit and Fissure Sealant certification (to apply dental sealants)
- Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA) certification (allows dental assistants to perform more advanced tasks in some states)
Apply for Jobs: Once you’ve completed your education and certification, you can apply for dental assistant positions. Some common job responsibilities include:
- Assisting the dentist during procedures
- Taking dental X-rays
- Sterilizing and preparing dental instruments
- Managing patient records and appointments
- Educating patients about dental care and hygiene
- Performing basic office duties, such as answering phones, managing billing, and scheduling appointments
Continuing Education: To maintain certification, dental assistants are required to complete continuing education (CE) courses.
In Georgia, to renew DANB certification, dental assistants complete a specific number of CE hours every 5 years (typically 12 hours annually).
By following these steps, you can build a successful career as a dental assistant in Georgia. Certification, while optional, can enhance career opportunities, increase earning potential, and improve job security.
Dental Hygienist
High School: To become a Dental Hygienist, you'll need to earn a high school diploma or GED.
Dental Hygiene Program: To work as a dental hygienist in Georgia, you need to complete a dental hygiene program that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
These programs typically take 2 to 3 years to complete and are offered at community colleges, technical colleges, and universities. You can find programs in Georgia, such as at the Georgia State University College of Health and Human Sciences or Chattahoochee Technical College.
Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Dental Hygiene: Once you've completed a CODA-accredited program, you will earn either an associate's degree (most common) or a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene.
As associate's degree (2 years) is the most common path, yet some schools also offer bachelor's degree programs (4 years), which offer more in-depth training and possibly greater career advancement opportunities.
Licensing: The steps to become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Georgia after completing your education:
- Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) which tests knowledge of the sciences and dentistry
- Pass the a Clinical Exam that typically involves performing dental procedures on patients
- Pass the Georgia Jurisprudence Exam that tests your knowledge of Georgia's dental laws, regulations, and ethical standards
- Submit an application for licensure to the Georgia Board of Dentistry
Dentist
College: To become a dentist, you'll need to first earn your undergraduate degree. While there’s no specific college major required, it’s important to take courses that will prepare you for dental school.
Some key classes to consider: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology and Health or Nutrition. In addition to these core courses, gaining experience through volunteer work, internships, or shadowing a dentist can strengthen your Dental School application and offer you insights into the profession.
Dental School: After you’ve completed college, you’ll need to apply to dental school. That process is:
- Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT), a standardized test assesses your academic ability and scientific knowledge.
- Research Dental Schools: The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University is Georgia’s sole dental school. There are dental schools in other states as well. Students often consider things like curriculum, location and admission requirements.
- Apply for Dental School: At this point, you will apply to your chosen school(s) and if selected, you may be invited for an interview. Once accepted, you’ll start your next 4 years of study.
- After completing four years of dental school, you can earn a Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.), a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree or even a combined degree such as a Doctor of Dental Medicine / Masters of Business Administration D.M.D./M.B.A.
Licensing: The steps to become a licensed dentist in Georgia after earning your D.D.S. or D.M.D are:
- Pass the National Board Dental Exam (NBDE) which tests knowledge of the sciences and dentistry;
- Pass a Clinical Exam that typically involves performing dental procedures on patients;
- Pass the Georgia Jurisprudence Exam that tests your knowledge of Georgia’s dental laws, regulations, and ethical standards;
- Submit an application for licensure to the Georgia Board of Dentistry
Dentists renew their license in Georgia every two years by continuing their education with classes and seminars, and showing that they adhere to Georgia laws.
Set Short-Term and Long-Term Goals
Now that you understand the paths available to you, it's important to set some goals to help guide your decisions and stay motivated along the way.
Figuring out your education and career plan in high school is an exiting process! By taking the time to explore your interests, research your options, and align your education with your goals, you'll set yourself up for success in the future. And remember: it's always okay to change your path as your learn more about yourself and the opportunities that are available!
