What does this chair mean to you? The Chair

The Facts Dynamic and rewarding professions Careers in high demand Opportunities to make a difference Combine science, art and working with people Help create healthy smiles

What does a dentist do? –Diagnose and treat disease, injuries and malformations of the teeth and mouth –Improve appearance with cosmetic dental procedures –Perform research to improve oral health and develop new methods –Mentor future dentists The Dentist

Training –High School Broad background in science & math College prep classes in biology, algebra and chemistry –College Classes in biology, organic and inorganic chemistry and physics Undergraduate degree is recommended Take the DAT 1 year prior to entering dental school – Professional training 4 years at an accredited dental school The Dentist

Benefits –Independence: opportunity to own your own business –One of the 5 most trusted professions –Personally rewarding to help others –Flexible hours –Great salary The Dentist

Career options –Private practice –Community clinics –Hospitals –Public health department –Educational institutions –Research The Dentist

Did You Know? If Americans were flossing everyday, 27 million miles of floss would be used a year. –Currently 2.7 million miles are used More than 300 types of bacteria make up dental plaque.

The Dental Hygienist What does a hygienist do? –Removes soft and hard deposits from teeth –Takes and develops dental X-rays –Instructs patients in proper oral hygiene and nutrition –Screens for oral cancer –Administers local anesthetic in some states (CA included)

The Dental Hygienist Training –High School Background in science, math, psychology, chemistry and health –College Completion of one year of college is preferred (specific program requirements vary) –Professional training 2 years in an accredited program

The Dental Hygienist Benefits –Service to others –Variety of career options –Respected as a valued member of dental health team –In high demand –Flexible hours –Great salary

The Dental Hygienist Career options –Private practice –Teaching –Research –Sales for dental product companies –Military –Hospitals –Nursing homes/care facilities

Did You Know? Tooth decay is five times more common than asthma 78% of Americans have had at least one cavity by age 17 Recommended brushing time is 2-3 minutes –Average person brushes for seconds a day

The Dental Assistant What does an assistant do? –Assists dentist with a wide variety of treatment procedures –Helps patients feel comfortable before, during and after treatment –Takes and develops dental X-rays –Can manage dental office

The Dental Assistant Training –High School High School degree or equivalent –Professional training 9-12 months in a dental assisting program On-the-job training available

The Dental Assistant Benefits –Balanced lifestyle –Personal satisfaction –Rewarding job helping others –Great demand –Knowledge base to work toward other careers in dentistry

The Dental Assistant Career options –Private practice –Public health clinics –Dental schools –Insurance companies –Teaching in dental assisting schools

Did You Know? Who was voted to have the greatest looking teeth In America? –Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts were top of American Teeth Stakes in 2000 American’s spend $2 billion a year on dental products. –Toothpaste, mouthwash & dental floss

The Dental Laboratory Technician What does a lab tech do? –Creates replacements for natural teeth –Uses artistic talent and “high tech” methods in creating customized, hand-crafted restorations made from gold, chrome, alloys and ceramics –Helps to improve patients appearance and health –Valued member of the dental team

Training –High School Background in art, science, and math –Professional training 2 years accredited program at the college level On-the-job training available The Dental Laboratory Technician

Benefits –Flexible career –Utilize creativity –High demand –Personal fulfillment –Exciting new technologies –Opportunity to be self employed and own your own business –Good salary The Dental Laboratory Technician

Career options –Commercial dental laboratories –Lab owners/operators –Dental offices –Dental schools –Hospitals –Military facilities –Dental manufacturers and suppliers The Dental Laboratory Technician

Did You Know? The most valuable tooth belonged to Sir Isaac Newton. –In 1816 one tooth was sold in London for $3,633 or today’s terms $35,700 Drink 3 or more sugary sodas daily? –You have 62% more dental decay, fillings and tooth loss than those who don’t

The Chair What do you see when you look at this dental chair? - Opportunity - Flexibility - Team work - Financial freedom - Independence