Chapter 8 Dentist, Dental Hygienist, Dental Assistant

U.S. News – Best Jobs 2016 Out of 100 jobs: Orthodontist #1 Dentist #2 Prosthodontist #30 Dental Hygienist #32

Work Description Dentists diagnose and treat problems with teeth and tissues in the mouth, along with giving advice and administering care to help prevent future problems. They provide instruction on diet, brushing, flossing, the use of fluorides, and other aspects of dental care. They remove tooth decay, fill cavities, examine X-rays, place protective plastic sealants on children’s teeth, straighten teeth, and repair fractured teeth. They also perform corrective surgery on gums and supporting bones to treat gum diseases. Dentists extract teeth and make models and measurements for dentures to replace missing teeth. They also administer anesthetics and write prescriptions for antibiotics and other medications.

Work Environment Most dentists are solo practitioners, meaning that they own their own businesses and work alone or with a small staff. Most dentists work days a week. Some work evenings and weekends to meet their patients’ needs. Most full-time dentists work between 35 and 40 hours a week. Experienced dentists often work fewer hours. It is common for dentists to continue in part-time practice well beyond the usual retirement age. Dentists usually work in the safety of an office environment. However, work-related injuries can occur, such as those resulting from the use of handheld tools when performing dental work on patients.

Employment Opportunities Dentists held about 141,900 jobs in Most are general practice dentists Only about 15% of all dentists were specialists – 9 areas: orthodontist, oral surgeons, prosthodontist, endodontists, etc. Almost all dentists work in private practice.

Educational and Legal Requirements All 50 states and the District of Columbia require dentists to be licensed. To qualify for a license in most states, candidates must graduate from an accredited dental school and pass written and practical examinations –4 yr post bachelor degree dental “medical” school

Education and Training In 2008, there were 57 dental schools in the United States accredited by the ADA’s Commission on Dental Accreditation. Most dental students have at least a Bachelor degree before entering dental school. According to the ADA, 85% of dental students had a Bachelor degree prior to beginning their dental program in the 2006–2007 academic year.

Licensure Licensing is required to practice as a dentist. In most states, licensure requires passing written and practical examinations in addition to having a degree from an accredited dental school.

Other Qualifications Dentistry requires diagnostic ability and manual skills. Dentists should have: –Good visual memory –Excellent judgment regarding space, shape, and color –A high degree of manual dexterity –Scientific ability –Good business sense –Self-discipline –Good communication skills

Advancement Many private practitioners teach part time. Some dental school graduates work for established dentists as associates for 1 to 2 years to gain experience and save money to equip an office of their own. Most dental school graduates, however, purchase an established practice or open a new one immediately after graduation.

Employment Opportunities Employment is projected to grow faster than average. Job prospects should be good, reflecting the need to replace the large number of dentists expected to retire.

Job Prospects The employment of dentists is projected to grow by 16% through 2018, which is faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for dental services is expected to continue to increase. –access to dental insurance –the exploding elderly population

Earnings Median annual wages of salaried general dentists were $142,870 in May Dentists who are salaried often receive benefits paid by their employer.

DENTAL HYGIENISTS

Work Description Dental hygienists clean teeth and provide other preventive dental care They also teach patients how to practice good oral hygiene. Hygienists examine patients’ teeth and gums, recording the presence of diseases or abnormalities. They remove calculus, stains, and plaque from teeth; take and develop dental X-rays; They apply cavity preventive agents such as fluorides and pit and fissure sealants. In some states, hygienists administer local anesthetics and anesthetic gas; place and carve filling materials, temporary fillings, and periodontal dressings; remove sutures; and smooth and polish metal restorations.

Employment Opportunities Dental hygienists held about 174,100 jobs in About 51% of dental hygienists worked part time. Almost all jobs for dental hygienists—about 96%—were in offices of dentists.

Educational and Legal Requirements Prospective dental hygienists must become licensed in the state in which they wish to practice. A degree from an accredited dental hygiene school is required along with licensure examinations.

Education and Training A high school diploma and college entrance test scores are usually required for admission to a dental hygiene program. High school students interested in becoming a dental hygienist should take courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics. Also, some dental hygiene programs require applicants to have completed at least 1 year of college.

Licensure Dental hygienists must be licensed by the state in which they practice. Nearly all states require candidates to graduate from an accredited dental hygiene school and pass both a written and clinical examination. The American Dental Association’s Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations administers the written examination.

Other Qualifications Dental hygienists should work well with others because they work closely with dentists and dental assistants as well as deal directly with patients. Hygienists also need good manual dexterity, because they use dental instruments within a patient’s mouth, with little room for error. Dental hygienists sometimes work with radiation technology

Advancement Advancement opportunities –working outside a typical dentist’s office - usually requires a Bachelor or Master degree in dental hygiene (Clark College has Bachelors program) Some dental hygienists may choose to pursue a career teaching in a dental hygiene program, working in public health, or working in a corporate setting.

Employment Trends Dental hygienist ranks among the fastest- growing occupations, and job prospects are expected to be favorable in most areas, but competition for jobs is likely in some areas.

Employment Change Employment of dental hygienists is expected to grow 36% through 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This projected growth ranks dental hygienist among the fastest-growing occupations, in response to increasing demand for dental care and the greater use of hygienists.

Earnings Median annual wages of dental hygienists were $66,570 in May The middle 50% earned between $55,220 and $78,990. The lowest 10% earned less than $44,180. The highest 10% earned more than $91,470.

DENTAL ASSISTANTS

Work Description Dental assistants perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties. They work chairside as Dentists AND Hygienists examine and treat patients. They make patients comfortable, prepare them for treatment, and obtain dental records. Assistants hand instruments and materials to dentists, and keep patients’ mouths dry and clear by using suction or other devices. They also sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare tray setups for dental procedures, and instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care.

Work Environment Dental assistants work in a well-lighted, clean environment. Their work area is usually near the dental chair, so they can arrange instruments, materials, and medication and hand them to the dentist when needed. Dental assistants wear gloves and masks to protect themselves from infectious diseases. Following safety procedures minimizes the risks of handling radiographic equipment.

Employment Opportunities About 93% of all jobs for dental assistants were in offices of dentists. A small number of jobs were in the federal, state, and local governments or in offices of physicians. Some dental assistants worked part time, sometimes in more than one dental office.

Educational and Legal Requirements Many assistants learn their skills on the job, although an increasing number are trained in dental-assisting programs –Most programs take 1 year to complete. Many states require assistants to obtain a license or certification. –especially if working with radiation procedures

Education and Training In most states, there are no formal education or training requirements to become an entry-level dental assistant. High school students interested in a career as a dental assistant should take courses in biology, chemistry, health, and office practices.

Licensure and Certification Most states regulate the duties that dental assistants are allowed to perform. Licensure may include attending an accredited dental-assisting program and passing a written or practical examination. Certification is available through the DANB

Advancement Without further education, advancement opportunities are limited. Some dental assistants become office managers, dental-assisting instructors, dental product sales representatives, or insurance claims processors for dental insurance companies.

Employment Trends/Prospects Employment is expected to grow 36% from 2008 to 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Dental assistant is expected to be among the fastest growing occupations over the 2008–2018 projection period. Job prospects for dental assistants should be excellent, as dentists continue to need the aid of qualified dental assistants.

Earnings Median annual wages of dental assistants were $32,380 in May The middle 50% earned between $26,980 and $38,960. The lowest 10% earned less than $22,270, and the highest 10% earned more than $46,150.