5.02 Analyze careers included in dental, diagnostic, emergency, and health information services.

Dental careers Focus on the health of the teeth and soft tissues of the mouth Care is directed toward preventing dental disease, repairing/replacing diseased or damaged teeth, and treating the gingiva and other supporting structures of the teeth.

Dentist (DMDs/DDSs) Examine teeth and mouth tissues to diagnose and treat disease and abnormalities Perform surgery Supervise the work of other dental workers Most are entrepreneurs Licensure

Dental Hygienists (DHs) Work under supervision of dentist Perform preliminary exams of teeth & mouth Remove stains and deposits Expose and develop x-rays 2-4-6 yr degree Licensure

Dental laboratory Technicians Work under written orders from dentist 2 yr degree / 3-4 yr on the job (OTJ)training (certification) Make and repair a variety of dental prostheses Dentures, Crowns Bridges

Dental Assistant (DA) Work under supervision of dentist Prepare pt. 4 exam Pass instruments, prepare dental materials Take & develop x-rays Sterilize instruments duties vary in states 2 yr degree / 1-3 yr OTJ training Licensure /certification

Diagnostic services Perform tests or evaluations that aid in the Detection Diagnose Tx of disease, injury, or other physical conditions

Medical Laboratory Technologist Work under the supervision of pathologists Study tissues, fluids, and cells of the human body to help determine the presence and/or cause of disease Perform complicated chemical, microscopic and automated analyzer/computer tests

Phlebotomist Collect blood and prepare it for testing Perform blood tests under the supervision of medical technologists or pathologists in some states

Radiologic Technologist Work under the supervision of radiologists Use x-rays, radiation, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, and MRI to diagnose and treat disease

Epidemiologist Identify and track diseases as they occur in groups of people Develop methods to prevent or control the spread of disease Evaluate statistics and data to deal with epidemics and other health issues

Biomedical Engineer Develop devices that aid in the diagnosis & tx of disease Develop artificial organs, such as hip replacements, heart valves, and hearts Design computer systems and monitors such as x-ray imaging machine, surgical instruments, lasers, and other similar medical equipment.

Skill: Height and weight Equipment:Upright scale, notepad, pen. Greet and identify client State your name and title Explain procedure and obtain permission. Wash hands.

Skill: Height and weight Balance scale (level scale with both weights at zero) and raise height rod. Assist to remove shoes, sweaters, or extra clothing and step on scale platform. Move weights to client’s estimated weight. Adjust weights until scale is balanced.

Skill: Height and weight Record client’s name and weight on note pad/paper Lower height bar until it rests on head Record number of inches indicated Assist to step down from scale and to put on shoes and other clothing as needed.

Skill: Height and weight Return weights to extreme left on scale. Wash hands. Record weight and height on adolescent growth chart.

Emergency medical services Provide emergency, prehospital care to victims of accidents, injuries, or sudden illnesses May be entrepreneurs Include various levels

Emergency Medical Technician Ambulance/Basic Administer initial tx 4 medical emergencies such as sudden illness, shock, burns, wounds, bleeding and fractures Provide basic life support Rescue trapped persons

Emergency Medical Technician Intermediate Assess pts and manage shock Intrepret EKGs and defibrillation as needed Insert esophageal airways

Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic Perform all basic duties Conduct in-depth pt assessment Provide advanced cardiac life support Interpret EKGs Administer medications as permitted by law Operate monitors and other complex equipment

Bleeding Skill Equipment: Sterile gauze squares, latex gloves, roller bandages, scissors, tape 1. Practiced standard precautions throughout procedure. 2. Identified self and got consent to help. 3. Applied direct pressure to wound using thick dressing or sterile gauze. 4. Elevate wound above level of heart if no fracture suspected, maintaining direct pressure to the wound.

Bleeding Skill Applied additional dressing over dressings already on wound. Used roller bandage to hold dressings in place. Tied off ends of bandage by placing the ties directly over dressings.

Bleeding Skill Made sure pressure bandage is secure. Checked to be sure bandage is not too tight by checking distal pulse or capillary refill. Reassured victim. Removed gloves and washed hands.

References Simmers: Health Science Career Exploration NCDPI Curriculum guide