Careers Dentistry Information Provided By: Georgia Statewide Area Health Education Center (AHEC) http://www.sowega-ahec.org/index PowerPoint Presentation By: Juliane Monko & Dr. Frank Flanders CTAE Resource Network, June 2009 Based On PowerPoint Ideas From: Penny Howard, RN, Healthcare Science Instructor 1

There are six centers in the Georgia AHEC Network, and each serves a multi-county region.  The AHEC mission is to meet the health needs of Georgia by improving the supply, distribution and quality of healthcare providers. AHECs offer enrichment programs, camps, learning tools, student counseling, volunteer and mentoring activity coordination, and access to other educational resources. Contact your regional AHEC for more information.  A H E C

Objectives Students will be able to describe health careers in the field of Dentistry. Students will be able to plan a healthcare career path in Dentistry.

Careers in Dentistry Dental Assistant Dental Hygienist Dentist

Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant Work side by side with dentists to increase efficiency in providing direct patient care. They greet patients, make them comfortable, and prepare them for examinations. Dental assistants show patients how to brush and floss their teeth. Denatal assistants take and develop dental x-rays, record patient histories and monitor vital signs. Also help in the day-to-day office management, such as scheduling, billing, filing insurance and ordering supplies.

Dental Assistant Work Environment Salary Community health agencies Dental and dental hygiene schools General and specialty dental offices Health maintenance organizations Hospitals Military bases Prisons Private and state institutions Public health departments VA hospitals Average Starting Salary $27,040 Figures according to 2006 data. To see updated figures, visit the SOWEGA-AHEC website at: http://www.sowega-ahec.org/index

Dental Assistant Academic Requirements A high school diploma or equivalent is recommended.  Most dental assistants enter the field through one- to two-year academic programs leading to certificates, diplomas, or associate degrees. On- the-job training is also available, but formal educational programs enable students to advance more quickly in salary and responsibility. Graduation from an ADA accredited program or at least two years of work experience is required for certification eligibility.

Dental Hygienist

Dental Hygienist Working with dentists, they provide dental care by examining teeth for cavities, removing tooth deposits, applying fluoride and sealants, and performing preventive services.  They instruct patients on methods to improve and maintain their oral health, including brushing, flossing, and eating the proper foods. 

Dental Hygienist Dental hygienists record patient histories, update patient charts, and make impressions of teeth so that treatment options can be evaluated by a dentist. They also do oral cancer and blood pressure screenings and take x-rays.

Dental Hygienist Work Environment Salary Community health agencies Dental and dental hygiene schools Dental companies Dental offices Health Maintenance Organizations Industry Public health departments Average Starting Salary $55,862 Figures according to 2006 data. To see updated figures, visit the SOWEGA-AHEC website at: http://www.sowega-ahec.org/index

Dental Hygienist Academic Requirements Dental hygiene two-year programs lead to associate degrees while four-year programs lead to bachelor's   degrees. Some hygienists enter post- certificate dental hygiene programs to programs to earn bachelor's degrees in dental hygiene or related fields such as biology or health education.  A dental hygienist may also pursue a master's degree in  health education, adult education or public health.  

Dentist

Dentist Diagnoses and treats diseased and injured teeth, gums, and oral tissues. Dentists also educate people about oral health and prevention of dental problems. Dentists help improve the appearance of their patients through dental techniques such as braces and dentures.

Dentist Areas of Specialty Specialty status can be achieved by completing an ADA accredited residency and passing a board exam.  Dental Public Health Endodontics Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Orthodontics Pediatric Dentistry Periodontology Prosthodontics

Dentist Work Environment Salary Average Starting Salary $76,250 Complementary health centers Dental schools Equipment manufacturing companies Military Private practice Public health departments  Average Starting Salary $76,250 Figures according to 2006 data. To see updated figures, visit the SOWEGA-AHEC website at: http://www.sowega-ahec.org/index

Dentist Academic Requirements Each dental school has its own admissions requirements. Research these criteria before planning any pre-professional curriculum. Dental students must apply for admission and take a national admissions test before entering dental school. A bachelor’s degree or at least three years of college is usually required to enter dental school. Most dental schools conduct a four-year program leading to a doctoral degree in dentistry. An additional one to three years are required to practice in a specialty area.

Summary As a group, oral health care providers are responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of oral health problems. As the nature of oral health problems has come to be better understood, the emphasis in dentistry has changed from treatment to prevention. Educational requirements vary by career and career level. Students interested in these careers should use the information provided here as a basis for a career plan. The student should also research the career further to complete a career plan. Careers available in Dentistry include: Dental Assistant Dental Hygienist Dentist