1. Digestive Careers
Health Occupations

2. Dental Assistant $39,000 Job Practice Settings
Work directly with the Dentist
Expose and process radiographs
Provide clients with instructions on oral care following surgery or other treatment procedures
Teach clients how to brush and floss properly
Make impressions of clients’ teeth for study models
Prepare and sterilize instruments and equipment
Perform office management tasks
Practice Settings
Dental Offices
Dental school clinics
Private and Government hospitals and clinics
Insurance companies
Dental laboratories and dental suppliers

3. Dental Assistant Education Outlook
1 and 2 year programs in community colleges and postsecondary vocational-technical schools
On the job training is available
Certification or registration requirements vary according to state
Outlook
faster than average
Most dentists employ 2-3 dental assistants

5. Dental Hygienists $56,000-$72,000 Job Practice Settings
Provide oral hygiene care and dental health education to the client
Need good communication skills, dental knowledge, and clinical skills
Assess and chart oral conditions and review the clients health and dental history
Expose and process dental radiographs
Remove calculus and plaque
Apply fluoride and sealants
Practice Settings
Private dental offices
Nursing homes
Public health clinics
Educational institutions

6. Dental Hygienist Cont’d
Education
2-4 years of college required in an Accredited Program
Licensure required, must pass written and clinical examination
Outlook
faster than average
Increased demand for dental care and use of hygienists

7. Dental Lab Technician $35,000-$56,000
Job
Seldom work with clients
Creates dental prostheses, replacements for natural teeth, and dental appliances
Needs artistic skills, fine hand dexterity, and good vision
Practice Settings
Commercial dental labs
Private dental offices
Dental schools
Hospitals

8. Dental Lab Tech Cont’d Education Outlook
On the job training is available
Requires an average of 3-4 years
Community college, postsecondary vocational technical schools, and the Armed Forces offer programs
Outlook
No change in employment is expected

9. Dentist $115,000-160,000 Job Practice Settings
Should have scientific ability and interest, work well with others and enjoy helping people
Can be your own boss
Diagnose and treat diseases of the teeth and their supporting tissues, the tongue, lips, and jaws
Restore teeth damaged by decay or trauma
Replace missing teeth with artificial materials
Provide cosmetic procedures to improve a clients appearance
Perform corrective surgery on the jaws and supporting tissues
Straighten teeth
Perform oral hygiene procedures and provide instructions to clients
Practice Settings
Most dentists own their own practices or work with a partner
Hospitals, clinics, government agencies
Research facilities, and educational institutions

10. Dentist Education Outlook
3-4 years of undergraduate education plus 4 years of dental school are required to become a general dentist
An additional 2-3 years of postgraduate education is needed for a specialty degree
Outlook
Slower than average growth
Jobs will increase, a large number of dentists are expected to retire

11. Specialty Areas of Dental Practice
Dental Public Health
Dental Health prevention
Education
Treatment programs at the community level
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Surgical treatment of diseases, injuries and defects of the oral and maxillofacial region (area around the jaws and face)

12. Specialty Areas of Dental Practice
Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
Correction of tooth alignment and malocclusions (an abnormal relationship of the teeth when biting or closing
Pediatric dentistry
Comprehensive dental care of infants and children though adolescence, including clients who have special needs

13. Specialty Areas of Dental Practice
Prosthodontics
Replacement of missing teeth and oral structures with artificial substitutes

14. Gastroenterologist $244,000 - $385,000
Job
Deal with disorders of the stomach and intestines
Practice Settings
Private practice
Hospitals
Clinics

15. Gastroenterologist Cont’d
Education
4 years of college and acceptance into a medical school
Completes 4 additional years of medical training
2 years classroom, 2 years working in hospital setting
Residency/Internship
Outlook
Faster than average growth due to the increase in the aging population and the need for primary and specialized health care

16. Registered Dietician (RD) $36,000 - $52,000
Job
A food and nutrition expert
Ability to identify and solve problems
Strong interest in food and nutrition
Ability to work independently
Practice Settings
Health care
Food service and research
Private practice
Public agency

17. RD cont’d Education Outlook
4 year degree in dietetics, food science, or related major at a university or college with an accredited program
Completion of a 6-12 month supervised practice program at a health care facility, community agency, or a food service corporation
Outlook
Average growth; increased emphasis on disease prevention by improved dietary habits