Dental Jobs Key Terms

Review the essential terms for dental jobs
By Darcy Chadwick When searching for information about careers in the dental field, it's best to know the types of jobs available. When looking to obtain your degree, you should narrow down your field of expertise. The different types of jobs require varying amounts of schooling, as well as hands-on experience. While you're looking for dental job listings, keep the following job titles and education requirements in mind.

Dentist

Most dentists have their own practice or work closely with a partner. Dentists deal with treatment options, surgical restoration and disease detection. Using X-rays, anesthesia, drills and other types of machinery, dentists treat problems with teeth and tissues in the mouth. A minimum of four years of dental school is required; more education is needed depending upon your specialty.
Try:  Learn about the job outlook and training requirements from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Dental hygienist

Dental hygienists work closely with the dentist when dealing with patients. They clean teeth, administer preventive dental care and assist patients with better dental hygiene. This profession is similar to a dental assistant, but the hygienist does not assist in procedures.
Try:  Learn more about dental hygienists from the Santa Clara County Dental Society.

Dental assistant

Dental assistants have an all-encompassing profession. They take and develop X-rays, work with patients on putting together better oral hygiene habits and take teeth impressions. An assistant may also help a dentist with fillings and exams.
Try:  Visit the Ohio Dental Association to learn more about dental assistants and the education required.

Lab technician

These behind-the-scenes technicians can make full or partial dentures from impressions formed at the dentist's office. They also make crowns and veneers, often working with high-tech equipment to do their job.
Try:  Check out an industry leader at the American Dental Association to learn more about lab technician careers.

Oral surgeon

Oral surgeons perform surgery on patients' mouths, with extractions or biopsies. They can also do complicated jaw-reconstruction surgeries. They care for people who need wisdom teeth removed, have misaligned jaws or suffer from facial pain.
Try:  To learn more about the job of an oral surgeon, including some of the services offered, check out healthcaresalaryonline.com.

Orthodontist

The orthodontist straightens teeth by analyzing a patient's mouth. An orthodontist's work is done through braces, which tighten the muscles and teeth. If there is not enough room in the patient's mouth, teeth may have to be extracted by an oral surgeon.
Try:  Read more about education requirements at Dentistinfo.com.