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CAREERS IN DENTISTRYDR. TRAVIS D. TRAMEL, MA, RDHAP

GERISMILES MOBILE DENTAL HYGIENE PRACTICE

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CAREERS IN DENTISTRY

• The goal of the dental team is to provide optimal care of the oral cavity for all patients.

• Dental Team members can work in:

• Group or Specialty Practice

• Schools

• Government or Community Clinics

• Dental Insurance Companies

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DENTIST

Education:

• 4 year degree from a college or university

• 4 years of dental school training

• 2 years of additional training for specialty

• National examination required for licensure

Degrees:

• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)

• Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD)

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WHAT DOES A DENTIST DO?

• Diagnose and treat diseases, injury and malformations of the

teeth and mouth

• Improves a patients’ appearance by using a variety of cosmetic

procedures

• Performs surgical procedures such as implants, tissue grafts and extractions

• Educate Patients

• Perform research- improving oral health and developing new treatments

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WHAT DOES A DENTIST DO?

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SPECIALTIES OF PRACTICE

• Endodontics

• Concerned with the human dental pulp and periradicular tissues

• Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

• Deals with the nature, identification and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions.

• Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology

• Concerned with the production and interpretation of images that are used for the diagnosis and management of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral and maxillofacial region.

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ENDODONTIST?

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ORAL MAXILLOFACIAL PATHOLOGY - RADIOLOGY

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SPECIALTIES OF PRACTICE

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

• Concerned with the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and

defects involving both the hard tissue and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region.

• Orthodontics

• Includes the diagnosis, prevention, interception and correction of malocclusion, as well as

neuromuscular and skeletal abnormalities of the developing or mature orofacial structures.

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ORAL MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

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ORTHODONTICS

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SPECIALTIES OF PRACTICE

• Pediatric Dentistry

• Periodontics• Encompasses the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting and

surrounding tissues of the teeth and gums

• Prosthodontics

• Specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with missing or deficient teeth and or oral and maxillofacial tissues

• Public Health Dentistry

• Form of dental practice which serves the community as a patient rather than the individual

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PEDIATRIC

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PERIODONTICS

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PROSTODONTICS

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PUBLIC HEALTH DENTISTRY

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DENTAL HYGIENIST

• Education

• 2 year community college

• 4 year college or university program

• Completion of accredited program and national examination for state licensing

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WHAT DOES A DENTAL HYGIENIST DO?

• Records patient’s health history

• Removes calculus and plaque

• Examines teeth and oral structures

• Screens for oral cancer and blood pressure abnormalities

• Counsels and teaches patients

• Applies preventative materials such as sealants and fluorides

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DENTAL HYGIENIST

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DENTAL ASSISTANT

• Education

• 1 – 2 year accredited program

• Certificaton through the Dental Assisting National Board

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WHAT DOES A DENTAL ASSISTANT DO?

• Assist dentist with a variety of treatment procedures, work with dental instruments and

materials

• Prepares and sterilizes instruments and equipment

• Takes and processes x-rays

• Performs a variety of office management tasks

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DENTAL ASSISTANT

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DENTAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

• Education

• Primary on the job training

• Certification available through the National Association of Dental Laboratories

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WHAT DOES A DENTAL LABORATORY TECH DO?

• Creates replacement for natural teeth

• Uses artistic talent and uses technology to create customized, hand crafted dental restorations made from gold, chrome, alloy and ceramics

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DENTAL LAB TECHNICIAN

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