Dentists are responsible for treating and diagnosing any issues that arise from or affect the mouth, gums, and teeth. They are usually involved in educating their patients and generating awareness of dental care, and preventing certain diseases.
It is not easy sticking to the path of becoming a dentist. One has to study vigorously, not only for college but also for their licensure. Not many people know that there are many career paths one can take in dentistry after the successful completion of their studies. We have curated a list of the best potential career paths you can dive into after studying dentistry.
Dental hygienists
Dental hygienists are responsible for tasks such as performing dental cleanings, providing patients preventative dental care (under the supervision of a dentist), and even examining patients for signs and symptoms of various oral diseases such as gingivitis.
Their main work is to educate their patients on different ways to improve their oral health. Dental hygienists are required to obtain an associate’s degree in dental hygiene. They are also required to obtain a license for practicing, and every state has a different requirement for licensure. The growth potential of dental hygienists is projected to grow a whopping 21% within the span of the next ten years.
General dentists
A doctoral degree is required for the entry-level position of a general dentist. They are responsible for a multitude of services to assure the continued oral health of their patients. They focus on advanced tasks such as denture fittings, performing root canals, cavity fillings, and even root canals.
They are also responsible for referring patients to specialized dentists for certain problems. According to the experts at Dentistry of Virginia Beach VA, general dentists must graduate from an accredited dental school. One should check the various state licensure requirements as well.
Orthodontist
Orthodontists are specially trained in teeth positioning and jaw alignment. They use various strategies and oral appliances to realign or straighten the teeth of their patients. They specialize in children and adolescents since it is easier to move their teeth, but are not restricted to this population.
A lot of adult patients also consult with orthodontists. They can work in a variety of settings, including private clinics and even hospitals. Postdoctoral training is required to be an orthodontist.
Maxillofacial and oral surgeon
A maxillofacial and oral surgeon is responsible for performing surgical procedures on a patient’s jaw and mouth. They perform specific procedures to correct a patient’s jaw problem and repair specific structural abnormalities. They can work in various settings such as in dental practices, hospitals, and even private practice. For specializing in any area, postdoctoral training is required.
It is important to understand that you do not only have one path when it comes to being a dentist. Instead, there are many different pathways one can take in the area that they want to specialize in. Use this list to understand the various career paths available to you after studying dentistry. After all, why limit yourself to one path when you have a lot of options to choose from.