THE  CAREERS IN DENTISTRY

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By: Trishana Mckane

Community Service Volunteer

 

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Dental Technician- A Dental Technician manufactures dental prosthesis including bridges, crowns and dentures.  Dental Technicians  produce custom made restorative and dental appliances.

 

 

Prosthodontist-  Specializes in treating and handling  of dental and facial problems that involve restoring missing teeth  and jaw structures. A prosthodontist is highly trained in cosmetics, dental implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, temporomandibular disorders (TMJ/TMD), and more.

 

 

 

Pedodontist- Otherwise known as a Pediatric Dentist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of dental problems in children from infancy to young adulthood.

 

 

Orthodontist- Orthodontists are dental specialists who are University trained in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.  Orthodontists provide a wide range of treatment options to straighten crooked teeth, fix bad bites and align the jaws correctly.

 

 

Endodontist-  A Dental Specialist who specializes in maintaining teeth through endodontic therapy procedures, involving the soft inner tissue of the teeth, called the pulp.

 

 

Dental Assistant-  Performs a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties, and often works chair-side while Dentists examine and treat patients. Dental Assistants make patients as comfortable as possible in the dental chair, prepare them for treatment, and obtain and update their dental records.

 

Dental Assistants work closely with the Dentist  or  the Dental Specialist providing assistance throughout a patient's visit. Assisting the dentist encompasses a wide range of procedures from preparing the various materials required , ensuring the proper instruments  or  equipment are available, to cleaning and sterilizing the used instruments.

 

Dental Nurse- A Dental Nurse works in the Government sector providing  dental treatment and therapy  for  children up to the age of 17. The services of the  Dental Nurse include  extractions of deciduous teeth, fillings and dental cleanings.

 

Dental Hygienist- The Dental hygienist provides dental care for all ages . The services of a Dental Hygienist includes teeth cleaning , examining patients for signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis, and provide other preventive dental care. Dental Hygienists  also educate patients about oral health. 

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Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon- The Oral and  Maxillofacial Surgeons focus on treating problems related to the hard and soft tissues of the face, mouth, and jaws (the upper jaw is referred to as the maxilla). While they sometimes work in a hospital, their practices are often located in comfortable office settings.   Oral and maxillofacial surgeons employ Registered Nurses and Anesthesiologists to be part of their team enhancing the quality of their service. 

 

 

General dentist- A General Dentist is the primary  dental care  provider. The Dentist diagnoses, treats, and manages the overall oral health care needs, including gum care, root canals, fillings, crowns, veneers, bridges, and preventive education.

 

 

Periodontist- A Periodontist is a Dental Specialist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease.    They are specially trained in the placement, maintenance, and repair of dental implants. Periodontists are also experts in the treatment of oral inflammation  and are focused on repairing the damage done by periodontal disease “periodontitis” or “gum disease” . Procedures including gingival recontouring / resculpting, crown lengthening, root coverage procedures, grafting of gum tissue , and ridge augmentation can be undertaken by the Periodontists to improve appearance,