dental articles from 2 Dental.com

By : http://www.schoolsintheusa.com

Sometimes the pulp inside your tooth becomes inflamed or infected. This is caused by deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, a crack or chip in the tooth, or a blow to the tooth. The inflammation may also be known as a root canal, and if you have ever had one of these, chances are you have visited an endodontist. Endodontists are dentists who specialize in endodontic or root canal treatment.

Root canal, or endodontic treatment, is a procedure performed to remove damaged tissue from inside the root canals of a tooth. Endodontists usually limit their practice to endodontic procedures. The endodontist performs a type of treatment on the inflamed area. Afterwards, you return to your general dentist, who will place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect it and restore it to full function.

Unless one’s teeth are in grave danger, an endodontist will recommend a non-surgical technique, most commonly known as root canal treatment. This treatment is necessary when the soft inner tissue of the tooth, the pulp, becomes inflamed or infected. A root canal treatment involves removal of the damaged pulp. The canals are then cleaned, filled and sealed to preserve the tooth.

Sometimes endodontic treatment alone cannot save your tooth, and your dentist or endodontist may recommend endodontic surgery. Endodontic surgery includes any surgical procedures used to remove infection from your root canals and surrounding areas. Surgery can also be used in diagnosing problems that do not appear on your x-ray, such as root fractures, or in treating problems in the surrounding bone.

The most common endodontic surgical procedure is an apicoectomy or root-end resection. It is used to relieve inflammation or infection in the bony area around the end of your tooth that continues after endodontic treatment. The endodontist opens the gum tissue and removes the infected tissue and may remove the very end of the root. A small filling may be placed to seal the root canal. In this procedure, endodontists use local anesthetics, such as freezing. The surgery is quickly performed and patients can return to their daily lives within 24 hours.

The practice of endodontics involves the diagnosis and treatment of pulpal and periapical pathology. Beside root canal treatment, they also re-treat previously treated teeth, perform other surgical procedures, root resections, dental implants, vital and non-vital bleaching, apexification, and treatment of traumatic injuries to the teeth and gums.

Interests and Skills
Endodontists must have good health, eyesight, and good finger and manual dexterity. They must have a gentle, delicate touch and a good degree of mechanical aptitude and ability. They require great interpersonal skills, and can communicate with all of their patients, trying to make them feel more comfortable. They also have the ability to understand and handle many different types and ages of people. Successful endodontists enjoy doing precise work with tools and equipment, and helping people.

Typical Tasks

* Examine patients’ teeth, gums and surrounding tissue to diagnose endodontical disease or root canals and plan appropriate surgical and non-surgical treatment
* Educate patients to help to prevent root canals or other endodontical diseases
* Restore, extract and replace diseased and decayed teeth
* Perform oral surgery and other root canal treatments
* Treat diseased gum tissue and bone
* Supervise dental technicians, dental assistants and other staff
* Most endodontists work eight-hour days during the week, but in order to meet patient time constraints, some may also work weekends and evenings. After hours emergency care is sometimes required; depending on the endodontist’s specialty area. Endodontists perform most of their work sitting down, often in uncomfortable positions. This is often a high stress occupation due to working with people who are in pain and are often afraid of them.

Workplaces, Employers and Industries

* Most endodontists work in private practices or they may be employed in hospitals, clinics, public health facilities or universities. Directly upon graduation, endodontists may engage in private practice, however, these days, partnerships with established dental practitioners and group practices are becoming increasingly popular. Better opportunities exist in smaller towns and city centers where the market has yet to be saturated. Some endodontists work for governmental health services.

Long Term Career Potential
With experience and a growing clientele, endodontists may decide to branch out and open up their own practices. Career possibilities may include academic dental research or moving outside of endodontical practice to work as dental educators, researchers, administrators, or sales representatives for dental supply companies. Some may also decide to move into more creative or artistic positions. Many move into specialty areas, such as cosmetic dentistry, or become surgeons.

Educational Paths
Endodontists have a long educational road ahead of them after high school. They are required have a bachelor of science degree as the first level. The next step is to obtain a degree from a recognized dental program. Then endodontists must attend a two- or three-year advanced dental program in endodontics and will receive a certificate and/or master’s degree in endodontics upon completion of the program. The specialty training includes the basic biological sciences, technology and clinical procedures.

Endodontists must be licensed to practice dentistry and endodontistry. Each region has a licensing body that establishes regulations and requirements for the licensure of general practitioners and specialists within the jurisdiction. There are fees for licensure and specialty registration in each region, which may change annually. Contact the regulatory authority in your jurisdiction to obtain detailed information about licensure, registration, and fees.

By : ExploreHealthCareers.org

Dentistry is the branch of the healing arts and sciences devoted to maintaining oral health. It is a dynamic health profession, offering opportunities to become a successful, highly respected member of the community. Dentists enjoy excellent compensation and the high demand for dental care is likely to continue in the future. The realization that oral health can have a serious impact on systemic health drives the expansion of new professional opportunities each year, and a degree in dentistry offers a number of career options, including:

* Academic Dentistry
* General Dentistry Private Practice (Self-Employed, Employee, Associate/Partner)
* Dental Research
* Dental Public Policy
* International Health Care
* Federal Government (Military Dentist)
* Dental Specialties

Dentists are trained to treat all patients, adults and children, in many different treatment facilities and settings. In doing so, a general dentist may:

* Use the latest techniques and equipment to examine the head and neck and oral cavity to identify and diagnose oral conditions that may manifest into systemic disease and determine the oral health of the patient.
* Use the latest radiographic, computer-generated imaging, and other specialized diagnostic techniques to identify diseases of the teeth, supporting bone and gingival tissues, and other tissues in the oral cavity and head and neck.
* Restore and replace teeth damaged by decay, lost from trauma or disease, with newly developed dental materials, implants, and crown and bridge techniques.
* Perform corrective surgery on gums and supporting bones to treat gum disease.
* Extract teeth when necessary using the most up-to-date anesthetic techniques.
* Eliminate pain arising from oral diseases, conditions and trauma, making use of prescriptive medicines to reduce pain and discomfort.
* Correct mal-positioned teeth to improve chewing, speech, digestion of food and appearance.
* Oversee the administration and business of private practice and frequently employ and supervise a large number of staff and allied dental personnel to help treat their family of patients.
* Evaluate the overall health of their patients by taking blood pressure and vital signs, and by evaluating comprehensive medical histories.
* Provide instruction and advice on oral health care, including individualized diet analysis, brushing and flossing techniques, the use of fluoridated products and other specialized preventive measures to maintain healthy oral tissues and prevent oral disease.

Additional experience, training or education beyond a DMD or DDS allows general dentists to further specialize in the following fields:

* Endodontics – diagnosis and treatment of injuries that are specific to the dental nerves and pulp (matter inside the tooth).
* Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology - study and research of the causes, processes, and effects of diseases with oral manifestations.
* Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology - taking and interpretation of conventional, digital, CT, MRI, and allied imaging modalities of oral-facial structures and disease.
* Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery – diagnostic services and treatment for injuries, diseases, and defects of the neck, head jaw, and associated structures.
* Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics – diagnosis and treatment of problems related to irregular dental development, missing teeth, and other abnormalities.
* Pediatric Dentistry – treatment of children from birth to adolescence.
* Periodontics - corrective surgery on gums and supporting bones to treat gum disease.
* Prosthodontics - restoration and replacement of teeth damaged by decay, lost from trauma or disease, with fixed or removable appliances constructed with newly developed dental material.
* Dental Public Health - development of policies and programs, such as health care reform, that affect the community at large.

To meet a dentist, see the NIH “Lifeworks” Website. For a listing of accredited dental schools in the United States, see the American Dental Education Association or American Dental Association Websites.
Preparation Timeline

The timeline listed below offers a general guide for undergraduates planning to attend dental school. It is not a rigid timetable. Variations may occur, based on the curriculum of the college or university you are attending, as well as your background and career interests. Use it as a guide to planning your undergraduate education

While many pre-dental students are science majors (e.g., biology, pre-dental, chemistry, etc.), a science major is not required for admission to dental school. Dental school pre-requisite courses vary by dental school, but generally include, at minimum, one year of study in each of the following areas: biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry and physics. Check the admission requirements of the schools that you are considering for additional required courses.
Freshman Year

* Meet with a Pre-Dental Advisor. Some colleges and universities have pre-dental advisors, while others have pre-health professions advisors who work with students interested in all of the health professions. Seek out an advisor to identify the courses you will need to complete, as well as the sequence of those courses, to become a viable applicant to dental school.
* Enroll in either biology or chemistry courses, as recommended by advisor.
* Join a pre-dental or pre-health professions club at your school. This is a great opportunity to meet other like-minded students, to network, and to form study groups for your science courses. Meeting upper-class pre-dental students gives you the opportunity to learn about the dental school application process.
* Learn more about careers in the dental profession. Speak with your own dentist and learn more about the advantages and challenges of the profession. Based on what you learn, why does a career in dentistry appeal to you?
* Learn about personal finance. Does your university offer a course? Consider how your student budget, spending habits and use of credit cards impact your student loan debt. You may also want to look into scholarship and fellowship options. How can you balance a demanding academic schedule, work, and a comfortable, yet frugal, student lifestyle?

Freshman Year - Summer

* Work or volunteer in a health care environment. Ideally, work in a dental office or clinic. Your goal is to gain exposure to the health care environment in general and to learn more about the work of dental professionals. Talk to practicing dentists, learn about the delivery of dental care, and find out about the issues impacting the profession.
* Participate in a summer academic enrichment program like the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program http://www.smdep.org/ . This program is a free (full tuition, housing, and meals) six-week summer medical and dental school preparatory program that offers eligible students intensive and personalized medical and dental school preparation.
* Learn more about dental education by reviewing the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Official Guide to Dental Schools and Opportunities for Minority Students in United States Dental Schools. Both publications are available at pre-dental advisor offices and at college libraries, or may be purchased online through the ADEA.
* Check the Websites for dental schools and related organizations, to learn more about admissions requirements, the dental school environment, and the profession of dentistry.

Sophomore Year

* Start thinking about selecting a major. Remember, you do not have to be a science major to attend dental school, but you do need to complete specific science courses.
* Work with your advisor to sequence your science courses and balance your course load so that it is challenging but not too heavy, especially if you’re working part-time.
* Become actively involved in your pre-dental club. Sign up for committee work, help organize events, participate in activities.
* Work with your advisor to identify special opportunities for the upcoming summer. Many universities and dental schools offer summer workshops to enhance study skills, to expose undergraduates to the profession, to prepare for the Dental Admissions Test (DAT), and to expose students to various fields of dental research. Check application deadlines.

Sophomore Year - Summer

* Participate in a summer program, enroll in summer school, or work/volunteer in the dental profession. Get a job! Keep that student loan debt as low as possible during your undergraduate years.
* Start putting together a financial plan for applying to dental school. Take into consideration fees for the DAT, the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) application, processing fees to the schools to which you apply, plus the cost of participating in on-site interviews.

Junior Year

* Complete biology and chemistry courses in preparation for taking the DAT in late spring of junior year.
* Review the dental school application process. Most dental schools participate in AADSAS, a centralized application service offered through ADEA. Look over the application and begin formulating your application information.
* Meet with your advisor to find out how your school handles letters of evaluation. (Some schools have a pre-dental committee that writes a joint evaluation on your behalf; other schools simply assemble letters that you have requested from faculty.) Identify individuals who are willing to write letters of evaluation on your behalf; communicate submission deadlines to them. Be able to document your dental office observation experiences.
* Start making decisions about the type of dental school you want to attend: location, size of school, composition of the student body, curriculum, emphasis of the program. View web sites, talk with classmates and upper-class students who are now enrolled in dental school.
* Participate in visitations from dental school admissions officers, visit dental schools, talk to dental students and admissions/minority affairs officers.
* Continue to actively participate in pre-dental organization activities.
* Identify a strategy to prepare for the DAT. Obtain a sample DAT test from the American Dental Association (no charge). Consider purchasing a DAT review book and/or a CD that offers sample tests. Some students opt to enroll in DAT review courses, offered at dental schools, colleges and universities, and by private companies. Some of these courses are offered free of charge, while others are quite costly. Watch deadlines!
* Register for the DAT with the American Dental Association. After submitting your application, you will receive instructions on contacting a Prometric Testing Center to schedule your test date. The DAT is a computerized examination and can be taken at a date and time of your choosing. Your registration is valid for twelve months.
* The ideal time to take the DAT is at the end of the spring semester, junior year. If your test scores are not what you would like, you must wait 90 days to re-take the test.

Junior Year - Summer

* Submit your AADSAS application. Applications become available May 15, and AADSAS starts processing on June 1. An early application significantly enhances your chances of being admitted to dental school. Don’t procrastinate and let that application deadline sneak up on you!
* If possible, work, volunteer, or participate in a summer pre-dental program at a dental school.
* Submit your AADSAS application. Note: fee reductions are offered to individuals who can demonstrate extreme financial need.
* If you’re re-taking the DAT, have a study strategy in place. Remember, you must allow 90 days between test dates.

Senior Year

* Complete advanced science courses. Although most schools only require a year of biology, most dental students will tell you that additional courses, particularly in the biological sciences, more well prepare you for the fast-paced dental school curriculum.
* Finish up all course requirements for your degree.
* Prepare to go on interviews. Participate in mock interviews offered by your pre-dental organization or Career Center.
* Obtain a good interviewing outfit. Professional business attire is the norm.
* Sometime after December 1, you will (hopefully) receive offers of admission. Depending on the date of acceptance, you will have specific response time. Most — but not all — schools require a tuition deposit at the time you accept the offer of admission.
* Initiate the financial aid application process to the dental school you choose to attend. Don’t procrastinate! Many financial aid awards are based on the date of application. Work with your dental school’s financial aid office to stay on top of the application process.
* Prepare for graduation!

Senior Year - Summer

* Prepare for your enrollment in dental school. This could mean participating in a pre-freshman experience, working and earning a few more dollars before starting school, or traveling and relaxing. Have fun!

Dental Assistants

* Nature of the Work
* Working Conditions
* Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
* Employment
* Job Outlook
* Earnings
* Related Occupations
* Sources of Additional Information

Significant Points

* Job prospects should be excellent.
* Dentists are expected to hire more assistants to perform routine tasks so that they may devote their own time to more complex procedures.
* Most assistants learn their skills on the job, although an increasing number are trained in dental-assisting programs; most programs take 1 year or less to complete.

Nature of the Work

Dental assistants perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties. They work chairside as dentists examine and treat patients. They make patients as comfortable as possible in the dental chair, prepare them for treatment, and obtain their dental records. Assistants hand instruments and materials to dentists and keep patients? mouths dry and clear by using suction or other devices. Assistants also sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare trays of instruments for dental procedures, and instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care.

Some dental assistants prepare materials for impressions and restorations, take dental x rays, and process x-ray film as directed by a dentist. They also may remove sutures, apply topical anesthetics to gums or cavity-preventive agents to teeth, remove excess cement used in the filling process, and place rubber dams on the teeth to isolate them for individual treatment.

Those with laboratory duties make casts of the teeth and mouth from impressions, clean and polish removable appliances, and make temporary crowns. Dental assistants with office duties schedule and confirm appointments, receive patients, keep treatment records, send bills, receive payments, and order dental supplies and materials.

Dental assistants should not be confused with dental hygienists, who are licensed to perform different clinical tasks. (See the statement on dental hygienists elsewhere in the Handbook.)

Working Conditions

Dental assistants work in a well-lighted, clean environment. Their work area usually is near the dental chair so that they can arrange instruments, materials, and medication and hand them to the dentist when needed. Dental assistants must wear gloves, masks, eyewear, and protective clothing to protect themselves and their patients from infectious diseases. Assistants also follow safety procedures to minimize the risks associated with the use of x-ray machines.

About half of dental assistants have a 35- to 40-hour workweek, which may include work on Saturdays or evenings.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

Most assistants learn their skills on the job, although an increasing number are trained in dental-assisting programs offered by community and junior colleges, trade schools, technical institutes, or the Armed Forces. Assistants must be a second pair of hands for a dentist; therefore, dentists look for people who are reliable, work well with others, and have good manual dexterity. High school students interested in a career as a dental assistant should take courses in biology, chemistry, health, and office practices.

The Commission on Dental Accreditation within the American Dental Association (ADA) approved 265 dental-assisting training programs in 2005. Programs include classroom, laboratory, and preclinical instruction in dental-assisting skills and related theory. In addition, students gain practical experience in dental schools, clinics, or dental offices. Most programs take 1 year or less to complete and lead to a certificate or diploma. Two-year programs offered in community and junior colleges lead to an associate degree. All programs require a high school diploma or its equivalent, and some require science or computer-related courses for admission. A number of private vocational schools offer 4-month to 6-month courses in dental assisting, but the Commission on Dental Accreditation does not accredit these programs.

Most States regulate the duties that dental assistants are allowed to perform through licensure or registration. Licensure or registration may require passing a written or practical examination. States offering licensure or registration have a variety of schools offering courses—approximately 10 to 12 months in length—that meet their State?s requirements. Other States require dental assistants to complete State-approved education courses of 4 to 12 hours in length. Some States offer registration of other dental assisting credentials with little or no education required. Some States require continuing education to maintain licensure or registration. A few States allow dental assistants to perform any function delegated to them by the dentist.

Individual States have adopted different standards for dental assistants who perform certain advanced duties, such as radiological procedures. Completion of the Radiation Health and Safety examination offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) meets those standards in more than 30 States. Some States require completion of a State-approved course in radiology as well.

Certification is available through DANB and is recognized or required in more than 30 States. Other organizations offer registration, most often at the State level. Certification is an acknowledgment of an assistant?s qualifications and professional competence and may be an asset when one is seeking employment. Candidates may qualify to take the DANB certification examination by graduating from an ADA-accredited dental assisting education program or by having 2 years of full-time, or 4 years of part-time, experience as a dental assistant. In addition, applicants must have current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. For annual recertification, individuals must earn continuing education credits.

Without further education, advancement opportunities are limited. Some dental assistants become office managers, dental-assisting instructors, or dental product sales representatives. Others go back to school to become dental hygienists. For many, this entry-level occupation provides basic training and experience and serves as a steppingstone to more highly skilled and higher paying jobs.

Employment

Dental assistants held about 267,000 jobs in 2004. Almost all jobs for dental assistants were in offices of dentists. A small number of jobs were in the Federal, State, and local governments or in offices of physicians. About 2 out of 5 dental assistants worked part time, sometimes in more than one dental office.

Job Outlook

Job prospects for dental assistants should be excellent. Employment is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through the year 2014. In fact, dental assistants is expected to be one of the fastest growing occupations over the 2004-14 projection period.

In addition to job openings due to employment growth, numerous job openings will arise out of the need to replace assistants who transfer to other occupations, retire, or leave for other reasons. Many opportunities are for entry-level positions offering on-the-job training.

Population growth and greater retention of natural teeth by middle-aged and older people will fuel demand for dental services. Older dentists, who have been less likely to employ assistants, are leaving the occupation and will be replaced by recent graduates, who are more likely to use one or even two assistants. In addition, as dentists? workloads increase, they are expected to hire more assistants to perform routine tasks, so that they may devote their own time to more complex procedures.

Earnings

Median hourly earnings of dental assistants were $13.62 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $11.06 and $16.65 an hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.11, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $19.97 an hour.

Benefits vary substantially by practice setting and may be contingent upon full-time employment. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), almost all full-time dental assistants employed by private practitioners received paid vacation time. The ADA also found that 9 out of 10 full-time and part-time dental assistants received dental coverage.

Related Occupations

Other workers supporting health practitioners include medical assistants, occupational therapist assistants and aides, pharmacy aides, pharmacy technicians, and physical therapist assistants and aides.

Author: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Dental Assistants, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos163.htm (visited October 31, 2007).

By Hanna Geshelin

Dental hygienists, dental assistants, and technicians have healthy job prospects.

More than 30 years ago, Tennessee’s first public health dental hygienist, Debbye Krueger visited public schools to teach kids about oral health. Many years later, after earning a master’s in business administration, she was working on a research program in an unrelated medical field. One day a patient told Debbye that she reminded her of a lady who had come to her school when she was young and had given her her first toothbrush! Debbye asked when and where this had happened, and–yes, you guessed it!–Debbye had indeed been the “tooth lady.”

“You just never realize how you affect your patients’ lives or who will remember you,” she said. That incident was a turning point in Dabbye’s career. She left research and returned to public health because she realized how important it was and how many lives she had touched as a dental hygienist.

If you want a career that impacts people’s overall health, consider a career as a dental hygienist, dental assistant, or technician. Job opportunities in all three areas are expected to keep growing in the next several years. In fact, dental hygienists are projected to be one of the 20 fastest growing occupations.

“Dental assistants and dental technicians can begin on-the-job training right out of high school,” says Denise Bowen, professor of dental hygiene at Idaho State University, “or they can attend vocational programs first. Dental hygienists need three years of college to enter a field with great pay and lots of part-time and full-time opportunities.”

“OK, now hold still, please.”

Dental hygienists provide a variety of preventive services, including scaling and polishing teeth and teaching patients how to maintain good oral health. “I meet wonderfully interesting people, and we establish a long relationship,” says Beth Clark, a registered dental hygienist (RDH) in Worcester, Massachusetts. “In the right office, you are able to plant your roots deeply.”

Dental hygienists also examine teeth for decay and the mouth for abnormalities and signs of gum disease. They take and develop X-rays and interpret them for the dentist, who makes the diagnosis.

All states require that dental hygienists be licensed. In Washington, D.C., and in all states except Alabama, dental hygienists need to complete a minimum two-year college-level program in dental hygiene plus at least one year of college core courses such as English, psychology, biology, and physiology. (Alabama has a state-regulated program for on-the-job training.) All dental hygienists in the United States take the same written exam. Each state gives a clinical (hands-on) exam, and most states also require an exam on the law pertaining to the practice of dental hygiene.

Not all dental hygienists work in a dentist’s office. “What I like best about the job,” says Mickey Near-hood, RDH, of Portland, Oregon, “are the many opportunities available, such as teaching, selling dental products, or working in product research and testing.”

“Relax and get comfortable.”

Many people feel apprehensive about going to the dentist. As a dental assistant you must ease the patient’s fears and make him or her more comfortable in the examining room. Dental assistants also prepare patients for treatment and hand instruments to the dentist. Some assistants perform laboratory tasks such as making temporary crowns or making casts of teeth from impressions taken by the dentist. Others schedule and confirm appointments, keep treatment records, and order supplies and materials. Assistants might even have both lab and office responsibilities.

“When I was a junior in high school, I started working as an assistant in a dental office,” says Missy Holmes, now a registered dental hygienist in Douglasville, Georgia. After two years of on-the-job training, assistants are eligible to take a certification exam. Another way to become certified is to attend an accredited dental assistant program. One-year programs provide a certificate or diploma, while two-year programs award an associate’s degree.

If you decide on schooling for this field, be sure the program is accredited. Some schools make you a dental assistant in four to six months, but you still need two years of experience in order to take the certification exam–just the same as if you had on-the-job training. You need to be certified for advancement, but not to get a job in the field.

If you plan to work while attending college, being a dental assistant is an excellent choice. There’s a lot of part-time work. And the field provides a good foundation for two other fields. Dental assistants with office responsibilities can move into office management. And, as Missy Holmes discovered, working as a dental assistant is a good springboard for becoming a dental hygienist.

Smile, America

If you love working with clay or making models, think about creating smiles for a living. Dental technicians are artists who work with waxes, plastics, metallic alloys, porcelain, and other materials. Working from impressions (molds) of patients’ teeth or mouths and detailed written instructions, they create dental appliances: crowns and bridges, partial dentures, complete dentures, and orthodontic appliances.

Pay for on-the-job training positions starts at minimum wage, but these jobs provide a gradual entrance to a good profession. “I look for employees who respect detail, can follow procedures exactly, are good with their hands, willing to develop their skill over time, and willing to learn beyond their specific tasks,” says Tammy Jakubik, who with her husband owns OrthoDent Dental Lab, Inc., in Phoenix, Arizona.

After five years’ experience, you would qualify to take the exam to become a certified dental technician (CDT). Or you could attend a community college, vocational school, or technical college program in this field. Graduates of accredited programs need two years of professional experience in order to become certified.

The characteristics that really count for advancement are attention to detail, skill, speed, dependability, and the ability to work well under pressure. Mr. Jakubik is a double amputee and uses a wheelchair. “Some extremely talented technicians are deaf or confined to a wheelchair,” says Alexa Wilson, a CDT in Virginia Many others are immigrants whose thick accents could be a barrier to advancement in other fields, but this is not a problem for those working in a lab. “The dental lab tends to be a very relaxed and laidback place to work,” says Wilson. “You can wear blue jeans and sweatshirts and listen to rock ‘n’ roll (on your headset) while you work. At times the job is high stress due to the precision work and fast turn-around schedule. Overall, this is a secret little niche where a lot of interesting technology is used to fashion a precision prosthesis one tooth at a time.”

About 25 percent of CDTs own their own lab–a lucrative opportunity for technicians with entrepreneurial skills. Another way to make good money in this field is to develop a specialization–for example, in the “crown and bridge” area. Commercial dental labs may employ anywhere from two to 200 people. The average lab is small, however, with just five to 10 employees.

Bright Future

The fields of dental hygienist, dental assistant, and dental technician offer different opportunities. What they share is the chance to start earning either right out of high school or shortly thereafter in fields with lots of part-time and full-time work and the chance to grow professionally in satisfying, hands-on work. And, as Alexa Wilson put it, “It is very rewarding to know that your work will brighten the world with a beautiful smile.”

SALARY STATS [*]

* Registered dental hygienists with experience earn an average of $35,000 to $ 45,000.

* Certified dental assistants earn an average of $21,569.

* Beginning dental technicians earn an average of $15,954.

* Skilled dental technicians earn an average of $40,000 to $60,000.

(*.) Salaries vary greatly depending on location and level of experience.

Oops!

Missy Holmes, a dental hygienist from Douglasville, Georgia, tells this story about her early days on the job as a dental assistant. I started working in a dental office in high school on a co-op type program to get some experience in the dental field. I was being trained as an assistant. The first time I tried to sit a patient up in the dental chair, I was not certain which button moved the back of the chair up and which moved it down. I was supposed to be sitting the patient up and letting him rinse with mouthwash after the dental procedure. I leaned down to look at the buttons on the chair and did not realize that with my other hand on the top of the chair, I was also pouring mouthwash on our patient head.”

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