Industry
Outlook for Dental Jobs
For the most part, positions
in the dental health field are expected to expand within the next five
to ten years.
Positions in the dental health
field include:
- Dentists practicing under various specialties
- Dental hygienists
- Dental assistants
Dental
Assistants
Dental assistant positions in
particular are expected to continue expanding
at a faster rate than they have in the past due to the fact that
dentists are able to perform more complex procedures when they are
freed from routine tasks that can be performed by a dental assistant.
A dental assistant’s
duties typically range from office to laboratory, covering tasks such
as pulling patient files as well as handing the
dentists tools and suctioning the
patient’s mouth during procedures.
Dental assistants usually work
an average forty hour workweek, with little overtime required, although
it may be necessary to work on some weekends as dictated by the
employer.
Dental
Hygienists
As with dental assistants,
employment opportunities for dental hygienists are expected to remain
quite good throughout the coming years. Dental hygienists perform many
of the same duties that were once performed by dentists such as:
- Examining teeth and gums
- Cleaning teeth
- Taking and developing x-rays
- Instruct patients on proper oral health
practices
There are a variety of work
schedules available for dental hygienists, which is one of the attractions for many to the field
Individuals may frequently
find that flexible scheduling is not a problem and that they are able
to work part-time or full-time as they choose. Most dental hygienists
actually hold more than one part-time job.
Dentists
The field of dentists is the
one area of the dental health industry that is not expected to grow as
quickly as the others.
The majority of all job
openings will arise from the need to fill positions vacated by others who have retired
Most dentists own their own
practices.
Dentists may choose to
practice in a number of specialized areas including:
- Orthodontia (straightening of teeth)
- Oral surgery
- Prosthodontists (dentures, crowns, etc.)
- Pediatric dental health
- Periodontists (gums and bones beneath teeth)
- Endodontist (root canal)
- Oral pathology (research and study of oral
disease)
Dentists typically work an
average work week consisting of forty hours. Some weekend and evening
work may be required, particularly in the more specialized fields.
Employment
Prospects for Dental Jobs
Almost all dentists either own
their own practice or work
within a group of dentists. Dental assistant and hygienist positions
can be found at dental offices and group practices throughout the
country.
More specialized positions,
such as in research and instruction, can be located at universities and
some teaching hospitals.
Job Search for
Dental Jobs
Open positions in the dental
health industry are advertised in a variety of means. Since most
dentist positions are actually self-employed, it is unlikely to find
many positions advertised in the classifieds.
In some cases, when a group
practice is looking for a dentist, they might seek the services of an employment agency or recruiting firm
Dental hygienist and assistant
positions are typically advertised through classified newspaper
listings and employment agency services. Networking can also prove to
be beneficial.
Resumes for
Dental Jobs
A chronological
resume is the best type of resume to use when
searching for dental hygienist and assistant positions because it
focuses on experience and education.
Dentists who are looking to
specialize or who are interested in instruction and teaching may find
that a curriculum vitae suits
their needs better because it can acceptably be longer in format and
provides opportunities to include information such as instructional
experience and publication credits.
Cover Letters
for Dental Jobs
The cover letter utilized by a
job seeker looking for work in any field within the dental health
industry should note how the applicant learned of the position and
focus on any special experience, specialization or training.
Training
& Qualifications for Dental Jobs
The training and
qualifications required for dental health positions depend upon the
position in which a job seeker is interested.
Dental
Assistants
Dental assistant positions
require the least amount of formal education and training. The majority
of all dental assistants learn their skills through on
the job training or by enrolling in a one year
training program.
Dental assistants who
handle tasks related to radiologic activities, taking x-rays, may be required to undergo advanced training as dictated by their State
There is a wealth of room for
advancement within this field of the dental health industry.
Individuals may become certified or eventually become a dental
hygienist.
Dental Hygienist
At a minimum, an associate
degree is required to become a dental hygienist. Individuals who are
looking toward advancement may also obtain a bachelor’s
degree or even a master’s degree.
A dental hygienist must be
licensed by their State in order to practice
This requires graduating from
an accredited school and passing a written and clinical exam.
Individuals interested in research or instruction would be required to
obtain a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
Dentists
Dentists must be licensed in
order to practice.
This requires graduation
from a dental school and passing a written and practical exam
Interested candidates must
first graduate with a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a
related discipline and then successfully complete four years of dental
school.
Some dental
schools will accept candidates who have completed
only two years of undergraduate study, as opposed to a
Bachelor’s degree, if the study was in a related discipline.
Students also participate in clinicals
during dental school, which gives them opportunities to gain real world
experience.
Good luck in your search
for dental jobs !