Dentistry Basics Quiz

Dentist

• Dentists treat and prevent tooth and gum issues
• They give advice on oral hygiene
• They treat cavities, gum disease, and broken teeth
• They use tools like X-rays, drills, and mirrors
• They may perform surgeries, remove teeth, and make dentures
• Some dentists specialize in areas like braces, surgery, and children's dentistry
• Orthodontists straighten teeth using braces
• Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons treat mouth, jaw, teeth, gums, neck, and head
• Pediatric dentists focus on children and special needs
• Periodontists treat gums and bone supporting teeth
• Prosthodontists replace missing teeth
• Endodontists perform root canal therapy
• Oral Pathologists diagnose oral diseases
• Dental public health specialists promote dental health

Work Environment

• Most dentists own their practice or work as associates
• They typically work 4-5 days a week
• Some offer evening/weekend hours
• They often work 35-40 hours a week
• Offices are typically safe, but work-related injuries can occur

Employment Opportunities

• There were about 151,600 dentist jobs in 2019
• Most dentists work in private practices (about 75%)
• Some work in hospitals or physicians' offices
• Job prospects are good due to expected retirements

Education and Legal Requirements

• All 50 US states and DC require licensure
• Graduates of accredited dental schools need a written and practical exam
• 67 dental schools in the US, accredited by the ADA's Commission on Dental Accreditation, in 2021
• Dental school typically takes 4 years and requires a bachelor's degree
• Applicants are evaluated by DAT scores, GPA, recommendations, and interviews
• Graduates receive a DDS or DMD
• Licensure requires a degree from an accredited school and passing written and practical exams

Employment Trends

• Employment for dentists is expected to grow at an average rate
• Demand is increasing due to an aging population and growing dental insurance coverage
• More emphasis on preventive care is also driving the demand
• The importance of increasing the number of minority dentists is highlighted

Dental Hygienists

• A degree from an accredited dental hygiene school and a state license are required for this job
• Job prospects are good in most areas, but competition can be strong in some areas
• Many dental hygienists work part-time and have flexible schedules
• Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine teeth and gums for abnormalities, use X-rays, and apply fluoride and pit and fissure sealant.
• They also do fillings and clean up metal restorations using hand and rotary instruments, lasers, and ultrasonics
• They work in clean, well-lit offices, and follow infection control procedures

Employment Opportunities

• There were about 226,400 dental hygienist positions in 2019
• Most worked in dentists' offices

Educational and Legal Requirements

• Prospective dental hygienists must be licensed in the state they want to practice
• A degree from an accredited dental hygiene school is required
• Applicants need a high school diploma, and test scores, GPA, recommendations and interviews

Dental Assistants

• Dentists are expected to hire more assistants to perform routine tasks, freeing up dentists.
• Many assistants train on the job
• Most dental assistants work full-time but some are flexible with evenings and weekends.

Employment Opportunities

• Dental assistants held about 354,600 jobs in 2019.
• Most worked in dental offices

Educational and Legal Requirements

• Many dental assistants learn their skills on the job, but there are dental assisting programs offered by community colleges, technical institutes, or the armed forces
• Some states require licensure or additional training

Dental Laboratory Technicians

• Employment growth is faster than average
• Job opportunities are favorable because few people seek these positions
• Technicians craft dental prosthetics (crowns, bridges, dentures)
• They use tools to shape models, and layer porcelain for a natural look.
• The work environment is typically a clean, well-lit and ventilated laboratory

Licensure

• Most states regulate what dental assistants are allowed to do
• Obtaining a license usually requires an accredited program and passing an exam.