Rachel Gomes HW - Chapter 12 - Dentistry PDF

CHAPTER 12 - Dentistry** (page 167) DEFINE (15) KEY TERMS DENTIST Significant Points About half of dentists work n their own To become a dentists you need to graduate from an accredited dental school and pass written and practical exams Fast as average employment gr...

CHAPTER 12 - Dentistry** (page 167) DEFINE (15) KEY TERMS DENTIST Significant Points About half of dentists work n their own To become a dentists you need to graduate from an accredited dental school and pass written and practical exams Fast as average employment growth Job prospects should be good since many dentists are expected to retire Work Description Dentists basically treat and prevent problems with teeth and gums, they give advice on how to properly brush teeth floss, and diet. They also help people by treating issues like cavities,gum diseases, and broken teeth. They use specialized tools like X-rays,drills,and mirrors, as well they need to wear protective gear to prevent infections. Dentists may need to perform surgeries,remove teeth, and create dentures for people who need replacements. They are also allowed to prescribe medications to patients, some dentists handle general dental care which is likely your primary dentist while others specialize in areas like braces, surgery, and children’s dentistry. 1. Orthodontist Orthodontists are specialists who straighten teeth using braces or other devices which will apply pressure to the teeth. 2. Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons are dentists who specialize in surgery that operate on the mouth,jaws,teeth,gums,neck,and head. 3. Pediatric dentist Pediatric dentist focus on dentistry for children and special-needs patients 4. Periodontist Periodontist treat gums and bone supporting the teeth 5. Prosthodontists Prosthodontists replace missing teeth with permanent fixes like crowns, bridges, or with removable fixtures like dentures 6. Endodontists Endodontists perform root canal therapy 7. Oral Pathologist Oral Pathologist diagnose oral diseases 8. Dental public health specialist 1  Dental public health specialists promote good dental health and prevent dental diseases within the community Work Environment Most dentists will run their own practices, sometimes they will have a small staff, with others partners or work as associates. They usually work between 4-5 days a week, taking off on the weekends. Some offer evening and weekend hours to meet patient’s needs. Full time dentists usually work around 35-40 hours a week, although those who are starting the profession work more hours. More experienced dentists often reduce their hours and sometimes continue part time past retirement age. Dentists work in office environments which is a safe place but still needs to be cautious because they can experience work related injuries from using handheld tools. Employment Opportunities Dentists held about 151,600 jobs in 2019. Employment was distributed among general practitioners and specialists. Approximately 15% of all dentists were specialists. Very few worked in hospitals and offices of physicians. Three quarters of dentists work in private practice. 3 out of 4 dentists in private practice own their own practices and the remaining belong to a partnership Educational and Legal Requirements All 50 states and the District of Columbia require dentists to be licensed. To qualify for a license one needs to graduate from an accredited dental school and pass a written and practical exam. 1. Education and Training In 2021 there were 67 dental schools in the U.S accredited by the ADA’s Commission on Dental Accreditation. Dental schools require a minimum of two years of college level, pre dental education prior to admittance. Most students have a bachelor;s degree but some enter dental school with only 2-3 years of college and finish their degree attending dental school. All applicants must take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) and dental schools consider DAT scores, GPA, recommendations, and interviews when selecting students, which makes the admission competitive. Dental school is about 4 years starting with science and lab work, followed by supervised patient care in clinics. Graduates earn either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). 2. Licensure To work a license is required which is obtained by passing a written and practical exams in addition to having a degree from an accredited school. Candidates may fulfill the written part of the state licensing requirements by passing the National Board Dental Examinations. Dentists can also specialize in any of the nine areas which will require 2-4 years of extra education, depending on the state they might need to take an state exam, and possibly a residency of up to two years. Most licenses allow for both general and specialized dental practice. 3. Other Qualifications Dentists need strong diagnostic skills, manual dexterity, and good judgment in areas like space, shape, and color.Success in private practice also requires visual memory,scientific ability,business sense, self discipline, and good communication skills. 4. Certification and Advancement Dentists who want to teach or do research full time often need to complete 2-5 years of advanced training in dental programs. Many teach part time while working in private practice, supervising students in clinics. Some graduates work as associates for a few years to obtain experience while others start their own practice or buy an existing one right after graduating. 2  Employment Trends Employment for dentists is expected to grow at an average rate with good job prospects due to many dentists retiring. 1. Employment Change Employment for dentists is expected to grow by 3% through 2029 due to increasing demand for dental services, driven by a growing population and an aging demographic, especially the Baby Boom generation, which will need more complex dental care.Older adults are likely to lose a lot of teeth while younger are going to make sure there teeth are healthy. Expanding dental insurance coverage and the rising popularity of cosmetic procedures make it need for more demand. However the number of dentists may not be able to keep up with the demand because of technology and the use of dental hygienists will enhance productivity. The ADA highlights the importance of increasing the number of minority dentists to better serve diverse populations. Dentists will focus on preventive care and the link between oral health and overall health utilizing improved technologies for more effective treatments. 2. Job Prospects Job prospects will be good because of the Baby Boom generation retirement, many of the students in dental schools will be able to take over the positions. Demand for dental services tends to follow the business cycle, primarily because these services usually are companies. As a result during slow times in the economy demand for enal services will decrease consequently if they are already in an established peace they may work fewer hours because of reduced demand. Earnings Earnings vary from the locations. Experience, hours worked, and specialty. The median annual wages of salaried general dentists were $164,010 in May 2020. Dentists who are salaried often receive benefits paid by their employer with health insurance and malpractice insurance being among the most common. Related Occupations Related Occupations are chiropractors, optometrists physicians, and surgeons, podiatrists, and veterinarians. Additional Information American Dental Association Commission on Dental American Dental Education Association Academy of General Dentistry American Association of Orthodontists American Academy of Periodontology American Academy of Prosthodontists American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons American Academy of Pediatric Dentist American Association of Endodontists American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology American Association of Public Health Dentistry 3 Dental Hygienists Significant Points A degree from an accredited dental hygiene school and a state license are required for this job Dental hygienist growth is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations Job prospects are good in most areas but strong competition for jobs in some areas Many dental hygienists work part time and flexible scheduling is a distinctive feature of this job Work Description Dental hygienists clean teeth and provide other preventive dental care, they teach patients how to practice good oral hygiene. They examine patients' teeth and gums to see if there is anything unusual. They clean the teeth, take X-rays and apply cavity preventive agents like fluorides and pit and fissure sealants. Some states allow them to administer local anesthetics and anesthetic gas, place and carve filling materials, temporary fillings and periodontal dressings, remove sutures, and smooth and polish metal restorations. They use hand and rotary instruments,lasers, and ultrasonics to clean the teeth. They wear safety glasses, surgical masks, and gloves to protect themselves and their patients from diseases. Work Environment They work in clean , well -lit offices. Important health safeguards for those in this occupation include regular medical checkups; strict adherence to proper radiologic procedures; compliance with required infection control procedures.Most hygienists work 30-35 hours per week in jobs that may include Saturday or evening hours. Employment Opportunities Dental hygienists held around 226,400 jobs in 2019. The number of jobs exceeds the number of hygienists. Almost all jobs 93% were in dentists' offices of dentists. A very small number worked for employment services in physicians’ offices or in other industries. Educational and Legal Requirements Prospective dental hygienists must become licensed in the state in which they wish to practice. A degree from an accredited dental hygiene school is required along with licensure examinations. 1. Education and Training To enter a dental hygiene program students need a high school diploma and college entrance test scores with many programs asking for students to take courses on biology,chemistry and mathematics. Some programs need at least one year of college as well. In 2021 there were 325 accredited dental hygiene programs most offering an associate degree though some provide certificates bachelor's degree or even a masters. An associates degree or certificate is usually required to work in private dental offices while a bachelors or a masters degree is needed for research, teaching, or public health roles. Dental hygiene programs include laboratory,clinical, and classroom instruction in various subjects. 2. Licensure and Certification Dental hygienists need to be licensed in their state which they will be working in, it requires graduating from an accredited dental hygiene school and passing both a written and clinical exam. The written exam is administered by the American Dental Association’s Joint Commission on national Dental Examinations and is accepted nationwide. Clinical exams are 4  conducted by state, most states also require a test on the legal aspects of dental hygiene. Alabama is the only state that allows licensure candidates to take its exam if they have been trained through a state regulated on the job program in a dentist's office. 3. Other Qualifications Dental hygienists need to work well with others, collaborate closely with dentists and dental assistants while interacting with patients. They need good manual dexterity to handle dental instruments accurately in a small space. Strong critical thinking skills and effective communication. 4. Advancement Advancements come with working outside of a dentist's office and usually require a bachelor’s or master’s degree in dental hygiene. Some dental hygienists may choose to pursue a career teaching in a dental hygiene program, working in public health or working in a corporate setting. Employment Trends Dental hygienists is a fast growing occupation and job prospects are good in most areas but can be challenging in others. 1. Employment Change Employment change of dental hygienists is expected to grow 6% throughout 2029. It will grow because of the population growth, older people increasingly retaining more teeth and a growing focus on preventive dental care. To meet this demand dentists offices will get more dental hygienists. 2. Job Prospects Job prospects will be very good but it depends on the location. Because graduates are permitted to practice only in the state in which they are licensed, dental hygienists wishing to practice in areas that have an abundance of dental hygiene programs may experience strong competition for jobs. Older dentists who are retiring will be replaced by younger dentists. Earnings Average dental hygienists earnings were $77,090 in May 2020. The lowest 10% earned less than $54,200 and the highest earned more than $104,420. They get many benefits like health insurance coverage, membership dues for professional associations, paid vacation, sick leave, etc. Related Occupations Related Occupations are dental assistants,medical assistants,occupational therapist assistants and aides, physical therapists assistants and aides, physician assistants and RNs. Additional Information American Dental Hygienists Association Commission on Dental Accreditation American Dental Association 5 Dental Assistants Significant Points Job prospects should be good Dentists are expected to hire more assistants to perform routine tasks so dentists may devote their time to more complex procedures Many assistants learn their skills n the job although an increasing number are trained n dental assisting programs; most take a year or less to finish Most dental assistants work full time with some work on evenings and weekends Work Description Dental assistants do patient care, office and laboratory duties. They work with dentists and examine and treat patients. They make patients comfortable, prepare them for treatment and obtain dental records. They keep the patient's mouth dry by using a suction or other device. They prepare the tray setup for dental procedures and instruct patients on oral health. They can make impressions and restoration,l expose radiographs and process dental X-ray film as directed by a dentist. They might also do clinical tasks as well. With laboratory duties they make casts of teeth and mouth from impressions made by the dentists. They also clean and polish removable appliances and make temporary crowns. Work Environment Dental assistants work in a clean well lit environment, mostly likely near a dental chair to prepare and hand instruments,materials and medications to the dentists. They wear gloves and masks to be protected against infections as well as to follow the safety protocol and reduce risks when handling radiographic equipment. Most of them work full time but may have inflexible schedules needing to work on the weekends and the evenings depending on the dental office hours. Some assistants hold multiple jobs at different offices to accommodate their schedules. Employment Opportunities Dental assistants held around 354,600 jobs in 2019. About 90% were in dental offices and a same number in federal,state,and local government or in offices of physicians. Educational and Legal Requirements Many will learn their skills on the job but there are many who are trained in dental assisting programs which are offered by their community and junior colleges, trade schools, technical institutes, or the armed forces. Most take only a year or less cto complete. In order to perform more advanced functions or to have the ability to complete radiological procedures many states need dental assistants to have a license. 5. Education and Training In some states becoming an entry level dental assistant does not require formal education or training. In 2021 the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) approved 240 dental assisting programs that offer classroom, laboratory, and practical training which is completed in a year or less while two year community college programs will get you an associates degree.All programs need a highschool diploma or an equivalent. Many learn on the job where they will receive training from dentists or other assistants covering dental terminology, instrument identification and office operations. 6  6. Licensure Most states see the duties that a dental assistant can do and restrict them from doing many things. But if you have a license you can.Typically to get a licensure one would need to complete an accredited dental assisting program and pass a written or practical exam.Many schools offer this course lasting around 10-12 months that meet state requirements. Some states mandate continuing education courses of 4-12 hours for dental assistants while others allow registration with minimal educational prerequisites.The standards for performing advanced duties vary by state. In over 30 states passing the Radiation Health and Safety exam from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) satisfies training requirements. 12 states have no formal requirements for performing radiological procedures. 7. Certification and Other Qualifications To obtain certification for dental assistants students can receive it through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and it is recognized or some states even require it. The certification signifies the assistant qualifications and professional competence which can enhance job prospects. To qualify candidates need to graduate from an ADA - accredited dental -assisting education program or have two years of full time or fours years of part time experience as a dental assistant along with current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).To main being certified individuals must earn continuing education credits annually. Dentists usually look for dental assistants who are certified and have a lot of work experience. 8. Advancement Without further education, advancement is limited. Some dental assistants become office managers, dental assisting instructors, dental product sales representatives or insurance claims processors for dental insurance companies. Others go back to school to advance in their education or become something else like a dentist. Employment Trends Employment is expected to increase much faster than average and job prospects are to be very good. 3. Employment Change Employment for dental assistants is expected to grow 7% from 2019 to 229. This is because of population growth, greater retention of natural teeth, preventive care, and expanded access to dental insurance. Newer dentists are likely to hire assistants and growing workloads will lead to more assistants being hired for routine tasks. 4. Job Prospects Job prospects for dental assistants are expected to be very good due to dentists needing the aid of qualified dental assistants. Many entry level positions will be available with opportunities for on the job training though some dentists prefer assistants with experience or formal education. Many job openings will come from replacing assistants who move to other roles or retire. Earnings The average wage was $41,180 in May 2020. The lowest 10% earned less than $28,940 and the highest earned more than %58,390. They get a lot of benefits like medical, and then paid vacation, holidays etc. Related Occupations Some related occupations are dental hygienists, medical assistants, surgical technologists, pharmacy aides, pharmacy technician, occupational therapists assistants and aides and physical therapists assistants and aides. 7  Additional Information Commission on Dental Accreditation Dental Assisting National Board American Dental Assistants Association Dental Laboratory Technicians Significant Points Most technicians learn their craft on the job but many employers prefer to hire those with formal training Faster than average employment growth is expected Job opportunities should be favorable because few people seek these positions Work Description Dental laboratory technicians craft dental prosthetics like crowns bridges and dentures following dentists specifications and molds or digital impressions of patients teeth. First the dentist will send what they want to be made to the lab. They start by creating a plaster model and use tools to shape wax models of teeth which are then cast in metal and layered with porcelain for a natural look.In smaller labs technicians handle each step of the process while in larger ones they may specialize or operate computerized equipment. Work Environment Dental laboratory technicians generally work in clean, well lit and well ventilated laboratories. They usually work over 40 hours a week and are not in much contact with the public. At times they wear goggles, gloves and masks to protect themselves from heat, dust,etc. They need to be careful because the tools they are working with might cut them. They have their own workbenches which have a Busen burner, grinding and polishing equipment and hand instruments. Employment Opportunities Dental laboratory technicians held around 36,200 jobs in 2019. Some large labs might employ more than 1,000 workers. In addition to working in some dentist offices or opening up their own office. Educational and Legal Requirements Most learn their craft on the job, many prefer to hire those with formal training or at least a high school diploma. 9. Education and Training High School students who are interested in this profession should take courses in math, drafting and shop classes. Most techions start out as helpers and learn more complex tasks with experience, taking about 3-4 years to become fully trained. Training is available through universities, community colleges, vocational institutes, and the military, with accredited programs leading to an associate degree in 2 years or a bachelors in 4. While formal training will get you good job prospects and make it easier, some do hire without prior classroom experience. 10.Other Qualifications Dental technicians need a high degree of manual dexterity, good vision, and the ability to recognize different colors by the eye. 11.Certification and Advancement In large laboratories dental technicians might become supervisors or managers. Experienced workers may teach or take jobs with dental suppliers. The National Board for Certification in 8  Dental Laboratory Technology offers certification which is voluntary besides in 3 states and can be obtained especially in different areas like crowns and bridges or dentures, implants and more. Being certified might give you a higher chance for advancements. Employment Trends Faster than average growth is expected as well as job opportunities should be favorable. 5. Employment Change Employment is expected to grow 9% because the aging public is in need of cosmetic prostheses. The overall dental health of the population has improved because of the fluoridation of drinking water and greater emphasis on preventive dental care which has reduced the risk of cavities. 6. Job Prospects Job opportunities will be good, especially those with formal training. Older generations will be leaving the occupation so the younger generation can replace them. Earnings The average pay in May 2020 was $42,110, the lowest 10% earned less than $25,770 and the highest 10% earned more than $63,910. The two injuries that gave the most medical equipment median annual earning was $39,300 and $43,670. Related Occupations Dental laboratory technicians manufacture and work with the same devices that are used by dispensing opticians, orthotists, prosthetics and medical and ophthalmic laboratory technicians. Additional Information Commission on Dental Accreditation American Dental Association National Board for Certification in Dental Technology National Association of Dental Laboratories 9