Introduction
Out of the many career opportunities in the medical field, dentistry has undoubtedly grown to become one of the most popular and sought-after careers. However, for many youngsters, building a career as a dentist is often difficult and challenging. This is usually due to the immensely competitive nature of the field. At the same time, there are a variety of different career paths and opportunities that students may pick from based on their education and area of interest.
Types of Dentists and Related Careers
At the most basic level, there are 5 major types of dentists. However, there are also several careers that are related to these major dental careers that students may choose to opt for. Primarily, they are different from the major types in terms of the level of training received and the amount they can work on a patient.
1. General Dentist
This type of dentist is the equivalent of a general physician and takes care of a patient’s basic dental needs. This may include filling in cavities and root canals, conducting fluoride treatments, and providing the patient with information about daily oral care. However, there is always a lot of competition involved. A good way you can improve your reputation is by receiving certification in Oral sedation dentistry training. This can not only help you improve your skill as a dentist but may also help reduce any extra stress or anxiety that your patient may be feeling.
Dental hygienists can provide patients with basic dental treatments, such as cleaning and identifying cavities. They can work under the care of a licensed dentist and generally receive more education and pay as compared to other dental assistants.
2. Orthodontist
Orthodontists are dentists who deal with all aspects of the jaw as well as the teeth, in terms of their fracture, misalignment, dislocation, etc. If you have ever had braces, or now more popularly-Invisalign, chances are you visited the orthodontist.
These individuals can assist with numerous tasks around the clinic but cannot work to the same degree as hygienists.
3. Cosmetic Dentist
When it comes to society, the aesthetic appeal of someone’s teeth is just as important as the overall health of the mouth. That is why, the cosmetic dentistry market may soon be worth an astounding 22, 362.4 million by the year 2020. These dentists work with procedures like teeth whitening and bonding of teeth.
Primarily, they occupy a non-clinical role and work on manufacturing the prosthetic items associated with the field.
4. Periodontist
These types of dentists work specifically on the gums and tissues surrounding teeth. The health of your gums and teeth can have several implications for your overall health. Thus, they can help you with the early detection of internal issues and hence begin immediate treatment.
5. Oral Surgeon
As the name suggests, these surgeons operate on the jaws, facial bones, and teeth. This often happens after another dentist identifies the need for some surgical treatment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the variety of options in the field is what makes dentistry an interesting and challenging profession. We hope that this article provides you with a decent background of the various types of dentistry and other related careers in the field.
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