Dental Careers

Chapter 26


Dental Careers



Learning Objectives



image Define at least 10 terms relating to dental health care.


image Specify the role of the dentist, dental hygienist, dental assistant, and dental laboratory technician, including personal qualities, levels of education, and credentialing requirements.


image Identify the difference between the dentition of the child and that of the adult.


image Identify at least five structures of the oral cavity.


image Describe the location, structure, and function of four types of teeth.


image Chart at least three types of dental variations using a selected method of charting.


image Describe methods of prevention and detection of caries and periodontal disease.


image Describe techniques of brushing and flossing to promote dental health.



Key Terms



















Dental Careers Terminology*







































































Term Definition Prefix Root Suffix
Buccal Pertaining to the cheek   bucc al
Endodontic Pertaining to treatment of disease of the inside of the tooth endo dont ic
Gingivitis Inflammation of the gums   gingiv itis
Mandibular Pertaining to the lower jaw   mandibul ar
Maxillofacial Pertaining to the upper jaw and face maxillo faci al
Mesial Pertaining to the middle   mesi al
Odontology Study of the tooth   odont ology
Orthodontics Pertaining to correcting tooth placement ortho dont ics
Pedodontics Pertaining to teeth of children ped/o dont ics
Prosthodontist One who places artificial appliances on teeth prosth/o dont ist


image


*A transition syllable or vowel may be added to or deleted from the word parts to make the combining form.




Abbreviations for Dental Careers






































Abbreviation Meaning
ADA American Dental Association
amal Amalgam
ant Anterior
DA Dental assistant
DDS Doctor of dental surgery
DH Dental hygienist
DLT Dental laboratory technician
DMD Doctor of medical dentistry
ext Extract, extraction
post Posterior



Careers


The dental team includes the dentist, dental hygienist, dental assistant, and dental laboratory technician (Box 26-1). The goal of the dental team is to provide optimal care of the oral cavity for all patients. Dental team members work in a variety of settings, including group practice, specialty practice, schools, government or community clinics, and dental insurance and supply companies (Table 26-1).



BOX 26-1   Dental Careers






Dentist


The role of the dentist has changed greatly because improved methods of dental care and nutrition have reduced the number of caries. Dentists now perform a variety of services, including public education directed to prevent tooth decay, detection of disease such as cancer, cosmetic improvement of appearance, and correction of oral problems such as misaligned teeth and jaws (Fig. 26-1). Some dentists perform surgery to correct facial and dental deformities caused by accidents or birth defects. Pain control and anesthesia in dentistry have become two of the roles of the professional, because many people become anxious and even phobic when needing dental care. Types of anesthesia that may be administered include local anesthesia, sedation, and general anesthesia. Some sedation may even cause retrograde amnesia or the inability to remember the treatment.


image
FIGURE 26-1 Bonded veneers improve the appearance, change the shape of, and restore the function of teeth. (Courtesy Joyce Bassett, DDS, FAGD, Scottsdale, Ariz.)


image Brain Byte


Water supply fluoridation to prevent dental caries began in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1945.


Dentists are highly respected professionals. Dentistry offers a great deal of flexibility and independence. Private practitioners can choose to work either full or part time. Many dentists now choose to work in a group practice to share the cost of maintaining an office. All types of communities need dentists.


Dentistry offers nine specialties that allow practice in specific areas:



image Endodontics: treatment of disease of the dental pulp, usually with root canal


image Oral and maxillofacial surgery: extraction and treatment of injury, disease, and deformity of the mouth, such as cleft palate


image Oral pathology: laboratory testing and biopsy to diagnose oral conditions


image Orthodontics: prescription and fitting of braces to correct misaligned teeth or jaws


image Pedodontics: prevention of disease and decay and therapeutic care of children’s teeth from birth through adolescence


image Periodontics: treatment of gum disease and education for prevention


image Prosthodontics: design and fitting of bridgework and dentures, as well as substitutes for missing teeth or tissue


image Public health dentistry: promotion of prevention and treatment of dental disease


image Oral and maxillofacial radiology: includes the diagnosis and treatment of oral and maxillofacial disorders by using radiation


Dentists work with people of all ages and personalities. They must possess leadership ability and good interpersonal skills. The work requires creativity and decision-making ability. Much of dentistry involves precise work by hand, so manual dexterity is necessary.


The educational requirement for a dentist includes at least 2 years of college classes before entering dental school. More than 90% of students entering dental school have completed a 4-year degree at a college or university. Dental school training ranges from 3 to 4 years and offers either a doctor of dental surgery (DDS) or a doctor of medical dentistry (DMD) degree. Two additional years of training are necessary to practice in one of the nine areas of specialization. After successful completion of an accredited dental program and a national examination, dentists are licensed by the state.



Health Careers in Practice



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ORTHODONTIST


OLSON & WHITE ORTHODONTICS


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Apr 15, 2017 | Posted by in MEDICAL ASSISSTANT | Comments Off on Dental Careers

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