Careers in Dentistry

Dentist
Dentists have earned at minimum a doctorate degree in dental surgery (DDS) and receive extensive training and education on the diagnosis and treatment of dental disease. Dental school education and training qualifies them to perform a variety of surgical procedures on the teeth, gums, lips and jaws.

Dental hygienist
If you like helping people, enjoy working with your hands as well as your mind, and are interested in helping prevent disease while assisting patients to maintain their health, a career as a dental hygienist might be for you.

Dental laboratory technician
If you like doing precision work with your hands, enjoy working independently and are interested in health care, a career as a dental laboratory technician may be for you.

Dental assistant
Assistants help the dentist efficiently deliver quality oral health care and are valuable members of the dental team. If you have strong communication skills and enjoy working with your hands and mind, dental assisting might be for you.