Dental assistants have a lot of options when it comes to their career paths. They can choose from a variety of specialties and take on different roles within the dental industry. Here are some alternative careers for dental assistants:
- Dental Hygienist: While the job description for a dental hygienist is similar to that of a dental assistant, their training is more extensive and they have more responsibilities. A dental hygienist performs procedures such as teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, and oral cancer screenings. They also provide education to patients about oral health care and preventative measures that they can take at home to ensure healthy gums and teeth.
- Dental Laboratory Technician: This position requires less training than that of a dental hygienist or dentist; however, it still requires certification in order to work in a clinic or office setting. These technicians create prosthetic devices such as dentures and crowns using wax molds made by dentists or other technicians who specialize in these areas called dentists’ technicians (DT). They also assist with taking impressions of patients’ teeth so that accurate molds can be made for these devices later on down the line when needed most often due to accidents or other mishaps involving injuries caused by
Alternative Careers For Dental Assistants
- Dental Assistant. …
- Certified Dental Assistant. …
- Expanded Function Dental Assistant. …
- Dental Assistant Instructor. …
- Dental Office Business Team Administrator. …
- Dental Sales Representative. …
- Dental Hygienist. …
- Dental Consultant.
Dental Assistant
Dental assistants work closely with patients before, during, and after procedures. As the name implies, they assist the dentist during exams, root canals, crowns, fillings, and other tasks. Dental assistants also take and develop X-rays as well as impressions of patients’ teeth for making models. Assistants will also prepare and sterilize instruments and equipment before procedures and provide the patient with oral care instructions afterwards. In some offices, dental assistants will take care of administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and making reminder calls.
Dental assistant training at Fortis takes about a year and students who successfully complete the program will earn a diploma and have the skills needed to pursue an entry-level position in the field.
Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists are licensed oral healthcare professionals. While they may perform some of the same duties as dental assistants, their role has a different level of responsibility. For example, hygienists work closely with patients, collecting information about their oral and medical health history. They use tools to remove calculus, stains, and plaque deposits from the teeth, and they perform preventative steps like applying fluoride treatments. Hygienists make molds of patients’ teeth that are used for evaluating treatment, and they chart patients’ dental conditions for the dentist.
To become a dental hygienist, you’ll need to complete a focused academic program and earn an academic associate degree in dental hygiene. Both dental programs offered at Fortis provide traditional classroom instruction as well as exposure to real-world learning opportunities through simulation and supervised clinical experiences.
Whether you are interested in becoming a dental assistant or a dental hygienist, Fortis can get you started in one of our comprehensive programs. To schedule a tour at one of our campuses, visit the Dental page on the Fortis website, or call (855) 436-7847 for more information.