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The American Dental Association states, "The future looks bright for dentistry and the nation's oral health in the 21st century. Post-natal stem cell research, gene therapy transfer and links between oral health and systemic health (other body systems) will reshape dental practice in the 21st century."
Major drivers for the need for more dental professionals include a growing population, the fact that more people are retaining more of their teeth into their senior years, and the emphasis on preventative care. As workload increases, dentists are focusing on more complex treatment, counting on dental hygienists and dental assistants to help with the rest of patient care.
We feature the following dental occupations on this site:
For more information on dental professions, explore the Oregon Employment Department and the links found on this page.
Dentists
A Dentist takes care of a patient's oral health. Dentists diagnose and treat diseases, injuries and malformations of the teeth and gums and teach patients preventative care. Using special tools and equipment, Dentists interpret x-rays, remove tooth decay, fill cavities, place crowns, and protect teeth with fluoride treatments and other methods. They watch out for how oral problems and other bodily ailments or conditions might affect each other. This is very important in contributing to a patient's overall health. Dentists also give anesthetics and write prescriptions.
I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in the health sciences. I initially chose dentistry because it's a unique combination of art and science. Dentistry is a continually evolving profession, with always something new to learn. But for me now, the most gratifying aspect of being a general dentist is that I am able to establish longstanding relationships with my patients. I love the fact that I have multiple generations of families in my practice.
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Teri L. Barichello, DMD
Dentists adhere to strict safety guidelines to protect the patient, themselves and others. They work closely with dental assistants and hygienists as well as other office personnel. Most Dentists work in a general dentistry private practice and many are solo practitioners.
Some of the many skills used by a Dentist are manual dexterity, observation and diagnostic skills, excellent visual memory and judgment, and communication skills. In addition, good business skills are essential for private practice.
There are eight dental specialties in Oregon:
- Dental Public Health
- Endodontics
- Oral Pathology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Orthodontics
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Periodontics
- Prosthodontics
Video Description of Dentists
Source: CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)
Where Dentists Work
The vast majority of Dentists work in dental offices in general practice and many are solo practitioners. Others work in settings such as public health facilities and hospitals.
Education and Licensure
Currently, the Oregon Health & Science University is the only school in Oregon that trains Dentists. For information on dentistry education, see the Oregon Employment Department's (OED) profile on Dentists:
To qualify to practice in Oregon, a Dentist must have graduated from an accredited program, pass exams and obtain Oregon licensure. See:
Dentist Earnings
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2008, the national average wage for Dentists was $154,270.
Employment Outlook for Dentists
The OED estimates that between 2008 and 2018, there will be 582 job openings for Dentists in Oregon.
Occupations with Skills Similar to Dentists
- Physicians and Surgeons
- Podiatrists
- Physician Assistants
- Optometrists
- Chiropractors
- Registered Nurses
- Audiologists
Explore the following sources for this section for more information:
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Dental Hygienists
A Dental Hygienist cleans teeth, helps evaluate patient health and instructs patients on preventative oral health care. Using special instruments and equipment, Dental Hygienists remove stains, plaque and calculus (soft and hard deposits), may take and develop x-rays, and look for cavities and gum disease. Dental Hygienists also perform head and neck examinations to check for signs of oral cancer and other health problems. They also consider the impact of oral health on diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, and will recommend visits to other health professionals for any concerns.
During their appointments with Dental Hygienists, patients learn about proper daily teeth cleaning routines and tools, and are encouraged to schedule regular check-ups. As a Dental Hygienist, you would tailor these routines and appointments according to an individual patient's oral and overall health. This includes motivating the patient, monitoring progress and redesigning treatment programs as necessary. Dental Hygienists may also apply fluorides or sealants to teeth and provide information on proper nutrition to maximize oral health. Expanded functions, such as administering local anesthesia, are possible after additional instruction.
Dental Hygienists work closely with dentists and dental assistants as well as patients. Most Dental Hygienists practicing in Oregon do so under the general supervision of a licensed dentist. Flexible work schedules are a prime job feature for Dental Hygienists, and many work part-time in one or more locations. Adherence to strict safety guidelines, excellent communication skills, manual dexterity and attention to detail are some of the most important characteristics of a Dental Hygienist.
Video Description of Dental Hygienists
Source: CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)
Where Dental Hygienists Work
The majority of Dental Hygienists work in dentists' offices. Other settings include ambulatory care clinics, community health facilities, schools, and facilities for the elderly or disabled.
Education and Licensure
To practice in Oregon, Dental Hygienists must have training from an accredited dental hygiene program, pass the national and state exams, and obtain Oregon licensure.
Accredited Dental Hygiene education programs vary from two- to four-years in length. Master's and Doctorate degrees in Dental Hygiene are also available. For a list of schools in Oregon that offer Dental Hygiene programs, see the OED profile on Dental Hygienists:
For information on licensing, including expanded functions for Dental Hygienists, see:
Career Pathway Roadmaps
Dental Hygienist Earnings
The Oregon Employment Department (OED) reports that in 2009, Dental Hygienists in Oregon earned an average of $37.45 per hour and the average annual salary was $77,908.
Employment Outlook for for Dental Hygienists
The OED estimates that between 2008 and 2018, there will be 1,590 job openings for Dental Hygienists in Oregon.
A growing population, the fact that older people are retaining more teeth than previous generations and the emphasis on preventative care all contribute to the demand for more Dental Hygienists. In addition, as workload grows, dentists are increasingly depending on Dental Hygienists for more preventative care procedures so that the dentists may focus on more complex care.
Occupations with Skills Similar to Dental Hygienists
- Dental Assistants
- Licensed Practical Nurses
Explore the following sources for this section for more information:
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Dental Assistants
A Dental Assistant works under the supervision of a dentist and has a variety of responsibilities concerning patient care, lab procedures and office administration. Dental Assistants prepare patients for dental work and educate them on oral hygiene and post-treatment care. During treatment, Dental Assistants work alongside dentists, passing them instruments and supplies and helping with procedures. As a Dental Assistant, you would help maintain patient records, sterilize instruments, maintain equipment and prepare the work area for the dentist. You would be able to prepare materials for impressions and restorations, take and process x-rays, remove sutures and apply topical anesthetics. You could also make casts of teeth from impressions and make temporary crowns. Further certification would allow you to perform expanded functions. Office duties such as reception, billing, and ordering supplies might also fit under your job description.
A Dental Assistant follows strict safety procedures to protect themselves and others from infectious diseases and to minimize risks related to use of x-ray machines. Working chairside with dentists and directly with patients calls for excellent communication skills and attention to detail. Other characteristics of Dental Assistants include good organization skills, precision and manual dexterity.
Video Description of Dental Assistants
Source: CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)
Where Dental Assistants Work
The vast majority of Dental Assistants work in dentists' offices. The rest work in such environments as schools, educational services and physicians' offices.
Educational Requirements
On-the-job training provides the necessary skills for Dental Assistants, but those who receive formal training after high school have a competitive edge in finding a job. Most community college programs are completed in one year.
For a list of schools that provide training for Dental Assistants, go to the OED profile on Dental Assistants:
Career Pathway Roadmaps for Dental Assistants
Certification
In order to practice in Oregon, Dental Assistants are certified (not licensed) to take x-rays or perform Expanded Functions. See:
Dental Assistants Earnings
The OED reports that in 2009 in Oregon, Dental Assistants earned an average hourly wage of $18.02 and an average annual salary of $37,474.
Employment Outlook for Dental Assistants
The OED estimates that between 2008 and 2018, there will be 2,095 job openings for Dental Assistants in Oregon.
A growing population, the fact that older people are retaining more teeth than previous generations and the emphasis on preventative care all contribute to the demand for more Dental Assistants. In addition, as workload grows, dentists are increasingly depending on Dental Assistants for routine tasks as the dentists focus on more complex care.
Occupations with Skills Similar to Dental Assistants
Dental Assistants have a 55% skill overlap with Certified Medical Assistants. Other occupations that share skills with Dental Assistants are Dental Hygienists, Massage Therapists, Occupational and Physical Therapist Aides, Surgical Technologists and Medical Equipment Preparers.
Explore the following sources for this section for more information:
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