Careers in Dentistry

What does a dental assistant do?

• Assists the dentist with a variety of treatment procedures -working with dental instruments and material
• Helps patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment
• Takes and processes x-rays
• Prepares and sterilizes instruments and equipment
• Communicates with patients, other health professionals, dental suppliers, business contacts and insurers
• Performs a variety of office management tasks

What does a dental hygienist do?

• Performs patient screening procedures
• Teaches patients how to practice good oral hygiene
• Applies preventive materials such as fluorides and sealants to the teeth
• Counsels patients regarding good nutrition and its impact on oral health
• Removes calculus and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from the teeth

What Does a Dentist Do?

• Diagnose and treat diseases, injuries and malformations of the teeth and mouth
• Improve a patient’s appearance by using a variety of cosmetic dental procedures
• Perform surgical procedures such as implants, tissue grafts and extractions
• Educate patients on how to better care for their teeth and prevent oral disease
• Teach future dentists and dental hygienists
• Perform research directed to improving oral health and developing new treatment methods