DENTAL ASSISTANTS AND ORTHODONTISTS

A dentist (a dental surgeon) provides dental care to patients. A team of assistants, hygienists, technicians, and therapists supports them. Together, they perform a wide variety of procedures. In addition to practicing dentistry, dentists also offer a variety of other dental health services.

Dental Hygienist

A highly skilled dental hygienist specializes in preventing and treating oral health problems. The job requires excellent attention to detail and physical stamina because hygienists spend a lot of time on their feet. Dental hygienists are a "Bright Outlook" occupation, meaning the job outlook is positive over the next decade.

A dental hygienist can work in a private dental office or public health clinic. They can also work for dental corporations, research facilities, and nursing homes. Some hygienists also teach at postsecondary schools. Visit Woodlands Dental to learn more. 

Dental Assistant

A dental assistant is an integral part of the dental team, supporting the dentist and dental operator during treatment. However, their training, role, and patient scopes of practice differ from those of other dental auxiliaries. This article will examine the differences between these two positions and their duties. A dental assistant can assist in all phases of a dental procedure, including the examination, the preparation, and the cleaning process.

Besides helping the dentist in their office, dental assistants also perform many administrative tasks for the dentist. These tasks include assisting patients in preparing for dental procedures, providing materials, and ensuring patients are comfortable during appointments. They may also provide patient education and oral care instructions after surgery and procedures. Dental assistant training programs take one to two years to complete, leading to a certificate, diploma, or associate degree.

Dental Therapist

The role of a dental therapist involves the treatment of dental patients. It is an important part of the health profession and requires a high level of personal and interpersonal skills. The therapist must be confident and be able to work independently. They must also have good communication skills, a caring attitude, and be able to put patients at ease. In addition, they must be aware of the importance of confidentiality.

A dental therapist is licensed to provide basic dental procedures under the supervision of a dentist but has a different level of responsibility than a medical doctor. They may perform procedures in alternative settings, such as schools or long-term care facilities. While they are not doctors, they offer dental care, which frees a dentist to focus on complex cases.

Orthodontist

An Orthodontist is a dentist specializing in the study and management of malpositioned teeth. They also focus on preventing and correcting misaligned bite patterns and modifying the growth of the face and jaw. They may also be trained in other areas of dentistry, such as dentofacial orthopedics.

An orthodontist will use dental x-rays to assess teeth alignment problems and plan orthodontic treatments. In certain severe cases, surgical procedures, such as using a palatal expander to widen the roof of the mouth or arch of the upper jaw, may be necessary. An orthodontist also provides dental braces or aligners to correct irregularities and maintain their results.

When deciding on the field of study, an orthodontist should consider their own goals. For example, a dentist specializing in orthodontics will be more likely to enjoy a stable career, which is not always the case with general dentists. Moreover, an orthodontist is likely to earn more than a general dentist.

General Dentist

A general dentist is an excellent choice if you have various dental problems. They provide preventative care, routine cleanings, and oral cancer screenings. These regular exams can detect early signs of oral cancer. In addition, a professional cleaning can eliminate stubborn deposits, leaving your teeth looking and feeling great.

Oral health is closely related to overall health. For example, untreated oral infections can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. General dentists are trained to recognize health problems and can often provide nutritional counseling and advice about smoking cessation.