[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/nqsurgicaldentistry.com.au\/dentistry-as-a-career-ph-66\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/nqsurgicaldentistry.com.au\/dentistry-as-a-career-ph-66\/","headline":"Dentistry as a career – PH-66","name":"Dentistry as a career – PH-66","description":"[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.0.3″][et_pb_fullwidth_header _builder_version=”4.9.7″ title_font_size=”40px” background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https:\/\/nqsurgicaldentistry.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Career.jpeg” custom_padding=”20px||20px||true|false” custom_css_main_element=”height: 410px; padding: 1px;” button_one_letter_spacing_hover=”0″ button_two_letter_spacing_hover=”0″ button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”on” button_one_letter_spacing__hover=”0″ button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”on” button_two_letter_spacing__hover=”0″ button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Dentistry as a career” _builder_version=”4.9.7″ title_font_size=”40px” background_color=”#0aaaaf” min_height_tablet=”80px” min_height_phone=”160px” min_height_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”20px||20px||true|false” custom_css_main_element=”height: 80px; padding: 1px;” button_one_letter_spacing_hover=”0″ button_two_letter_spacing_hover=”0″ button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” […]","datePublished":"2021-07-07","dateModified":"2021-07-09","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/nqsurgicaldentistry.com.au\/author\/admin\/#Person","name":"admin","url":"https:\/\/nqsurgicaldentistry.com.au\/author\/admin\/","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/7e8332d597554647ad1a751e441d0749?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/7e8332d597554647ad1a751e441d0749?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Dr Colin Priestland","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/nqsurgicaldentistry.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/index.png","url":"https:\/\/nqsurgicaldentistry.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/index.png","width":577,"height":143}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/nqsurgicaldentistry.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Dental-care.jpg","url":"https:\/\/nqsurgicaldentistry.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Dental-care.jpg","height":852,"width":1280},"url":"https:\/\/nqsurgicaldentistry.com.au\/dentistry-as-a-career-ph-66\/","about":["1. Patient information Sheets","General Information"],"wordCount":3030,"articleBody":"\t\t\t\t\t[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.0.3″][et_pb_fullwidth_header _builder_version=”4.9.7″ title_font_size=”40px” background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https:\/\/nqsurgicaldentistry.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Career.jpeg” custom_padding=”20px||20px||true|false” custom_css_main_element=”height: 410px; padding: 1px;” button_one_letter_spacing_hover=”0″ button_two_letter_spacing_hover=”0″ button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”on” button_one_letter_spacing__hover=”0″ button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”on” button_two_letter_spacing__hover=”0″ button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Dentistry as a career” _builder_version=”4.9.7″ title_font_size=”40px” background_color=”#0aaaaf” min_height_tablet=”80px” min_height_phone=”160px” min_height_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”20px||20px||true|false” custom_css_main_element=”height: 80px; padding: 1px;” button_one_letter_spacing_hover=”0″ button_two_letter_spacing_hover=”0″ button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”on” button_one_letter_spacing__hover=”0″ button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”on” button_two_letter_spacing__hover=”0″ button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ background_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”12%||||false|false” top_divider_style=”wave2″ top_divider_color=”#0aaaaf” top_divider_height=”32px” transparent_background=”off”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.7″ hover_enabled=”0″ z_index_tablet=”500″ sticky_enabled=”0″]Dentistry as a careerThe field of dentistry supports a number of careers to provide employment, satisfaction and pleasure to many varied personalities and people with varying academic abilities, including the following jobs:dental specialists (13 different specialty streams),general dentists,dental hygienists,oral health therapists,dental nurses\/assistants,dental practice receptionists,dental practice managers,dental prosthetistsdental technicians.As you see there is something for everyone.\u00a0 Whether you want an academic career, a clinical career, an administrative career or a technical career, all those areas are available within the broad field of dentistry.Dental specialists, general dentists and oral health therapists and dental hygienists, all attend university as undergraduates and obtain a degree while many other members of the wider dental team obtain qualifications through TAFE and by on-the-job- training and assessment.\u00a0 The length of the courses and training depends on which of the qualifications is sought.General dentists and dental specialistsIf a high school student goes to university to become a dentist, the undergraduate degree is 5 years in length generally, at the end of which they are qualified to work as a registered health practitioner (dentist).A new graduate dentist however still has a lot to learn, not only about the clinical aspects of dentistry but about running a dental practice, so it is best to work within an existing practice under a well qualified, experienced senior dentist as a mentor, and ideally as part of a larger dental team that allows for case discussion and assessment of your own clinical activity and knowledge.Once qualified as a general dentist is it best to gain practical clinical experience before deciding on your future career direction within dentistry and on any further training or on a future specialist training pathway.If a dentist wants to specialise within one of the thirteen fields available in dentistry, they can do so by applying for a postgraduate degree at Master of Clinical Dentistry level in any of the areas of dentistry that have specialty training pathways but they should have 2 years of general dental experience first.A\u00a0dental specialist\u00a0is a dental practitioner who has completed a minimum two years of fully qualified general dental practice experience. In addition, you must have completed the required amount of postgraduate study for their speciality, which can range from 3-4 years, through to 10 years for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.\u00a0 Where there is no approved course of study for your specialty in Australia such as Public Health Dentistry and Forensic Odontology, you must have your existing training, qualification and experience approved by the Dental Board of Australia (DBA).\u00a0 Dental specialists can work in one of 13 areas of specialisation, which include;Dento-maxillofacial radiology \u2013 Uses diagnostic imaging procedures to identify conditions of the head and neck, with a particular focus on the jaws and teeth.Endodontics \u2013 Deals with the structure, function, and diseases of the human tooth and, in particular, the dental pulp, root and root tissues.Forensic Odontology \u2013 Work to identify human remains via dental records, analyse the source of bite marks and determine the cause of trauma to the face and mouth.Oral and maxillofacial surgery \u2013 Deals with conditions affecting the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face, providing a range of procedures for their patients including removal of problematic wisdom teeth, jaw realignment, and reconstructive surgery following facial trauma.\u00a0Oral Medicine \u2013 Deals with the diagnosis, and non-surgical treatment of disease and pain in patients with chronic and medically-related disorders of the mouth, teeth, jaws and face.Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology \u2013 Forensically evaluates whether diseases of the teeth, jaws, gum and facial cavity are cancerous or infectious, and may advise on advanced procedures to treat them.Oral Surgery \u2013 Deals with the diagnosis and surgical management of diseases and injuries affecting mouth, teeth and jaw sockets.Orthodontics \u2013 Specialises in diagnosing and correcting alignment problems in growing and mature teeth and jaws, including treatment of\u00a0crooked, overlapping and overcrowded teeth.Paediatric Dentistry \u2013 Focus on preventive and corrective dental care for children and adolescents as well providing oral hygiene education for parents.Periodontics \u2013 Deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the diseases and disorders affecting the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth.Prosthodontics \u2013 Specialises in the restoration and replacement of teeth through procedures such as crowns, bridges, dentures and the use of dental implants.Public Health Dentistry (Community Dentistry) \u2013 Work with communities in a non-clinical capacity to improve their overall dental health through education and ongoing programs.Special Needs Dentistry \u2013 Focusing on the oral health care of patients with an intellectual disability, or those with medical, physical or psychiatric conditions, this specialty provides specially-tailored\u00a0preventive and corrective dental treatment.Dental hygienists work as a clinical practitioner as a part of a dental team.\u00a0 The role will primarily encompass prevention of dental disease and the promotion of your patients\u2019 oral health.\u00a0 In consultation with a dentist they play a critical role in the delivery of a therapeutic course of treatment for each patient, one designed to promote the health of their teeth, gums and hence, overall wellbeing.\u00a0 Much of the time it will involve the cleaning of teeth for patients and teaching them how to maintain the disruption of dental plaque on a daily basis.\u00a0 The topical application of various medicaments is also part of the daily work of a dental hygienist to help control tooth sensitivity, to treat early lesions of dental decay and to prevent the development and progression of dental disease in patients of all ages from young children to the elderly.\u00a0 As an independent practitioner it is possible to work as part of a large dental team or to work in support of those patients in residential and nursing care facilities.Oral health therapists (OHTs) also undergo a 3 year Bachelor of Oral Health degree and become clinical practitioners themselves working within defined areas of dentistry described as scope of practice. The role will primarily involve treating dental diseases in children and adolescents, including the provision of fillings, cleaning, and other prescribed treatment under the OHT\u2019s scope of practice as determined by the Dental Board of Australia.\u00a0 OHTs are actively engaged with a varied cross section of the community including schools, play groups and Parents and Citizens’ Associations, and will work to educate children and adults on the best ways to maintain good oral health.Dental assistants\/dental nurses work as part of the wider dental team, primarily supporting Dentists, Dental Specialists, Oral Health Therapists, Dental Hygienists and Dental Prosthetists in their clinical activities as a clinical\u00a0 assistant working to maintain the comfort of the patient and helping to support efficient clinical performance of the treatment provided by the clinical practitioner.\u00a0 It involves considerable patient contact, communication with patients and clinical practitioners, and supporting patients through their procedures.\u00a0 Dental nurses are required to have a detailed knowledge of cross infection control like all the clinical practitioners and carry out duties involving the cleaning of instruments and equipment and the sterilising of equipment using various equipment including autoclaves.\u00a0 They are all encouraged to attend TAFE or distance learning courses to obtain qualifications in dental assisting up to Level 4.Dental practice receptionists and practice managers are often former dental assistants with a broad practice experience.\u00a0 After some years assisting, they may feel they have an interest in administration or practice management and can pursue this interest working in a private, State health or Defence dental practice.\u00a0 Courses exist for administration and management through TAFE and universities and through medical practice management courses.\u00a0 Generally the starting point is to work in dental assisting and gain the initial qualifications in this field.\u00a0 After gaining experience in administration and the use of model practice management software, dental receptionists may choose to move into more senior practice management roles taking on the human resource management and financial and logistical support management roles within the practice.\u00a0 Practice management is the pinnacle role for dental assistants or dental administrators.Dental Prosthetists begin their careers as dental technicians working under the supervision of senior dental technicians in a large dental laboratory or under the supervision of a dentist. After completing a relevant TAFE-course in dental technology, dental technicians can upgrade their qualifications to become a dental prosthetist. Entry to the course generally requires completion of a diploma or degree in dental technology before either completing an Advanced Diploma of Dental Prosthetics (2 years full-time) or a Master of Dental Technology in Prosthetics (either1 year full-time or 2 years part-time).Dental prosthetists work independently to provide all types of dentures and dental appliances including mouthguards. They see patients themselves and work without any need for supervision, with their patients to satisfy their dental prosthetic needs and help to satisfy their patients\u2019 cosmetic, functional and psychological needs.Dental technicians are trained in the manufacture of various forms of dental appliances. They initially work in larger dental laboratories, often attending TAFE to obtain the formal academic input into their training and they will gain a diploma in dental technology.\u00a0 Alternatively they can obtain graduate training for a Bachelor degree in dental technology.\u00a0 When training, dental technicians work under the supervision and direction of experienced dental technicians prior to achieving their formal qualifications in dental technology.\u00a0 Dental technicians construct and repair dentures (false teeth) and other dental appliances including crowns and bridges, maxillofacial prosthetic appliances and mouthguards. Dental technicians work in dental laboratories on their own, in State oral health laboratories supporting dental services and oral & maxillofacial services, in Defence dental services or in small work groups. Dental technicians work closely with dentists, dental specialists and dental prosthetists.Anyone who is looking for a fulfilling career helping people, and who want to work in a team environment, may find a suitable niche within the extended dental team that may suit them.\u00a0 You see problems, fix them and have the opportunity to prevent future problems for patients by thinking ahead.If you are interested in finding a way for you to help your community and gain a satisfying career, you could start by contacting the Australian Dental Association and talk to someone about your next move.\u00a0 You could also contact your own dentist and have an informal chat about the various options in dentistry for you to find a satisfying career or contact TAFE to see what courses are offered in your locality.Volunteering and charitable work?Those working within dentistry have a unique opportunity to help those in society both in Australia and overseas who are disadvantaged and who do not have the access to oral health services.\u00a0 There are many ways members of the dental team can offer their time, skills, financial support and advice to improve the life of those who are less fortunate.\u00a0 The Australian Dental Association, the dentists\u2019 peak professional body have considerable information available to make it possible for dental team members to contribute to society and improve the oral health of those vulnerable members of the community here and overseas.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” admin_label=”Services” _builder_version=”3.22″ custom_margin=”|||” custom_padding=”0|0px|0|220px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0%|40px|0%|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”” border_radii=”||||20vw” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_vertical=”40px” box_shadow_blur=”60px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,64,135,0.06)”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” _builder_version=”4.0.3″ 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