Each year, dentists are ranked among the best jobs in the country. When comparing dentistry to other career options, it’s important to see the variety of benefits this career has to offer.
To begin with, it’s nice to work with your hands. It is wonderful to be able to improve the oral health of your patients and it is always a wonderful feeling to improve someone’s health and well-being in general. The work you do with your hands often gives you the chance to be creative. Dentistry is largely a creative profession. Dentists also have an artistic side. Most dentists view dentistry as an all-day arts and crafts project! Obviously, the stakes are high: the health of a patient is at stake. However, when you can become even more effective when you see the creative side of dentistry.
Secondly, dentists make a lot of money. That’s why you often delay your dental issues since you know how expensive they are. Generally, dentists earn $163,000 per year on average. Patients are treated on average for 33 hours per week. This is more than $78 per hour (with four weeks off a year). Salary levels are higher for specialists. Regardless of your dental specialty, you will work hard to earn your income in general dentistry.
And the list of benefits of this field goes on and on. However, if you are confused about what exactly to go for in dentistry since it has different kinds of jobs, we might help you. Though we have tried our best to keep the research updated and reliable, it is still recommended that you do your own research too. You only need some time and a good internet provider like Spectrum and it will save you from future regrets so that you could choose the sub-field of your choice after extensive research.
Anyway, below are some of the sub-fields of dentistry to consider:
General Dentist
As a general practitioner, they provide a wide range of preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services. Among the advanced treatments general dentists provide are bridgework, cavity fillings, denture fittings, root canals, permanent implants, and oral surgeries like periodontal surgery. Additionally, dentists perform examinations to discover problems or misalignments, analyze X-rays, develop treatment plans, conduct general tooth and gum maintenance, such as cleanings and fluoride treatments, or refer patients to specialists.
Dental Office Manager
This person is also known as a Dental Office Administrator and is responsible for providing a positive patient experience and establishing standards for clinic staff. As office managers, they will assist patients at the front desk, set office budgets, and supervise the office staff so that the practice is well-organized and efficient. Managing payroll, establishing a pay period schedule, and determining whether employees receive automated checks or paper checks are also part of the responsibilities of dental office managers.
Medical writers
This person specializes in writing scientific documents for the medical industry. As well as explaining laws and regulations determined by government agencies, they may publish articles on medical research or of general interest. Writing instructions for how to use medical equipment or take prescription medications is one of the specialties of some medical writers. Messages tailored to different audiences can be adapted for their comprehension needs by these professionals. Many medical writers have worked as doctors, nurses, or dentists in the healthcare field. You may be able to work part-time or freelance in this career.
Dental Hygienist
Dental assistants have lower responsibility levels than mid-level dentistry careers. This type of dentist provides preventive dental care to patients, which includes examining patients for signs of oral disease, cleaning their teeth, and advising them about oral hygiene. Dental hygienists may also perform other duties under a dentist’s supervision in certain states.
Among these duties are the administration of anesthesia during minor procedures, removing stitches, operating metal components, and shaping cavity-filling materials. Dental hygiene degrees from accredited colleges are necessary to work as a dental hygienist. The degree level of a hygienist varies by state, with some practitioners having bachelor’s degrees and others having associate’s degrees.
Wrapping Up
Looks like you have decided which sub-field to go within dentistry. Indeed, dentistry is a huge department and you have plenty of options to choose from. Just make sure that you take your time and do proper research before settling on one.