CAREERS IN DENTISTRY
Investigate the possibilities of each occupation. Scholarship and grant opportunities are available through the Florida Dental Health Foundation.
Dental assistants are responsible for working directly with dentists while patients receive treatment. They review and maintain patients' charts, pass instruments to the dentist during procedures, sterilize instruments, make temporary crowns and impressions of teeth for study models, polish patients' teeth, and take and develop X-rays. They also assist with tasks such as scheduling appointments and ordering supplies. Read more about dental assistants
Dental hygienists are licensed members of the dental team who are responsible for preventive care and education. They remove calculus and plaque from teeth, apply fluoride and sealants, perform deep cleanings to prevent and treat gum disease, and assist the dentist in providing oral-health treatment. They also educate patients about proper nutrition and oral hygiene, review and maintain patients' charts and take and develop X-rays. Read more about dental hygienists
Dental laboratory technicians are independent members of the dental team who work in laboratories. They make all types of dental restorations, prostheses and appliances. Dental lab technicians use laboratory techniques to make crowns and bridges, veneers, mouthguards, orthodontic retainers, complete dentures and removable partial dentures. Read more about dental laboratory technicians
Dentists are licensed health-care professionals who are trained in diagnosing, preventing and treating oral disease. This includes treating soft and hard oral tissues, restoring teeth, making cosmetic improvements and performing oral surgery. Read more about dentists
