Dentist Education
Dentists, hygienists and dental assistants all benefit from some form of dental education. Online schools offer a complete online dental education comprising of several one-unit courses. You can select the subset of courses that suit your individual requirements.
What does dental education involve?
There are many courses available in dental education. The bulk of them are focused on technical aspects of the profession such as dealing with oral cancer, oral malodor and wisdom teeth. There are courses on radiology, grafting for implants and oral manifestations of various diseases. All these courses take advantage of graphically rich multimedia to deliver tutorials and practice in a convenient online format. There are also many courses on the legal and regulatory aspects of dental education. Dentists need to be aware of the need for malpractice insurance as well as state laws with regards to their profession. Some of the most comprehensive curriculums will include cutting edge technologies such as laser dentistry that is used to treat patients in a less invasive manner.
Why study dentistry online?
Those that are able to benefit the most from online dental education are working professionals who have already qualified to practice dentistry. Many of them realize over the course of their career that they could benefit from the study of additional modules that will supplement their existing training. Many practitioners also turn to online dental education to explore new specializations and keep themselves abreast of the latest technological innovations. It is relatively convenient to pursue such classes online since the course-load can be adjusted around the schedule of a working dentist. Few practicing dentists would want to take an extended leave from their jobs to engage in full-time studies. Online dental education allows them to continue to function in their existing job while pursuing additional studies at their own discretion. Introductory courses in dentistry are also appealing to those who are working as dental assistants and oral hygienists. The additional knowledge they can acquire from such courses will afford them opportunities for advancement on the job. Such courses will focus on assisting dentists with procedures and running tests on their behalf. They will also focus on educating the public with regards to oral hygiene, since this is the fundamental role of assistants. Online dentist education may be somewhat lacking in practical exposure. But the theoretical material supplements practical work experience. Several of the online programs are affiliated with laboratories that may offer opportunities for practical experience
Steps to becoming a dentist
1. A good dentist has personality traits that include dexterity, physical stamina, patience, and communication skills.
2. Prepare for the dental school by acquiring a bachelor’s degree. It is preferable to acquire a degree in biology to increase your chances of being accepted.
3. Take the Dental Acceptance Test (DAT) in your junior year. Also make sure you know other admission requirements such as GPA, recommendations, and extra-curricular activities.
4. Acquire admission in a dental school. Complete courses such as anesthesia, periodontology, anatomy, and radiology.
5. If you want to become a specialist, you will need residency training in your specialty area for one to two years. General dentists may not need additional training after dental school.
6. All dentists need to be licensed in their state of employment. Although, requirements vary by state, dentists need to have a degree from an accredited dental school and pass a written and practical exam in order to get licensed.
Career Opportunities with dental education
Dentist education is quite a stable and possibly long-term career option. Professional dentists can work towards enhancing their income with experience on the job and performing tricky procedures in a commendable manner, particularly those who build a reputation and opt for private practice. Even dental assistants and oral hygienists can do quite well for themselves and have chances to progress if they perform well on the job. But it is critical for dentists to be willing to keep learning throughout their lives. There are continuous advancements in the procedures and technology and it is thus crucial for all practitioners to engage in continuing education programs.
Frequently Asked Question(s)
Q:Can you please tell me what are the contents of the course on Business Ethics in the Dentist education programs?
A:The Dentist Education programs have strong understanding of the course on Business Ethics. This course is usually worth 2 credits in total. It is designed to provide students with strong understanding of the examinations of the ethical values in a business setup. Students are also taught about the various ethical responsibilities. Hands on experience is also provided in this course.
Q:How long does it take to be a dentist?
A:It can take you 8 or more years after high school to become a practicing dentist. Initially, you will be required to get a 4 year bachelor's degree in natural sciences. After this, you must sit for the Dental Admission Test (DAT). The scores of your DAT will help you to enroll in an accredited dental school. In a dental school, you will further spend four or more years studying basic oral sciences and covering subjects such as oral anatomy, physiology, pathology and histology. After the first two years at the dental school, your choice of specialization will determine how much longer it will take for you to become a dentist. Once you've graduated from the dental school, you will be required to pass a licensure exam.
(Source: The Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Q:How long does it take to become a dental hygienist?
A:That depends on the academic path you choose to pursue. If you are going for an associate degree, it will typically require two years to prepare for the career. On the other hand, if you are going for a baccalaureate program, this will take nearly four years of education. Individuals must have at least an associate degree to qualify for this career. A dental Hygiene degree will not only help students develop sound theoretical knowledge, but will also focus on skill development. To improve career prospects, students can opt for a certification in this field.
(Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Q:How to become a dental assistant?
A:Individuals interested in becoming a dental assistant must have at least a diploma or certificate program. Some states may also require dental assistants to hold a relevant accredited degree. The Commission on Dental Accreditation is the leading board that accredits educational programs in this field. Students who are interested in this career should focus on dentistry related disciplines like biology, anatomy and chemistry. Aspirants who do not have formal education may still get a dental assistant job with the help of on-the-job training. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental assistants made a median annual income of $34,500 in 2012.
(Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
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