Dental Degree Programs

So you want to help people and begin a solid career, but you can't give up your previous responsibilities to do so.

Consider training for a career as a dental assistant or dental hygienist! These flexible career paths could have everything you're looking for. Plus, there are dental schools around the country that offer these types of programs. There is probably one right in your backyard!

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, both dental hygienists and dental assistants are expected to experience much faster than average career growth through the year 2014. So how do you know which career path to choose? What is the difference between dental assistant schools or dental hygienist schools?

Dental assistants perform a variety of patient care, office and laboratory duties, including:

  • Handing instruments and materials to dentists
  • Keeping patients’ mouths dry using suction
  • Sterilizing and disinfecting instruments and equipment
  • Instructing patients on postoperative and general oral healthcare
  • Taking dental X-rays and processing X-ray film
  • Performing routine clinical duties

Dental hygienists generally perform more hands-on duties than dental assistants, including:

  • Removing soft and hard deposits from teeth
  • Examining patients’ teeth and gums
  • Removing stains and plaque from teeth
  • Taking and developing dental X-rays
  • Administering anesthetics
  • Placing and carving filling materials, temporary fillings, and periodontal dressings
  • Removing sutures

Dental hygienists and dental assistants both help patients develop and maintain good oral health. They must be well-informed on the relationship between diet and oral health, toothbrush selection, and proper flossing and brushing techniques. This knowledge helps them instruct patients. Both hygienists and assistants should also have a pleasant demeanor, so patients feel more comfortable at the dentist's office. Does this sound like you?

Dental careers are one of the fastest growing careers in the nation. In 2010, The Bureau of Labor Statistics expected hygienist’s careers to grow by 30% and dental assistant jobs to grow by 29% by 2016. Their expected growth is much faster than the average rate.

A dental career can be fast-paced and rewarding. At a dental technical school you can learn:

  • Patient care
  • Laboratory duties
  • Sterilizing and disinfecting equipment
  • Examining teeth and gums
  • Removing stains and plaque from teeth
  • Administering x-rays

    • Look into hygienist and assistant dental careers and decide which one you are most interested in. A dental hygienist needs 2 or 4 years of college and a degree. The lengths of dental assistant programs vary; you can receive a degree or diploma to begin your career.

    If you want to take part in this in-demand career, find a dental technical school in your area today!