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Careers in Dentistry
| What does a dental assistant do? |
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Assists the dentist with a variety of treatment procedures -working with dental instruments and material |
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Helps patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment |
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Takes and processes x-rays |
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Prepares and sterilizes instruments and equipment |
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Communicates with patients, other health professionals, dental suppliers, business contacts and insurers |
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Performs a variety of office management tasks |
| What does a dental hygienist do? |
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Performs patient screening procedures |
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Teaches patients how to practice good oral hygiene |
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Applies preventive materials such as fluorides and sealants to the teeth |
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Counsels patients regarding good nutrition and its impact on oral health |
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Removes calculus and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from the teeth |
| What Does a Dentist Do? |
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Diagnose and treat diseases, injuries and malformations of the teeth and mouth |
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Improve a patient’s appearance by using a variety of cosmetic dental procedures |
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Perform surgical procedures such as implants, tissue grafts and extractions |
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Educate patients on how to better care for their teeth and prevent oral disease |
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Teach future dentists and dental hygienists |
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Perform research directed to improving oral health and developing new treatment methods |
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