Chapter 9: Dental Care
Overview
Franki is a high school senior and is exploring various healthcare careers. She is certain that she wants to work in an environment that allows her to help others and have a significant impact on their health and wellness. Her best friend’s parents are dentists and has spent some time in their dental office observing the care that their dental team provides. Franki is drawn to this specialized field of healthcare.
As you review this chapter, reflect upon the care and the academic journey that is involved in these careers. Ask yourself the following questions: Do I want to provide direct patient care? Am I comfortable with working with or around blood and other fluids? Do I want the opportunity to make a lasting impression and help others? If you answered yes to these questions, this may be the career pathway for you!
This chapter will explore healthcare careers that involve dental care / dental health. Dental care careers are essential in the maintenance of general health and well-being. Oftentimes dental care careers often serve as the gatekeeper of good dental health. The careers in this chapter include the following:
- Dental Assistant
- Dental Hygiene
- Denturist
Objectives
Upon completion of this chapter, the learner will be able to:
- Describe the various careers of dental care.
- Explain the academic requirements for each of the careers covered in the chapter.
- Describe the career pathway for each of the careers covered in the chapter.
- Describe what each of the careers do and the settings that they work in.
Key Terms
- Denture
- Filling
- Plaque
- Calculus (Tartar)
- Dental prosthetics
- Scaling
- Treatment plan
Attributions
- Chapter opening image: Dental X-ray by icethim is released under CC BY 2.0
