- Make a difference: Dentists and other roles of dentistry in public health can make a real difference in the lives of people by improving oral health and preventing oral diseases. They can do this by providing dental care to underserved populations, educating the public about oral health, and conducting research on oral diseases.
- Variety of career options: There are many different career options available in dentistry related to public health. These career options include dental assistants, dental hygienists, and dentists. They can work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, private businesses, or schools. They can also work in a variety of settings, such as local health departments, dental clinics, state agencies, and schools.
- Education Pathway: Depending on the career path that you choose in dentistry, will determine the exact educational requirements you will need complete in order to serve the public. Dentists for example require a bachelor’s degree and then continued education to obtain your medical doctorate in the field of dentistry. Dentists are also required to obtain board certification from the state they are practicing in after graduation. Dental hygienists are required to obtain an associate or bachelor’s degrees in the field of dental hygiene from accredited state programs. While dental assistants are required to obtain a certificate from a dental assistant training program.
- Opportunities for growth and advancement: With the right skills and experience, all the dentistry positions in public health can move into leadership positions or specialties in a particular area of public health dentistry, such as applied dental research, dental health education, administration of group dental care programs, and the prevention and control of dental diseases on a community basis.
- Work-life balance: Dentists in public health typically work regular hours, with some overtime required. This can be a good option for people who want a good work-life balance.
Here are some of the tasks that dentists in public health do:
- Provide dental care to underserved populations
- Educate the public about oral health
- Conduct research on oral diseases
- Develop and implement oral health programs and policies
- Manage dental clinics and other health facilities
- Collaborate with other health professionals to improve oral health
If you are interested in a career that combines dentistry, public health, and community service, then a dentistry career in public health may be a good fit for you. It is a rewarding career that allows you to make a real difference in the lives of people.
Here are some of the skills that are essential for dentists in public health:
- Strong clinical skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Knowledge of public health principles and practices
- Knowledge of oral health
- Ability to work with diverse populations
