Dentistry, sometimes referred to as cosmetic dentistry and oral surgery, is a field of medicine which includes the study, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and prevention of dental disorders, diseases, conditions, and diseases of the teeth, gums, and oral cavity. This field offers many career opportunities for those who wish to provide patients with the best possible oral healthcare. Individuals in this profession can specialize in a number of areas depending on their interests, certifications, education, work experience, and geographic location. Missouri City Dentistry can help you to get this specilization and many more career opportunities.
In order to be eligible to take the American Dental Association’s (ADA) examination, a candidate must have at least a two-year pre-dentistry course from an accredited institution of higher education. An associate degree or a diploma from a vocational/trade school is usually required for students to enroll. Students are required to pass a preliminary oral exam, and then proceed to take the final oral exam, which covers speech and hearing awareness, knowledge of current oral health care issues, and the ability to perform basic oral functions. The American Dental Association offers a wide variety of options for students interested in pursuing a career in dentistry. These include everything from full membership in the organization to the more flexible Associate’s Degree in Dental Surgery or the Certificate in Dental Surgery. Both levels require the completion of a minimum of two years of pre-dentistry coursework and the completion of a national dental examination.
After completing a pre-dentistry program, students begin their journey into the world of dentistry. This usually begins with an introductory dental visit, which consists of a brief assessment of a patient’s oral health needs and a brief discussion of professional goals. During the dental visit, the dentist will evaluate the health of the teeth, gums, and mouth. In addition to basic dental procedures such as teeth cleaning and polishing, the dentist will also examine the patient’s overall health and dietary habits.
After the dental visit, the student must decide whether to pursue a Bachelor of Dental Surgery or a Certificate in Endodontics. Both are separate and distinct paths into the field of dentistry. A candidate choosing to study orthodontics must first complete a year of general dentistry at an accredited school followed by a one or two year residency in an orthodontics facility. Following the residency, the student must pass a final exam in order to become a practicing orthodontic. After completing an undergraduate degree program, a candidate can choose to go on to earn either a Bachelor of Dental Surgery or a Certificate in Endodontics.
The majority of dental schools offer a four-year degree program; however, there are some schools that offer two years of associate degrees. The length of time that it takes to finish a four-year degree program depends largely on whether the program is a full time or part time program. A part-time program allows a student to work while attending classes and is often considered more affordable than a full-time program. An associate degree program is usually completed in two years but can be completed in less time if the student is able to get a diploma early on in their career.
For many years, the only option for earning a diploma in dentistry was to enroll in a traditional four-year program at a community college or university. Now, there are a variety of options available for those who are looking for the opportunity to get a jump start on their career. Dentistry is no longer a career restricted to those with a bachelors degree and a good job. Dentistry is now a career choice for nearly everyone. Dentistry schools that are accredited will allow a person to get the hands on training needed to become a practicing dentist. If you have been thinking about a new career in dentistry but haven’t yet considered a school, check out what is available online.