Dentist – A dentist is the head honcho of the dental office. They undergo approximately eight years of training before obtaining their degree and license. The dentist is in charge of your overall oral healthcare needs. They help patients make decisions regarding their overall oral health. They also provide referrals to various other dental health specialists. On average, a dentist makes about $130,000K per year.
Dental Assistant – A dental assistant is one of the easiest dental jobs to break into. In most cases, all you need to become a dental assistant is a high school diploma. However, it may be helpful to go back to school and earn a certificate in dental assisting to make yourself more marketable. Duties involve helping to educate the patient about the importance of oral care, assisting with paper work, assisting the dentist with various duties such as cleaning dental supplies, helping to keep track of medical records, and answering any questions the patient may have about their oral health. On average, dental assistants earn a national median wage of $13.62 per hour.
Receptionist – Dental front office jobs are very popular. Receptionists are responsible for answering phones, handling paperwork, answering questions, and setting appointments. Receptionist positions generally require no previous experience and pay on average $10.00 to $14.00 per hour depending on the type of dental office and area of employment.
Orthodontist – An orthodontist is responsible for analyzing malfunctions of the jaw and teeth. It is their job to diagnose various jaw disorders and come up with a proper treatment plan to realign the teeth of the patient for their overall health and well-being. Orthodontist's are required to complete a bachelor's degree and in addition they must also complete four or more years earning their doctorate degree. Average yearly salary for an orthodontist is 120K.
Medical Biller – Medical billing dental jobs are very popular and perfect for individuals who need a job quickly. Average pay is approximately 30K per year, but can increase over time. Medical billers are responsible for assigning specific codes to insurance claims and contacting insurance companies to discuss financial matters regarding different patients. Educational requirements consist of a high school diploma and a medical billing certificate earned at a local or online college.
Dental Office Manager – Smaller practices usually do not have dental office managers. However, larger practices usually do. This is one of the most well-paying dental front office jobs in the industry. Duties include supervising all business aspects of the practice, making sure all scheduling is maintained and all patient contacts are kept up. Educational requirements include a course in dental office management and quite possibly an associate's degree in business management depending on the office requirements. Average yearly salary is approximately 35K to 50K per year.
X-Ray Technician – This is one of those dental careers that you don't hear about that often. Fortunately, there is a great supply of x-ray tech positions available in dental offices nation wide. An x-ray technician is responsible for taking x-rays of the patient's teeth and jaws for further use and diagnosis by the doctor. Educational requirements include one to four years at a college or university, an associate's degree, bachelor's degree, and in some cases, only a certificate. Average pay ranges from 30K to 60K depending on years of experience, training, and area of employment.
Dental Hygienist – The dental hygienist is the individual who takes care of everything before the actual dentist comes to see the patient. They clean the teeth, answer questions, and set up all necessary equipment for the patient's visit. Many individuals choose to become dental hygienists before deciding to become dentists. On average, a dental hygienist must complete two years of training at a college or university before they can become employed in a dental practice. Average pay is 50K to 70K per year.
Periodontist – A periodontist focuses on the health of the gums. They diagnose and treat various gum diseases usually caused by bacteria buildup in the mouth. They inform patient's on what they can do to better the overall health of their gums, and advise against not taking proper care of their teeth and gums. Educational requirements include at least 11 years of higher education before practice. Average pay is 120K per year.
Oral Surgeon – An oral surgeon's main job duty is to remove teeth and make sure that all safety precautions are met during surgery. Their job consists of being extremely sanitary and careful of the patient's needs. They also diagnose and treat conditions of the neck, head, and jaw. Educational requirements include at least 10 to 14 years of school. Average yearly salary is 210K per year.
As you can see, there are plenty of dental jobs available for everyone. From dental front office jobs to dental careers that require one-on-one patient treatment, it's not difficult to see that the dental industry pays very well. If you're interested in becoming a dental health professional, or at least working along the sidelines, the only thing you have to do is obtain the necessary educational requirements and begin your search for employment. One of the best ways to search for dental employment is online at job portal websites such as DentalCrossing.com. There are also plenty of other ways to locate dental jobs, including searching through your local newspaper and seeking out jobs in your local area.
