Careers in Dental Health

The Facts

The field of dentistry offers many opportunities for rewarding careers in North Carolina (PDF, 416KB). Professional oral health care requires a team effort to ensure success. The core of the oral health care team is comprised of dentists, hygienists, assistants, and laboratory technicians.

• Dentist: The dentist is responsible and accountable for everything that goes on in the dental office or clinic. Only a licensed dentist is educated and trained to diagnose dental problems, plan treatment or prescribe medication or refer to dental specialists. As long as the licensed dentist supervises, certain phases of dental treatment may be delegated to other members of the dental team. Dentists can be either general practitioners or specialists. The American Dental Association recognizes 12 professional dental specialties.
• Dental Hygienist: The dental hygienist cleans teeth and performs other functions under the direction and supervision of a licensed dentist. North Carolina dental hygienists must be licensed. Their title is Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH).
• Dental Assistant: Under the supervision of a licensed dentist, the job of the dental assistant is to help the dentist at chair-side, take x-rays and perform other support functions. There are two categories of dental assistants working in North Carolina: Dental Assistant (DA) and Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).
• Dental Laboratory Technician: The dental laboratory technician, with a prescription from a licensed dentist, uses models and measurements to fabricate dentures, crowns and other dental prosthetic devices.

These team members provide the services necessary for total oral health care. Dental professionals treat people, not just teeth, gums and mouths. Good oral health is an essential component of the total health of a person. Dental professionals interact with people of all ages and personalities from a wide range of cultures. Their skills in working with people can have a lifelong positive impact on the total health of the people who use their services.

Many other career paths, other than traditional private dental practice, are open to trained dental professionals. These include careers in community health departments and other public health agencies, hospitals, military, dental education, dental research, and in industry, such as dental product development and sales. Dentistry is a challenging and rewarding career.

There are training opportunities in North Carolina for all specialties in the oral health profession. North Carolina colleges and universities throughout the state (see below) provide training for dentists, dental assistants, dental hygienists, and dental laboratory technicians.

The North Carolina Area Health Education (AHEC) Program provides guidance for planning a career in health services.

Another excellent resource for specific dental health careers in North Carolina is NC Health Careers@CFNC.org sponsored by the College Foundation of North Carolina. Additional information on North Carolina health careers can be found at the North Carolina Health Careers Access Program.

Educational Programs for Dental Careers in N.C.