Introduction
The America Dental Association defines dentistry as the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and or prevention of disorders or diseases related to the gums and teeth. Also, the practice involves various procedures that may be surgical or no surgical depending on the patient's condition (ADA). Notably, dentistry services are provided by a dentist within the scope of their experience education and training. More so, professional practice is exercised following the ethics that guide the profession, which is applicable by law.
In essence, the interest in dentistry stems from the fact that some dental health issues are the basis of the most prevalent chronic disorders of one’s childhood. Many people think that they should only visit a dentist when they feel pain from a cavity or believe that something is wrong. However, these individuals are often mistaken as regular dental visits are essential for excellent oral health. For this reason, the aim will be to educate the people and change their view of oral health practices.
Job Description
A career in dentistry provides one with various options such as dental assistant, dental hygienists, and dentists. The dental assistant is one of the entry level jobs that an individual can have as one gets more experience to the higher level such as the dentist. In essence, the dental assistant performs various tasks in the dental office that require technical and interpersonal skills (ADA). For instance, the individual assists the dentist during the treatment procedures in tasks like developing and taking the dental radiographs and gathering information about the client’s medical history.
Notably, the dental assistants receive formal education from technical institutions, dental schools, vocational schools or university. The training may take nine to eleven months depending on the school’s program. After education programs, the individuals receive accreditation and certification from renown bodies within the profession, which allows them to practice in the field of dentistry (ADA). The salary range for the professional is approximately 34, 000 dollars. However, the amount varies depending on one’s area of practice as some dental assistants in others earn more than experienced and trained medical and physical therapy assistants.
On the other hand, a dentist specializes on responsibilities like a diagnosis of the oral disease and performing treatment procedures such as surgery where necessary. The individual is required to study in an academic school with high dental standards to earn a dental degree (ADA). Notably, most students complete the course after eight years of education and training and go on to receive certification for a recognized dental organization.
Professional Associations
American Dentist Association is a professional organization with the mission to all the members to succeed in their dentistry practice. The body allows membership for dentists and students from all the 50 states. New membership dues are 522 USD. The members benefit from ADA as the organization provides information that helps improve practice (ADA). One of the regional associations is the ADA Foundation, which provides the students with scholarships for dental education. Annual meetings are held in the ADA conference center. ADA releases relevant publications such as Dental Product Guide and Dental Practice Success.
American Dental Hygiene Association is another organization that allows members for professionals and students in the profession. Similarly, the entity provides access to information for opportunities for one’s professional and personal growth (ADHA). Some of the publications produced by the organization include the Access magazine and the Journal of Dental Hygiene.
Professional Journal
The Journal of the American Dental Association is a premier journal that provides readers with peer-reviewed and reliable information on dental science and dentistry. The different kinds of articles include peer-reviewed research, reports and clinical information in general dental practice (ADA). Essentially, the information is relevant to an individual in my field as it helps broaden the perspective about dentistry as a profession.
Social Media
“Go Ask Fred” is one of the best blogs and Twitter in which the writer, Fred Joyal, informs the readers using the compelling posts about the profession (DentistryIQ). The author also uses the platforms as a marketing tool as he includes patient’s testimonials.
Work Cited
ADA. “About ADA.” ADA, 2017, http://www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada. Accessed 12 Jan 2017.
ADHA. “Reach Further.” ADHA, 2017, http://www.adha.org/. Accessed 12 Jan 2017.
DentistryIQ. “Fred Joyal's Blog named Top Dental Blog of 2013.” DentistryIQ, Dec 18 2013, http://www.dentistryiq.com/articles/2013/12/fred-joyal-s-blog-named-top-dental-blog-of-2013.html. Accessed 12 Jan 2017.
