Education Requirements key

Dental Assistant SALARY Many dental assistants are trained on the job, although most choose to enroll in a den- $25,000 or lower tal assisting program. Many states require that a prospective registered dental assistant $25,001 to $39,999 graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. $40,000 to $59,999 $60,000 to $99,999 An associate’s degree is the typical level of edu- $100,000 or higher cation for these professionals; a state license also is required. JOB OUTLOOK Dentist, General Once students graduate from dental school, 4.9% increase or lower they must be licensed. 5% - 9.9% increase

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon 10% - 14.9% increase Oral and maxillofacial surgeon’s complete den- 15% - 19.9% increase tal school, a general surgery internship for one year, and then complete an additional three 20% increase or higher years of specialized training.

Prosthodontist EDUCATION After obtaining a Doctor of degree, High school diploma or completing a residency in prosthodontic den- tistry to specialize in this area is required. equivalent Postsecondary non-degree award or Associate’s degree

Find more information Bachelor’s degree about careers, hospitals, dental schools and educational Master’s degree requirements, watch FIND YOUR HEALTH CARE CAREER! videos and read blogs on Doctoral or professional missourihealthcareers.com degree Data for salary, job outlook and education infographics were compiled from Missouri 2012-2022 Occupational Projections, connect with us published online by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) within the Missouri Department of Economic Development. When positions in this publication were not directly comparable to a position in MERIC’s data, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, data for salary, job outlook, and education were used. missourihealthcareers.com DENTAL dental dentists, career spotlight Dental professionals may help people by general ERIC, D.D.S. cleaning teeth and checking for any sign of Salary Growth Education One of the things I enjoy about being a disease. They may educate patients on brush- dentist is that I get to genuinely help people. There are people I meet at the right time ing and flossing, develop X-rays, or help treat •• care for teeth, , muscles and bones within or supporting the mouth in their life and can inspire some pretty diseases of the mouth. They also assist the significant changes with. I have experienced dentist by setting up equipment and keeping •• provide routine procedures such as filling cavi- patients completing a total transformation ties, cleaning and repairing teeth before my eyes. That is an amazing records. •• may perform surgeries within or around the experience. I enjoy that I get to fix things. I am constantly challenged in this career with mouth to promote dental health, improve new problems and finding new and unique appearance and prevent disease solutions to them. Lastly, I get to be my own boss which took time to achieve but it gives me the autonomy and freedom to do what dental I know is right in my heart, and I would not assistants oral and have it any other way. Salary Growth Education maxillofacial surgeons •• assist the dentist and keep patient records Salary Growth Education •• set up the patient and dental equipment •• diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, and •• instruct patients in proper teeth cleaning defects in the mouth, jaws, neck, face and skull •• monitor supplies and inventory regions prosthodontist •• perform treatments for impacted teeth, recon- •• may clean and polish hand-held dental Salary Growth Education instruments structive surgery, lip reconstruction and inser- tion of dental implants •• specialize in crowns, bridges and and other methods to replace missing teeth •• construct oral prostheses to correct natural dental and acquired deformation of mouth and jaws hygienists career spotlight to restore and maintain oral function, such as chewing and speaking, and to improve Salary Growth Education MEGAN, CDA, EFDA, DENTAL ASSISTANT appearance I love working in a fast-paced •• clean teeth and remove stains and deposits environment. There is always from teeth, apply fluoride or sealants on teeth something to do, from ster- •• examine teeth and gums for signs of disease ilization to cleaning rooms. No patient or procedure is •• educate patients on brushing and flossing the same so you have to think did you know? •• take and develop X-rays and act fast and even anticipate. Patients compliment my work sometimes, U.S. News ranks dentists as #1 and dental •• sharpen and sterilize dental equipment too, and that makes me feel great. I love hygienists as #5 on their list of 100 Best making people feel confident about their Jobs for 2015. This ranking is based upon smiles and showing the home care that they 10-year growth volume, median salary, can do. I work for a great doctor and office job prospects, employment rate, stress staff that make my job enjoyable. level and work life balance. Key is located on reverse.