Dental Careers

Dentist Ranked top TWO spots - Best Job in the U.S. in 2016

U.S. News ranked the “100 Best Jobs of 2016” based on employment opportunity, salary, work-life balance and job security. Orthodontists ranked No. 1 and dentists ranked number 2. Both beating computer analysts, nurses, and software developers. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons also snuck in at No. 10. Orthodontists and Dentist also ranked No. 1 and 2 overall on the “Best Health Care Jobs” list.

To identify the professions on the list, U.S. News used “data on jobs with the greatest hiring demand, or in other words, the highest projected number of openings from 2012 to 2022, as categorized by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.”

U.S. News said dentistry “is expected to add 23,300 new jobs up to the year 2022." The overall score is calculated based on these aspects: “10-year growth volume, 10-year growth percentage, median salary, employment rate, future job prospects, stress level and work-life balance.”

To view the entire list, visit usnews.com.

If you are looking for a career that is personally rewarding with excellent employment potential, terrific salaries and flexible hours, look no further – check out careers in the dental field. Careers in dentistry are among the fastest growing professions.

Careers in Oral Health

A career as an oral health professional can take you almost anywhere you want to go. Whatever your goals and aspirations, you’ll enjoy a rewarding life and a career path that suits your lifestyle.

• Your Career as a Dentist
  
• Your Career as a Dental Hygienist
• Your Career as a Dental Assistant
• Your Career as a Laboratory Technician

Local Educational Programs for Dental Careers

Dentist

Dentists are licensed professionals trained in diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases; treatment of injuries; and correction of malformations of the teeth, jaw and mouth. A college degree, followed by 3-4 years of dental school, is required to obtain a license to practice dentistry.

UCSF School of Dentistry
513 Parnassus Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94143
415.476-2737 Fax 415.476-4226
UCSF Dentistry Website

UOP, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
2155 Webster St.
San Francisco, CA 94115
209.946.2211 Fax: 209.946.2413
UOP Dugoni School of Dentistry Website

Registered Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists are licensed professionals who use their knowledge and clinical skills to provide dental care to patients. They clean teeth, instruct patients on methods to maintain good oral health, take x-rays and more. Two or more years of college-level education in an accredited program is necessary to obtain a license. Dental hygiene is one of the 30 fastest growing professions in the country.

Foothill Community College
12345 El Monte Rd, Ste 5312
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
650.949.7335 650.947.9788

Dental Hygiene Program
Dental Hygiene Program Website
Contact: Phyllis Spragge, RDH, MA
650.949.7467
spraggephyllis@foothill.edu

Registered Dental Assistant

Dental assistants work alongside the dentist, assisting with a variety of dental services. They prepare patients for treatment, take x-rays and assist chairside with the dentist. Training (either college-level or on-the-job training) is required to obtain a license.

College of San Mateo Dental Assisting
1700 W. Hillsdale Boulevard
Bld 5, 3rd Floor
San Mateo, CA 94402
650.574.6212

Dental Assisting Program
CSM DA Website

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts
2121 S. El Camino Real, Bldg C200
San Mateo, CA 94403
650.685.6616

Dental Assisting Program
Gurnick Academy

Dental Laboratory Technician

Although dental laboratory technicians rarely work directly with patients, they are valuable members of the dental team. Following instructions from the dentist, they create dentures, crowns, bridges, etc. This career can begin with either college-level education or on-the-job training. There is a high demand for dental lab techs.

California Vocational College
3951 Balboa St
San Francisco, CA 94121
415.668.0103

Dental Assistant / Dental Front Office

Although many jobs in dentistry require specific training and a license, unlicensed dental assistants can be employed in a number of dental office positions. They can help with scheduling, billing, and even some patient preparation and chairside assisting. Some knowledge of dental terminology is helpful.