*The goal of the dental team is to provide

optimal care of the oral cavity for all patients *Dental team members can work in:

Group or specialty practice Schools Government or community clinics Dental insurance companies

*Education
6-year degree from college or university

and dental school training

2 years of additional training for specialty National examination required for licensure

*Diagnose and Treat diseases, injury and

malformations of the teeth and mouth *Improve a patients appearance by using a variety of cosmetic procedures *Perform surgical procedures such as implants, tissue grafts, and extractions *Educate patients *Perform research improving oral health and developing new treatments

Specialties of Practice
Endodontics
concerned with the human dental pulp and periradicular tissues

Oral and maxillofacial pathology

deals with the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. includes research and diagnosis of diseases using clinical, radiographic, microscopic, biochemical, or other examinations.

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology

concerned with the production and interpretation of images that are used for the diagnosis and management of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral and maxillofacial region.

Specialties of Practice
*Oral and maxillofacial surgery * concerned with the diagnosis, surgical and *

adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects involving both the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region. Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics *includes the diagnosis, prevention, interception, and correction of malocclusion, as well as neuromuscular and skeletal abnormalities of the developing or mature orofacial structures.

Specialties of Practice
* Pediatric Dentistry * Periodontics * Prosthodontics

* encompasses the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases

of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth - Gums

* specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning,

rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues

* Public health dentistry

* form of dental practice which serves the community as a patient

rather than the individual * concerned with the dental health education of the public, with applied dental research, and with the administration of group dental care programs

Education 2-year community college 4-year college or university program Completion of accredited program and national examination for state licensing

*Records patients health history *Removes calculus and plaque *Examines teeth and oral structures *Screens for oral cancer and blood pressure
abnormalities *Counsels and teaches patients *Applies preventive materials such as sealants and flurides

* Education
1- to 2-year accredited program Certification through the Dental Assisting National Board

*Assists dentist with a variety of treatment

procedures works with dental instruments and materials *Prepares and sterilizes instruments and equipment *Takes and processes X-rays *Performs a variety of office management tasks

* Education
Primarily on-the-job training Certification available through the National Association of Dental Laboratories

 Creates replacement for natural teeth

Uses artistic talent and high tech methods to create customized, hand-crafted dental restorations made from gold, chrome, alloys and ceramics