If you’re exploring different career options in the field of Dentistry, you may find this blog relevant. Dentistry focuses on keeping your teeth, gums, and tongue in the pink of health. The first occupation that strikes your mind when talking about oral cavity is a dentist. However, there’s more to becoming a dentist in the field of dentistry.
Not only it comes under the respected general practitioner jobs category, but it is also a sought career choice for many medical aspirants. Besides, there are alluring options that may interest you if you’re willing to give it a chance.
You can certainly choose from a dentist, dental assistant, and dental hygienist to a dental technician. Each has its roles and responsibilities; they may be related, but each job option carries its own significance.
Dentist
Dentists treat or diagnose a patient’s teeth and mouth tissues. They may fall under the category of general practitioners or further enhance their career prospects by choosing areas like Orthodontics, Endodontics, Periodontics, or Pediatric dentistry. To become a dentist, you need to obtain a Bachelor’s of Science/Doctor of Dental Medicine degree, which would take you around seven years, including three years of college and four years of dental college, if you are entering directly after school.
Upon completion, you can further study and specialize in a similar field. However, you’ll need a license to practice as a dentist in Australia. You’re also required to register with the Dental Board of Australia upon completing your graduation.
Dental Assistant
If you’re looking for general practitioner jobs in Australia, this one may strike you right! As the name suggests, a dental assistant works alongside dentists and performs patient care tasks. However, the tasks are different from those conducted by dental hygienists. Their duties include laboratory and office tasks in addition to looking after the patient’s oral health. There is no formal training required to become a dental assistant in Australia; however, you’re required to complete a VET qualification, such as Certificate III in Dental Assisting. MedFuture can assist you in exploring relevant GP jobs in Australia.
Dental Hygienist
The work profile of a dental hygienist revolves around preventative dental care under an experienced dentist’s supervision. It is one of the dental careers where you spend a great amount of time dealing with patients, performing teeth cleaning, examining patients’ teeth and mouth, and teaching them good oral hygiene. To become a successful dental hygienist, you need to complete a VET qualification in dental hygiene or oral health or oral health therapy recognized by the Dental Board of Australia.
Dental Technician
Dental technicians’ work profile is slightly different from dentists and dental assistants. They manufacture appliances and prosthetics based on the dentist’s requirements. You can also call them dental laboratory technicians as they are not directly involved in patient care. You need a tertiary level qualification, such as a Diploma of Dental Technology through TAFE or a registered training organization, to become a dental technician in Australia.
If you’re looking for a dentist job or a general practitioner job in Australia, you can connect with the recruitment team at MedFuture. They provide GP and locum jobs in Australia.