In addition, Dental Laboratory Technicians may become certified by passing written and practical examinations given by The National Board of Certification, established by the National Association of Dental Laboratories. Some people become Dental Laboratory Technicians through an apprenticeship program. This is a formal training program, usually three years in length, with most of the training acquired on the job. No program information is available. They instruct patients about good oral health practices so that the patients can prevent gum disease and tooth loss.
Some Dentists teach or perform research at schools of dentistry, as well as practice.
Oral Surgeons perform surgical operations on the mouth and jaws to remove teeth and tumors or other abnormal growths, and to correct abnormalities in the jaw or other oral structures. Periodontists treat diseased tissues that support the teeth. They clean and polish the teeth and eliminate irritating edges of fillings. They may perform surgery to remove part of an infected or diseased gum. Prosthodontists specialize in making artificial teeth or dentures.