Learning about dental health can prepare you for numerous jobs in the field, including dentist, dental assistant, periodontist, and orthodontist. A general dentist performs various tasks, such as examining teeth and gums, diagnosing issues, treating cavities, and extracting teeth. A dentist can refer patients to specialists for additional treatment. Dental assistants work alongside dentists and perform more basic tasks, such as prepping equipment and handling patient records.
A periodontist is a type of dentist who specializes in periodontal disease, a common condition characterized by infected gums. Periodontists perform complex tasks such as removing infected gum tissue, reshaping gums, and adding dental implants. An orthodontist specializes in correcting tooth and jaw alignment issues. The job involves applying braces and other corrective techniques to improve a patient’s oral health.