Oral Health Careers

Dental assistants help dentists by increasing productivity, safety, and efficiency. Responsibilities vary every day and may include:

• Greeting and checking in patients.
• Preparing exam rooms and sterilizing instruments.
• Taking dental x-rays.
• Assisting the dentist with procedures.
• Giving patients post-treatment care instructions.

A dental assistant may choose to further their education and become an Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA). Under the supervision of a dentist, an EFDA can perform additional duties that dental assistants cannot. Learn more about the requirements to become an EFDA.

Resources

Become a Dental Assistant, P-03365 (PDF) The Department of Health Services (DHS) publication: Learn about what a dental assistant does, why to become one, how you become one, and career advancement for dental assistants.

The Paths to Becoming a Dental Assistant, P-03461 (PDF) DHS publication: Learn about the different pathways to become a dental assistant in Wisconsin, ways to advance in the profession, and career outlook information.

Dental lab technicians work in a dental lab, using detailed written instructions and molds or scans of the patient’s teeth and/or soft tissues to create dental devices. Responsibilities may include:

• Creating crowns, veneers, bridges, implants, dentures, mouth guards, and more.
• Crafting dental devices with hand instruments and technology.
• Utilizing materials such as metals, ceramics, waxes, plastics, and more to create dental devices.

Milwaukee Area Technical College has the only dental technician program in Wisconsin.

Resources

Become a Dental Lab Technician, P-03401 (PDF) DHS publication: Learn what dental lab technicians do, what lab technology is, why to become a lab tech, and how to become one.

The Paths to Becoming a Dental Lab Technician, P-03462 (PDF) DHS publication: Learn about the different pathways to become a dental lab technician in Wisconsin, ways to advance in the profession, and career outlook information.

Dental hygienists work with patients to provide preventive oral health care. Responsibilities may include:

• Reviewing patient health and dental history.
• Removing plaque, tartar, and stains.
• Applying sealants and fluoride treatments.
• Screening for oral conditions such as tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontitis, and cancer.
• Taking and viewing dental x-rays.
• Educating patients on oral health, proper dental hygiene, and nutrition to prevent tooth decay.

Resources

Become a Dental Hygienist, P-03395 (PDF) DHS publication: Learn about what a dental hygienist does, why to become one, how you become one, and career advancement for dental hygienists.

The Path to Becoming a Dental Hygienist, P-03459 (PDF) DHS publication: Learn about the pathway to become a dental hygienist in Wisconsin, ways to advance in the profession, and career outlook information.

Dental therapy is a new oral health profession for Wisconsin.

Dental therapists are trained to work in dental shortage areas and provide routine dental care, including exams and filling cavities. They work as part of a dentist-led team complementing the work of dental hygienists and dental assistants.

• What is a Dental Therapist?, The Pew Charitable Trusts: Watch this video to learn more about dental therapy and what the profession does.
• Dental Therapy 101, National Partnership for Dental Therapy publication: Learn more about dental therapy and how it helps oral health.
• Dental Therapy, Children's Health Alliance of Wisconsin (CHAW): This webpage provides an in-depth look at dental therapy, resources, and information on becoming a dental therapist in Wisconsin.
• Dental Therapy 101, (CHAW): Watch this recorded webinar to learn about the basics of dental therapy in Wisconsin.
• Licensure of Dental Therapists in Wisconsin, (CHAW): Watch this recorded webinar to learn about the licensure of dental therapists in Wisconsin.

Dentists are doctors who provide oral health care through evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases of the mouth. Responsibilities may include:

• Performing exams and evaluating X-rays to determine a patient’s health.
• Creating treatment plans for patients to improve their oral health.
• Filling cavities or removing damaged teeth.
• Prescribing medications to improve patient health.
• Interacting with patients and instructing them on proper oral care.
• Measuring and fitting dental appliances.
• Referring patients to a specialist if needed.

In Wisconsin, Marquette University—School of Dentistry offers a doctorate of dental surgery (DDS) as well as Master’s programs in dental biomaterials, periodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, and orthodontics.

Resources

Become a Dentist P-03449 (PDF), DHS publication: Learn about what dentists do, why to become one, and how to become one.

The Path to Becoming a Dentist, P-03460 (PDF) DHS publication: Learn about the pathway to become a dentist in Wisconsin, ways to advance in the profession, and career outlook information.

Learn how you can become a dental assistant through an apprenticeship program.

• Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship, Department of Workforce Development (DWD): One or two-year “earn while you learn” program for high school juniors and seniors consisting of work and related classroom instruction in dental assisting.
• Dental Assistant Youth Apprentice Flyer, DWD publication: Flyer showing students why they should become a dental assistant youth apprentice and how employers can expand their workforce through the youth apprenticeship program.
• Dental Youth Apprenticeship Testimonial, DHS: Learn more about becoming a dental youth apprenticeship employer and how it benefits employers and students.
• Youth Apprenticeship Employer Interest Form: Dental professionals interested in employing a dental assistant youth apprentice can complete this online form to indicate interest.

The Wisconsin Oral Health Program has created a learning experience for those interested in oral health careers! Connection opportunities is a self-paced program that connects students with dental profession students or dental professionals.

There are four different levels of connections including meet a dental profession student, meet a dental professional, shadow a dental professional, and employment opportunities.

• Connection Opportunities Student Guide, P-03585 (PDF) DHS publication: Guide explaining how students can sign up to connect with a dental profession student or dental professional.
• Connection Opportunities Professionals Guide, P-03585A (PDF) DHS publication: Guide explaining how dental profession students and dental professionals can connect with a student interested in oral health careers.
• Connection Opportunities Form: Interested students, dental professionals, and dental profession students can complete this online form to participate in Connection Opportunities.
• Connection Opportunities Professionals Poster, P-03641 (PDF) DHS publication: Poster promoting Connection Opportunities to professionals.
• Connection Opportunities Student Poster, P-03641A (PDF) DHS publication: Poster promoting Connection Opportunities to students.

Wisconsin Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) has created a one-day workshop held in seven locations around Wisconsin called Future Oral Health Workforce Day (FOHWD).

At FOHWD, high school students learn about dental health professions through hands-on activities and additional opportunities for furthering their interest in a dental career.

Learn more about FOHWD and how you can get involved!