Overview of Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

Dental support services and allied professions refer to the professional field that involves providing assistance to dentists and supporting dental care services. This can involve both clinical and administrative procedures. Examples of roles within this field can include dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental office managers, dental lab technicians, receptionists, and front desk staff. These professionals are responsible for preparing and using dental materials, taking and recording patient information and dental history, making appointments, and setting up patient billing. They also help to manage dental offices, assist with patient treatment, and communicate with patients about their oral health.

Career Opportunities Associated with Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

Careers in dental support services and allied professions provide individuals with a wide variety of job opportunities. These careers typically involve working in dental offices, clinics, laboratories, and other settings. Dental support services and allied professions can offer opportunities for specialized fields such as geriatric dentistry, orthodontics, endodontics, and pediatric dentistry. Other opportunities can involve teaching in dental schools and working in medical technology research and product development.

Internship or Co-op Opportunities Related to Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

Several organizations offer internships and co-op opportunities related to dental support services and allied professions. Examples of such opportunities may include dental assistant internships, dental office management internships, dental laboratory technician internships, and dental clinic internships. Often, these internships and co-op opportunities provide hands-on experience and can offer the chance to gain valuable experience in the field.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations within Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

There are several specialized tracks and concentrations that have been created within the field of dental support services and allied professions. Examples of track concentrations may include orthodontic technology, dental public health, dental radiology, and dental hygiene. Each concentration involves the completion of a set of courses that focuses on a specific aspect of the profession. In addition, some programs allow for students to specialize in areas such as geriatric dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and orthodontics.

How Dental Support Services and Allied Professions Prepares Students for Graduate School or Further Education

Dental support services and allied professions programs often prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary for further education or graduate school. This can involve providing students with courses in accounting, business management, human resources, patient confidentiality, and basic dental procedures. Additionally, many courses may focus on problem solving and communication skills, proper patient care techniques, office protocols, and other skills that are needed for working in the field. This knowledge and experience can be beneficial for those looking to pursue advanced degrees in dentistry.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in dental support services and allied professions is increasing. AI technology can be used to assist with patient scheduling, billing, and insurance claims. Additionally, AI can help automate certain processes such as taking and recording medical history or recognizing early signs of oral health risks. AI can help streamline the workflow of a dental practice and reduce patient wait times.

The Career Outlook for Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

The career outlook for dental support services and allied professions is positive. The demand for these professionals is expected to grow due to an aging population and an increased need for dental care. In addition, the advancement of technology in the field is likely to create new job opportunities. Individuals interested in entering the field should be aware of the education and licensing requirements associated with the profession.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Dental Support Services and Allied Professions:

Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Salary: $78,391

University of the Pacific, Salary: $75,743

West Coast University-Orange County, Salary: $72,503

West Coast University-Los Angeles, Salary: $72,503

Pacific University, Salary: $69,477

University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center, Salary: $67,944

University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus, Salary: $67,944

University of Southern California, Salary: $66,674

Farmingdale State College, Salary: $66,616

University of Hawaii at Manoa, Salary: $66,487

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.