Erica Zamora Reyes

3 Career Level Positions in Dentistry

Positions in Dentistry

The dental field offers many career options and opportunities at different levels of education and professionalism. It’s a field of study that has a broad range of professions which provide stability, flexibility, and career advancements. All occupations found in dentistry contribute to the overall dental health maintenance and oral care of patients. There are three categories in which you can place each profession in. What position would you want a career in?

Administrative Level

At this level, you’re not required to know or conduct clinical duties and responsibilities. Like most medical offices, they have administrative staff which takes over the clerical work of the dental practice. You’re not required to have an advanced educational background, although, we do recommend and encourage you to get some educational training or experience in dental clerical work.

When you work at the administrative level of dental practice, you can find a position which can be easily transferable to other medical administrative positions. What kind of jobs can you get? You can be a

  • Receptionist
  • Appointment Scheduler
  • Billing Professional
  • Claims Processor
  • Account Manager
  • Office Manager

In dental clinics as in other medical clinics and hospitals, you can expect to find an administrative staff where they handle all the paperwork and oversee the functions and management of each department to ensure there is order and that everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

Mid-Level Clinical

What do we mean by mid-level clinical? It just says the level of schooling is not that advance as you would need to be a dentist. Dental training and at least an associate or B.A. degree. Of course, the requirements of every state are different and might ask for licenses so keep that in mind.

Each of the positions listed in this category has different education levels but still falls under mid-level because you still need to have some form of specialized training or 2 to 4-year degree to conducted the responsibilities and duties of the position. You can be a

  • Dental Laboratory Technicians
  • Dental Assistants
  • Dental Hygienist

Although dental technicians isn’t a clinical position, they work in a lab to manufacture dental prosthetics such as bridges and dentures to ensure dentists can provide patients with the care their patient needs. They may not work with patients, but they do play a role in the contributing to the dental health care of a patient.

Doctorate Level Clinical

If you want to become a specialized dentist, you will need extensive education to become one. In addition to dental school, you will probably be required to do 2 to 4 years of advanced education and training depending on the specialty you want.

Again like mid-level dental positions, positions in higher educational level require different educational training some longer than others. If you want to work directly with patients to help treat their minor or severe dental conditions, then this might be the route to go. You can work in various dental clinics or own your practice. At this clinical level, you can be a

  • General Dentist
  • Cosmetic Dentist
  • Orthodontist
  • Periodontist
  • Oral Surgeon

All these positions whether you work directly with patients or are doing clerical work, they all contribute to the oral and dental health care maintenance patients need. Each position has its own set of challenges, roles, and educational and professional level to help you succeed in a dental career.

If you’re interested in working in at a dental administrative level or as a dental assistant, at The Core Foundation, you can get the training and experience you need to start working in the dental field. Learn more about the  programs we offer and if you have any questions or want more information fill this form here.

Learn About the 9 Branches of Dentistry

9 Branches in Dentistry

If you’re interested in a dental career, there are nine dental branches which you can learn about and specialize in. Like most medical branches, the dentistry has many specific sectors that focus on a particular area of the mouth and teeth or the functionality of the orofacial region.

Each specific sector, you need additional training outside of dental school since each division focuses on individual diagnosis and treatment of the maintenance of oral and dental health care. Learn about the different branches of the dental field has to offer.    

  • Dental Public Health – known as DPH, specializes in preventing and controlling dental diseases and promoting dental health through community efforts. Although it is not a clinical specialty, people in this division focus on the dental and oral health issues in communities and populations rather than individuals. It’s a division where leadership is provided, policy development, and community-based disease prevention and health promotion. They’re concerned with educating the public on dental health with applied dental research and administration of group dental care programs. You have to have a vast knowledge and set of skills in public health administration, research methodology, prevention and control of oral disease and delivery, and financing of oral health care.        
  • Endodontics – is the branch which focuses on the dental pulp and tissues surrounding the roots of the tooth. In this branch, you will have to diagnosis tooth pain and perform root canal treatment and other procedures related to the interiority of the tooth. They’re concerned with the physiology and pathology of the dental pulp. When you study endodontics, you become a specialist because there are two or more years of training beyond dental school that you need.  
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology – also coined as oral pathology, refers to the diseases affecting the mouth, jaws and related structures such as the salivary glands, facial muscles, and perioral skin. It specializes in the pathology that deals with the disease affecting the oral and maxillofacial region through laboratory examination and management. Some of the practices you’ll need to know within this division include researching, diagnosing diseases using clinical, radiographic, or other examinations of the patients.   
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology – is a discipline concerning the knowledge of taking and interpreting the images and results of medical exams used for the diagnosis and management of disease, disorders, and conditions of the oral and maxillofacial region. You’ll be concerned with the reading and interpreting the radiant energy that is used to examine the craniofacial, dental and adjacent structures. It is part of the radiology branch.
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery – is a discipline which is concerned with the surgical treatment of diseases and injuries, in the areas of the head, neck, jaw, and orofacial region. In this division, some of the common practices you’ll be asked to do are a diagnosis, conduct surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases or injuries that involve the functional and esthetic aspects of the oral and maxillofacial region. Some of the common surgeries performed are tooth extractions, corrective jaw surgery, cleft lip/palate surgery, and reconstructive surgery. To specialize in this branch, you will need to be in four years of a hospital-based residency program.    
  • Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics – focuses on the alignment of the teeth and dental arches. In this discipline, you’ll center on the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of malocclusion of the orofacial structures. You will need 2-3 years of orthodontics residency after dental school to become a specialist in this branch.
  • Pediatric Dentistry – is an age-defined division. It specializes in providing infants and children up to their adolescence years including those with special health care needs primary and comprehensive preventative and therapeutic oral health care. Dentist in this branch adapts techniques and procedures from general dentistry and specialties to apply to children. They are pediatricians but the dental industry. 2-3 years of specialty training are required after dental school.
  • Periodontics – is the division concerned about the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth and specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and maintenance of the health and function of the tissue. Dentist in this branch focus on the inflammatory disease that destroys gums and its supporting structures. You’ll need three additional years of training after dental school.
  • Prosthodontics – is a discipline that focuses on the design and installation of artificial replacements of teeth and artificial parts of the mouth. Practices in this sector include the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation, and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, and health of the patient’s artificial teeth and parts. They treat patients who are missing teeth, have deficient teeth, or need restoration. Treatment procedures can include crowns, bridges, and dentures. Three years of additional training and education are required to become a specialist in prosthodontics.

The field of dentistry offers many specialties you can further your studies, training, and treatment that can help individual patients or community-based populations with preventative and maintenance of oral and dental health care. Each division can require more training and education than others, but it is a rewarding experience when you see the change and impact you make on a patient. If you could study in any of the nine branches of dentistry, which division would you choose and why tell us in the comments below?

Quick Tips to Succeed In a Growing Industry

Quick Tips Success

The dental industry is blooming and with it, the competitiveness and challenges that come from staying in the field and succeeding which is becoming more than just studying. You have to work hard and hustle to persevere in an industry that is growing.

When you enter the dental field, you have to be willing to continue to learn to succeed. Below, you’ll find some helpful tips on what you can do to succeed.

Never Stop Learning

Although this a standard tip for everyone in any job, it is the same for anyone in the dental field. With new technologies advancing dental treatments and practices, you want to stay current with the technology to avoid pitfalls of losing a patient and being an ineffective and inefficient worker.

In addition to learning new technology, taking the time to learn new dental disciplines can offer you a well-rounded knowledge of what makes a practice work and how others work. You may not have to work in that particular area of the dental field but acknowledging the work that is done can make you a better practitioner.

Network With Those Who’ve Been There

Friending colleagues who have accomplished and been where you want to be is an essential part of networking. Learning from others and learning to ask questions and for help is a step towards professional growth. Colleagues can guide and give you tips through your career. They can provide you with knowledge and even some expectation of what you need to do to be in the position they are. They are an excellent source of knowledge.   

Treat Patients Like Your Own Family

We are all patients in one way or another just how our family is too. We want to treat our patients with the same care and attention we would want to be given to our family. Asking ourselves “if this was my family, what would I recommend?” can help us step back and treat a patient on what is their best interest. Working in the dental field or any field related to medical health care is rewarding regardless of the money made for the practice and yourself.

Practice Self-Care

It might be odd I suggested this tip but, you need to care for yourself and body before helping another. You can’t expect to help some else when you aren’t physically or mentally healthy. Learning to listen to your body will help you stay healthy and strong which in turn enables you to be the best practitioner you can be.

These are just some of the useful ways you can kick-start your career to succeed. With a competitive field and the challenges that come you need to hustle. Do you have any tips you have received or used in the comments below?

Dental Software to be Familiarized With

Familiarized Dental Software

While staying current with technology and patients, dental practices are required to know how to retain and attract more patients while still being ahead of the game with their technology. Patients want to be part of a dental clinic who is efficient and modern. It’s harsh to hear especially if your practice is comfortable and likes to use traditional methods of treating patients and tracking patients records.

But most practices now have switched to dental office management software. Software that as a dental staff member should be familiarized using or knowing the basics. Yes, there will be many dental, but it doesn’t mean you have to know all of them. However, there are three you should be familiar since most dental practices are likely to be using one of the three in their clinic.

Dentrix

An expensive but trusted and very well-known dental software, Dentrix is used by many dental offices. It’s an on-premise software which only runs on Windows, so if you are familiar with moving around in Windows, then you have an advantage. Dentrix has many key features necessary to help manage appointments, calendar, claims, billing, and much more which make the learning curve steep.

Eaglesoft

Another commonly known software, Eaglesoft is another on-premise software practical for any dental clinic size. This software has many dental features for both the clinical side and front office operations. If you’re new to the dental field or never used Eaglesoft, don’t worry the learning curve isn’t steep, it is user-friendly and easy to learn.

SoftDent

Also referred to as Carestream Dental or CS SoftDent, is a software with the option of on-premise and cloud version for limited to unlimited access but allows to be run on Windows and Mac. It has many features beyond the other two that’s useful for both clinical and front-office dental software. It’s an easy-to-learn software with tools that’ll help you work efficiently.

Many dental softwares are out there, but these are the three most commonly used in dental practices to store patient’s information and to keep the practice running smoothly and efficiently. As part of the dental staff, being willing to learn and having knowledge of dental management software is beneficial to your success in your dental career.

What software are you familiar with? Do you have a preference for working with a particular software? Tell us in the comments?

What To Consider With Cloud-based Dental Software

cloud-based dental software

Modern software programs are helping to organize better and advance practices faster and efficiently. You’ve probably heard of cloud-based dental software and are starting to wonder if you should make the switch from your desktop version to a cloud-based software?

You want to know what all the fuss is about and what a cloud-based software can offer. We know what you mean. When you are planning on making a switch, there is a lot of factors to consider. The cloud-based dental software can already offer more than traditional software, and here is a list what it can provide for your practice.

  1. Cloud Storage  –  there will no longer be a need for physical storage or manual backups. With cloud-based software, it will do the automatic backup for you in addition to storing all information in the cloud.
  2. Syncs Data – with cloud storage, your practice will be able to access record information across other computers. There is no need for having the software installed and maintained on the computers your office is using plus it reduces the costs of having expensive computers to do the processing. All information will be accessible over the internet via middleware. It allows multiple users and devices to use the information and save it so; it’s available to other users. All you’ll need is web-access!
  3. Automatic Updates – don’t worry about the cost of software maintenance or upgrades. For an additional fee, you can have your software update automatically 24/7 which reduces the costs of paying an IT specialist to do the maintenance and upgrade. All you need to worry about is that the computers in used are updated to work efficiently and connected to the web.
  4. Security – cloud-based software is known for their security foundation. They offer protection when records information is transferred and stored in the cloud and doesn’t cost more.
  5. Competitive Advantage – when you are searching for dental cloud-based software, you want to ensure it provides a competitive advantage to your clinic. You want to ensure cloud service is partnered up with a partner or has the appropriate monitoring system, recovery, and business continuity plans. The more cost-effective, secure and time efficient the software can be the more competitive your practice can be.

Making a switch from your current traditional software to a cloud-based dental software is not an easy decision. There will be other factors you will have to account for in your decision such as training and migration of information and data. If the resources and time are present, think about whether it’s the move is right for your practice. What are some of your thoughts on cloud-based dental software, tell us in the comments below?

3 Ways for Your Dental Team to Engage with Patients and Your Practice

dental team engagement

Being part of a dental practice and staff requires more than your service to the patients but service to your dental practice. You are part of business and brand that fosters care to patients dental needs; there should be some form of participation from you as a dental staff member to engage in the practice.   

Whether it’s engaging with patients, prospective patients or with the practice itself, there are ways to make engagement possible. How? Well, we all know patients are a huge part of a dental clinic. They are the primary source of commitment we should participate in. There are two ways of doing so.

Create An Excellent Patient Experience

Patient experience and satisfaction are very critical. The way we speak, react, and handle our patients adds to the overall experience. When a patient is satisfied with their experience, they are more likely to share that experience with others. Some of the ways you can achieve an excellent patient experience are by:

  • Painless – being aware of patient’s discomforts and responding to them will let you become more attentive to your patients. Every patient, especially children, wants to have a painless experience at the dentist.
  • Be amiable and conversational – sit with the patient for a few minutes to talk with the patient. Get to know their concerns and fears. Let them voice their concerns and let them have a say. The idea is to generate a brief conversation to help ease the tension and to explain in detail of the procedure they will be undergoing.  
  • Be a provider and advocate – patients look for both for an exceptional experience. The advocate who presents the outcomes of the treatment, the one who reassures the confidence, comfort, and peace of mind you will experience if you undergo treatment. The provider will present the treatment in what will be done, allowing patients to be notified of their treatment.

You want to ensure you’re attentive and treating your patients as more than just patients but as a human. The connection, understanding, and engagement you have with your patients make the difference between them coming back to you and your dental practice for dental care or going to another dental practice.

Ask For A Review/Testimony

This is a more upfront direct engagement towards your patient. Patient reviews are what let other prospective patients know how dental staff treats patients. It reflects a more personal aspect of the dental services your practice might be dental team engagement offering that we can’t express. Ask patients to give you or your dental practice an online review. Let them know you are open to feedback and ways to help improve. It lets patients know they matter and that we care about what they have to say. It helps engage your staff and dental practice with your patients and prospective patients.

Engagement on Social Media

Social media engagement is a critical part of what connects everyone to anyone now. Social media networks are plenty and having dental staff engage with your practice’s social media channels can help boost visibility among their networks and others. If there is engagement on your social media pages, people are more likely to interact with the content but also keep in mind the content has to spark conversation, entertainment, or value.

You want to ensure you are actively participating with patients when they come in for dental treatment and to let them know their voice matters. Encouraging your team to engage with patients and your practice will help bring brand awareness to prospective patients. What are some of the ways you encourage your dental staff to engage with your patients and teams, tell us in the comments below?   

You Too Can Become An Orthodontic Assistant In 3 Days with Our Training Course

Orthodontic Assisting Training Course

Upgrade your dental assisting by becoming a certified orthodontics dental assistant. If you’re looking for a new change of pace, independence in your work, or new challenges within your job, orthodontics assisting is for you!

Take the next step in your dental assisting career.

Orthodontic Assistant

As an orthodontic assistant, your responsibilities and tasks will extend beyond the chairside assisting. You’ll be given responsibilities with less supervision and more independence. You will be

  • preparing patients for orthodontic treatment by performing preliminary examinations, taking x-rays and impressions, and collecting data.
  • working in the lab to shape and mold impressions.
  • assisting orthodontists in applying braces.
  • maintain a timely flow of the orthodontist appointment schedule   
  • work closely with office management and staff (i.e., office work)

You will be given tasks and responsibilities that will support not only patients and orthodontics but office staff. It’ll give you the opportunity to be rounded in patient care and clerical work.

The Benefits

In addition to the independence you gain from your work, there are perks to training as an orthodontist assistant. So, what are the advantages?

  • acquire new skill sets and knowledge
  • add value to professional self
  • opportunities to work in a multi-specialty dental office
  • better job prospects
  • earn a higher wage (typically)
  • job security

If you’re wanting to grow in your dental assisting career and gain more knowledge about the dental industry, then consider taking a course in orthodontics assistant training. At The Core Foundation, we are offering a three-day training course on orthodontic assisting. Our class was designed to train and prepare you for your change in dental assisting. In a short period of 3-days, you will be able to open your job prospects to a multi-specialty office. To learn more about our orthodontics training course, fill this form here for inquiries or contact Kathy Mitchell at [email protected].

X-ray and CPR Certifications The Core Foundation Offers

x-ray and cpr certifications

As a dental assistant, you are required to be certified for CPR and X-Rays by the state and dental clinics. These certifications are vital to your training and education before working in a dental practice since the safety of the patient is part of the responsibility of a dental assistant. Why do you need you need to take these two courses?

x-ray and cpr certifications X-Rays

As a dental assistant, taking x-rays of a patient’s teeth is one of your duties. X-ray images allow us to see the teeth and their supporting bone structure and aid in diagnosing disease. Using x-ray equipment giving off radiation comes with risks; therefore, before you can operate this type of equipment safely, you need to be trained and certified.

Certification training provides you with a knowledge of radiation health and safety practices for both patients and staff. You are taught the proper angles and techniques needed to capture a clear image, allowing for an accurate diagnosis.

At The Core Foundation, we offer a  radiology course in a state-of-the-art x-ray room that’s equipped with the most current machines and technology used in the dental field. This is a one-day course certification and is taught at the cost of $69 per person. Our next course date is on Saturday, May 26.   

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

Patient safety is always the number one priority of dental staff.  Providing any medical care comes with risks. Choking, allergic reactions, shock, even a stroke or heart attack can occur in a dental chair. A CPR course trains dental assistants in recognizing life-threatening emergencies and how to act accordingly. CPR certification and training is required for all healthcare workers.

The Core Foundation offers an American Red Cross certified CPR program that focuses on retention and skill-based training. It’s a CPR and First Aid course taught by experienced instructors who use hands-on training and visual aids to teach. This course is a one-day certification course, and our next class session is on Thursday, July 19.

Our training courses are offered to the public and businesses and even have group rates upon request. Get the certification you need to practice dental assisting or renew your certification after two years. If you want more information on our courses dates, you can contact Kathy Michelle at [email protected] or 801-747-8018.

Discover More of The Core Foundation and Why Choose It

Have you decided you want a dental assistant career but don’t know what program or facility to choose? There are many options to choose from when it comes to dental assisting programs. It can be overwhelming yet important to your education and future success as a dental assistant.

When searching for a program, you want to ensure you’re not only looking at the general information but which program will better prepare you for your studies and on the job. Each program will bring something to the table and for you to find a program that matches your educational goals and needs is critical to your success during and after the program has been completed.

Our training facility, The Core Foundation, has specially designed dental assisting programs to educate, train, and better prepare our students for their career. We developed our facility to have our students achieve success quickly and with great integrity upon the completion of their program.    

Career, The Core Foundation

Career, The Core Foundation

At The Core Foundation, our dental programs will provide you with the academic and hands-on clinical skills you need to succeed and keep you up to date with the most modern equipment and techniques used in the dental industry. Our curriculum is designed to prepare students to be exceptional dental assistants in addition to preparing them for the interview process.

If you’re interested in learning more about our training facility or have any questions, feel free to contact us at 801-747-8016. 

Discover the Difference between an RDA and CDA

Career, RDA and CDA

Are you interested or studying to become a dental assistant? If you are you’ve probably heard or seen some dental assistants have credentials as a registered dental assistant  (RDA) and credential dental assistant (CDA). What’s the difference between the two? Education is one of the significant differences since one requires more training and further study.

Before you begin your career as an RDA or CDA, here is what you need to know to see if you’re eligible or what you will need to do to get the credentials you want.

Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)

A registered dental assistant has gone through more training than other dental assistants; it is all dependant on each state’s requirements. As an RDA, you will be performing administrative duties and assist the dentist with equipment and at the chairside, in addition to performing other tasks such as x-rays, administering topical medication, taking impressions, or polishing teeth.  

To gain a career as a registered dental assistant, you’re expected to complete a dental assistant program and a state license or certification. Most states required the program to be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). There are programs which last a year or less and award a diploma or certification then, there are Associate’s degree programs available but are two years to complete.

After you’ve finished an approved program, the state will administer an exam (practical, written or both) and you’ll have to meet the experience requirements need to have the RDA credential. Each state’s exam may vary, and you’ll need to take it for where you plan on practicing. Some states may mandate you to complete continuing education to maintain your registration.

Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)

A certified dental assistant assures they’re prepared to perform competently in dental care. Certification is granted by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) after you’ve passed an exam and met an appropriate education and experience requirement. The exam consists of three multiple-choice exams in the following areas, radiation health and safety, general chairside assisting and infection control.

The certification demonstrates you meet the DANB set standards indicating competency and reliability in dental assisting. Each state has their regulations of duties that are performed by a dental assistant so verify you know what the state requirements where you intend to practice.  

As a CDA, you’ll be responsible for maintaining and updating dental records, scheduling, attend to the patient as you prepare them for the dentist, ask about their dental health, and inform them of dental healthcare techniques. You might have other tasks such as taking x-rays and molds of the patient’s teeth.

If you trained on-the-job or graduated from an unaccredited program, you’re eligible to take the national certification exam but only after having completed two years worth of full-time dental assisting work experience.

Do you have to have one of these credentials? No, but it’s not a bad idea to get registered or certified. Some employers may require one or the other or are looking to fill a dental assisting position with credentials. Having credentials is beneficial to you because you’re adding value to yourself and employer.  

Ensure you know what you need for each credential to see if you’re eligible to be registered or certified. Take the steps you need to upgrade your education and professional value.