Not many people enjoy visiting the dentist, but it is a service that we can’t do without.  Dentists examine the teeth and mouth tissue of their patients to diagnose and treat any problems that person has. Most dentists act as general practitioners, but dentists can also specialize into different fields.

Specialists in the dental field are:

• Orthodontists: straighten teeth
• Maxillofacial and oral surgeons: operate on the jaws and mouth
• Prosthodontists: replace missing teeth with crowns, bridges, etc.
• Periodontists: treat children
• Endodontists: specialise in root canal therapy
• Oral pathologists: study oral diseases
• Public health dentists: help communities to improve their dental health
• Maxillofacial and oral radiologists: Diagnose diseases in the head and neck using imaging technologies

Dental jobs are not limited to those relating to the actual doctor, as dental practices require a number of other staff members. Other dental careers include dental hygienists, dental assistants, as well as receptionists in dentist offices.

The specialist is the most qualified is the dentistry career. Dental assistants may or may not be required to be qualified for the position, depending on the employer.

People who would like to take up a career in dentistry can choose from five different options, each with different educational and licensing requirements. Each position also carried different responsibilities and duties:

• Specialist dentists: dentists who choose one specific area of dentistry as the focus of their career
• Dentist: The general practitioner who will diagnose and treat problems found in a patient’s mouth tissue and teeth.
• Dental Hygienist:  This practitioner works under the supervision of the dentist. The hygienist provides patients with preventative dental advice. Dental hygienists need to have studies towards the profession.
• Dental Assistant: The dental assistant works directly alongside the dentist. The assistant does perform patient care but not to the same extent as the dental hygienist. Dental assistants need not always have a dental education background and can be trained on the job.  Experience is the most important factor in becoming a dental assistant.
• Dental technician: A dental technician is tasked with manufacturing the prosthetics required by dentists, also known as dental laboratory technicians. Dental technicians can be trained on the job but many employers prefer to hire people who have received some kind of formal training.

Dental work is certainly not limited to dentist alone, and dental practices require a number of staff members to keep the practice running efficiently.

Many dentists are self-employed, running their own dental practices in the area of their choice.

Typical tasks carried out by a general practitioner dentist on a day to day basis include:

• Filling cavities
• Removing decay from teeth
• Extracting teeth
• Examining x-rays
• Applying sealants to teeth
• Administering anaesthetics
• Prescribing medication
• Treating gum disease by doing surgical procedures on gum and the supporting bones.
• Straightening teeth
• Taking teeth impressions to make the models used to make dentures.
• Replacing missing teeth

Current dental positions listed in Cape Town:

• A full time dental assistant position in Stellenbosch. The position calls preferably for registered dental assistant, but is also open to those who are willing to learn. The applicant should reside in the Stellenbosch region.
• A dental practice in Cape Town’s southern suburbs requires a qualified dental assistant with experience in the field.
• A busy practice in Pinelands in Cape Town needs an experienced, registered and qualified dental nurse with exact knowledge of the dental program.
• A dental admin assistant
• A dental receptionist to manage appointments and deal with customers and payments.
• A dental therapist or dental hygienist.
• A dentist to go between two practices.

How do I find dental jobs in CT?

As with any other employment opportunity, there are a number of resources and classifieds that list dental positions available in Cape Town. Consult the local newspaper, or try looking online. Simply use a search engine and type in “Dental jobs in CT” and you will be rewarded with a number of online job listings that will help you find the right job for your qualifications.