There are several occupational categories for "dental nurse." These include dental assistant, dental hygienist, and dental laboratory technician. These allied dental fields are growing, and are in increasingly high demand, according to ExploreHEALTHCareers.org.

Dental Assisting

Every state has its own rules governing dental assistance. For information on requirements and exams in your state, as well as dental assisting job titles for your state, go to the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. website at www.danb.org. In California, for instance, licensure requires either completion of a Registered Dental Assistant program approved by the state board, or one year of work experience, as well as courses in radiation safety and coronal polishing. Finally, there is a written and practical state exam.

Dental Hygienist

To find an educational program in dental hygiene, go to the American Dental Hygienists' Association website at http://www.adha.org. Dental hygienists are only required to earn a certificate, but many schools offer an associates degree, and there are bachelors degree programs in dental hygiene in more than 30 states.

Dental Laboratory Technician

To find out about requirements and programs for future dental lab technicians, go to the National Association of Dental Laboratories at http://www.nadl.org. The website lists more than 50 schools across the country that offer programs in this area. At the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, for instance, there are three different tracks to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Dental Larboratory Sciences.

Allied Dental Educator

As all of these fields are growing, there is an increasing need for educators. Find out more about becoming an allied dental educator at www.explorehealthcareers.org. An undergraduate degree is usually required, and as well as work experience in the field. Full time positions typically require a graduate or doctoral degree. Licensure must be up to date.

Education and Starting Salaries

Dental assistants require one to two years of school post high school, and the average salary is $27,248, according to ExploreHEALTHCareers.org. Dental laboratory technicians are not required to have any higher education, and the average salary is $28,496. Dental Hygienists require two to six years of post high school education, and the average salary is $55,307. Allied dental educators are required to have four to eight years of higher education, and the average salary is $41,000 to $62,000.

Source:

ExploreHEALTHCareers.org

Dental Assisting National Board

National Association of Dental Laboratories

More Information:

Dental Hygiene Education Facts

Allied Dental Educator

University of Texas Health Science Center