John Flucke–editor of “Dental Products Report”–says that Delta Dental took a survey and found that more than 40% of Americans would like to see their dentists more compared to other doctors. You can peruse his blog, which has other intriguing stats about how U.S. adults feel more confident with good dental care and know that it relates to their overall well-being.
If we take a step back, are these kinds of statistics really surprising? As the Baby Boomers continue to age, they’ll be wanting more and more dentists to help with restorations and the like. So if you are interested in a dental career, now’s the time to jump on the bandwagon.
But keep in mind that even if there’s both a need and a want for dental care, lower-income families can’t always afford policies. And many dental plans aren’t lumped in with overall healthcare plans. However, there is still a way to bridge the gap if you want to pursue a dental career in a low-income area. You could become a dental therapist:
Americans overwhelmingly support the concept of dental therapists, according to the results of a recent phone survey. Interviewers asked thousands of registered U.S. voters if they would like a new type of midlevel provider similar to a nurse practitioner, and 80% of respondents said yes . . .
Critics are concerned that dental therapists will not provide the same standard of care as a dentist. They also tend to be skeptical that therapists can increase access to dental care or reduce costs.
Meanwhile, proponents of midlevel providers point to evidence that dental therapists effectively reduce untreated caries, not only in the few U.S. states that have approved their use but also abroad. In addition, support for midlevel providers appears to be gaining momentum.
Sites like familyusa.com go into more detail as to why this profession can help struggling communities get the care they need. Like physician’s assistants or nurses, dental therapists play a support role at dental offices, and can help with procedures like sealants, teeth cleanings, and patient education.
If dental therapy doesn’t sound like a good fit, don’t give up your hopes of a dental job just yet. Although some people may opt out of a dental care plan in favor of an overall healthplan, the U.S. News & World Report says that the dentistry profession still has some of the best salaries and job prospects out there:
For the third year in a row, dental professionals topped the U.S. News & World Report’s annual list ranking the best jobs of the year, according to ADA News.
Dentists, which ranked No. 2 in 2016’s list, took the No. 1 spot in 2017. It last held the top spot in 2015. Orthodontists, which ranked No. 1 last year, is this year’s fifth best occupation; oral and maxillofacial surgeons rounded up the top 10 with a tie for No. 9.
Occupations are ranked based on U.S. News’ calculated overall score, which combines several components into a single weighted average score between zero and 10. These components are: 10-year growth volume; 10-year growth percentage; median salary; job prospects; employment rate; stress level; and work-life balance.
Dentists scored an overall score of 8.2; orthodontists, 8.1; and oral and maxillofacial surgeon, 7.7.
“The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment growth of 18 percent between 2014 and 2024, with 23,300 new openings,” according to the U.S. News & World Report. “A comfortable salary, low unemployment rate and agreeable work-life balance boost dentist to a top position on our list of best jobs.”
The magazine also reports that orthodontists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons are expected to grow by 18 percent from 2014 to 2024, with about 1,500 new job openings for orthodontists and 1,200 new jobs for oral and maxillofacial surgeons.
For more information about how to build a career in this sector, check out different services/specialties you’re interested in.
