The future looks bright for dentistry and the nation’s oral health in the 21st century. Post-natal stem cell research, gene therapy transfer and links between oral health and systemic health (other body systems) will reshape dental practice in the 21st century.
-American Dental Association-
Careers in Dentistry:
Dentists
- General Practice: Evaluates, diagnoses, prevents and/or treats (nonsurgical, surgical or related procedures) of diseases, disorders and/or conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and/or the adjacent and associated structures and their impact on the human body.
- Endodontics: Deals with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases of the dental pulp and the tissues at the root apex.
- Orthodontics: Focuses on the development, prevention, and correction of irregularities of the teeth, bite and jaw.
- Pediatric Dentistry: Focuses on concerned the care of children's teeth.
- Geriatric Dentistry: Focuses on the care of older adults' teeth.
- Public Health: Concerned with the dental health needs of entire communities, and can design and administer large-scale prevention and dental care programs.
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Performs surgery to treat disorders of the gums, teeth, and mouth.
- Oral Pathology: Focuses on the assessment made from tissue changes characteristic of disease of the oral cavity, jaws and salivary glands.
- Research-based Dentistry: Studies clinical and basic research including postnatal stem cell research, and gene transfer therapy.
Dental Allied Health Professionals:
- Dental Hygienists: Specializing in teaching oral health, and also cleaning the teeth by removing plaque and calculus.
- Dental Technicians: Fabricates dental appliances such as removable prosthesis including dentures, and crown and bridgework.
- Dental Assistants: Provides supportive tasks such as taking x-rays, and chair side assistance to the dentist.
Dental Schools in Connecticut:
University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine
263 Farmington Avenue
Farmington, CT 06030
Dental Hygiene Schools:
Lincoln College of New England
2279 Mount Vernon Road
Southington, CT 06489
University of Bridgeport
126 Park Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06604
University of New Haven
300 Boston Post Road
West Haven, CT 06516
Tunxis Community College
271 Scott Swamp Road
Farmington, CT 06032
Dental Assistant Schools:
A.I. Prince Regional Vocational Technical School
401 Flatbush Ave
Hartford, CT 06106
Lincoln College of New England
2279 Mount Vernon Road
Southington, CT 06489
Porter and Chester Institute
221 West Main Street
Branford, CT 006405
Windham Technical High School
210 Birch Street
Willimantic, CT 06226
Tunxis Community College
271 Scott Swamp Road
Farmington, CT 06032
Labco School of Dental Assisting Plus
P.O. Box 177
Derby, CT 06418-0177
Phone: (203) 253-3520
Dental Career Resource Links:
Occupational Outlook Handbook
American Dental Hygienists’' Association
Connecticut Dental Assistants' Association