Dentistry Careers: Path to Becoming a Successful Dental Professional

1. Careers in Dentistry

2. Dr. Michael Guy • Graduated Dentistry from University of Western Ontario 1991 • Doctor of Dental Surgery • While in Dental School went through with Canadian Armed Forces • From Toronto but been in North Bay for 28 years • Was posted to CFB North Bay where I worked in the dental clinic on base for 4 years

3. Guy Dentistry • Started my private practice in 1996 • Originally at Lakeshore and Marshall Park in a house • Moved in 2015 to current location at Lakeshore and Gertrude

4. Canadian Forces Dental officer • While in Dental school enrolled in CAF • Everything paid • Tuition, books, living expenses, etc • Basic training • https://forces.ca/en/career/dental-officer/

5. Roles in a typical dental office THE TEAM: • Dentist • Hygienist • Dental Assistant • Dental Administrator

6. Roles in a typical dental office THE TEAM: • Dentist

7. Dentist • Helpful web resources: http://www.canadafaq.ca/how+to+become+dentist+in+canada/ https://www.cda-aDentists aredc.ca/en/becoming/becoming/ • Being a Dentist: • Offers challenge and variety • Usually self-employed • interact with and help people maintain and improve their oral health • You need good manual dexterity and spatial judgement • You should have a keen memory and a strong interest and ability in science

8. Becoming a dentist: • Bachelor’s degree from a university. • Typically science. • Very Competitive - 80 to 90% in university • Write the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) • Get into a dental school • 10 schools in Canada, many in USA and other countries • four years • $$$ need to get a student loan. • A new grad typically has $200 to $300K in debt

9. Dental School

10. A dentist in private general practise • Do the dentistry: • (Assessments, Fillings, cleanings, extractions, etc) • Manage your business • Lead and manage your team • Banking and cashflow • Manage and pay your bills • Payroll • Pay taxes • Keep customers happy and coming back • Maintain government standards • Continue to learn • Stressful • Rewarding

11. Income Potential • Average dentist in 2013 earned $140,000 to 170,000 BUT that is …. • Before taxes • Before paying practice loan • Need to pay back student loan

12. Roles in a typical dental office THE TEAM: • Dentist • Hygienist

13. Hygienist • Job responsibilities • may include • cleaning teeth • Patient education, • taking x-rays, • assisting dentists with procedures, • making moulds • and more.

14. Dental Hygienist • good demand for hygienists • salaries are competitive, • secure and flexible career opportunities. • hospitals, private practices, clinics, educational institutions, etc • Run your own clinic

15. General Dental Hygiene Program Requirements • https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/programs/health-food-and-medical/dental-hygiene • Offered at most colleges including Canadore • 3 years, diploma level. • Private DH schools also. $$ • requires an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, • All schools different but need grade 12 English, Grade 11 or 12 chemistry and biology

16. Hygienist Income Potential On average $40,000 to 70,000

17. Roles in a typical dental office THE TEAM: • Dentist • Hygienist • Dental Assistant

18. Dental Assistant • Informative Web link: • https://odaa.org/ • Dental assistant skills • Organized • Good attitude • Can work in fast-paced environment • flexible • Good communication • Computer skills • Manual dexterity • IN DEMAND!!!

19. Dental Assistant duties • Prepare examination and procedure rooms • update and maintain records • Assist dentist with procedures • patient education necessary to maintain good dental health • sterilize instruments • maintaining a surgically clean work environment

20. Dental Assistant Training • Best if you take a course at a Certified school • All community colleges are certified. • Closest Colleges • Algonquin, Cambrian , College Boreal, Durham, Fanshawe, George Brown, Georgian Colleges • One year or less • Online training- Stafford • Also some dentists willing to give on the job training- Sterilization Assistant • Need separate HARP training to take radiographs if you take online or on-the-job training • Ongoing training

21. Dental Assistant Income Potential On average $25,000 to 50,000 More with increased experience and responsibilities

22. Roles in a typical dental office THE TEAM: • Dentist • Hygienist • Dental Assistant • Dental Administrator

23. Dental Administrator Work in the reception area and/or business offices The face or front line of the office, very important role!! Several different positions • Reception • Scheduling coordinator • Treatment coordinator • Accounts • Office manager

24. Dental Administration : What they do: • Answer phones • Scheduling • Insurance billing • Business, banking and accounting • Education and Sale • Much more!! Skills • Good attitude • People skills • Office Administration skills • Multi-tasking and organizational skills • Technology, computer skills • Writing and communication skills

25. Dental Admininstrator Training • There are specific Dental Admin courses offered at many community colleges • Also good are : • Medical Admin • General Office Admin • etc • Lots of Online training • CTS CCC • Most courses are one year or less • Most dentists will give on-the-job training • On- going education

26. Dental Administration Income Potential On average $25,000 to 50,000 More with increased experience and responsibilities