According to the American Dental Association (ADA), there are more than 50 accredited dental schools in the United States as of 2011. Completing a DDS or DMD degree typically takes four years, although further study is required for specialization in areas such as pediatric dentistry or oral and maxillofacial surgery. To streamline the application process, the ADA has developed a single online application that is accepted by all ADA-accredited dental schools. In addition, the ADA can also connect students with an array of federally funded scholarships.
The education costs of becoming a dental team member can be significantly lower than those involved in earning a DDS or DMD, so many students work toward becoming a dental hygienist, dental assistant or lab technician. Although regulations governing dental hygienists vary from state to state, a dental hygienist typically works closely with a dentist, utilizing her knowledge and clinical skills to ensure patients' oral health. Among the services a dental hygienist can provide are removing plaque, patient screening, making impressions of patients' teeth and applying preventative materials such as fluoride.
A dental assistant's role is a varied one, and requires both technical and interpersonal skills. A dental assistant's duties may include assisting a dentist with treatment procedures, sterilizing instruments and equipment, providing patients with reassurance before an appointment, and offering instructions and guidance after a surgical or restorative procedure. A lab technician, on the other hand, works behind the scenes and rarely interacts with patients. Using sophisticated equipment and instruments, a lab technician work with an array of dental materials to create dental prostheses, ranging from full dentures to bridges and veneers.
To increase the level of dental care throughout the country, the ADA has proposed two new additions to the traditional dental team: the community dental health coordinator and the oral preventative assistant. In 2008, pilot projects in training students for these proposed specializations began in various locations throughout the United States; as of 2011, these pilot projects were still ongoing. A community dental health coordinator is trained to provide oral health care to under-served communities where dental care is currently unavailable. An oral preventative assistant supports the dental profession by providing preventive services and oral-care education to parents in order to prevent future dental procedures.