The responsibilities of a dentist include the care of the teeth, gums and bones of the oral cavity. Dentists may also recognize other general health issues that affect the oral cavity. Dentist specializations include oral surgery, oral pathology, orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, pedodontics, prosthodontics and public health. The University of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City offers Doctor of Dental Surgery and the Doctor of Dental Medicine degree programs. The university also hosts graduate and residency programs in advanced general dentistry, orthodontics, periodontics, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. Oral Roberts University in Tulsa offers degree programs for Doctor of Dental Surgery and Doctor of Dental Medicine.
Dental assistant training includes on-the-job experience in a dental office, a four-to-six-month training program with or without a degree, or an associate of science in dental assisting degree. Job responsibilities include prepping and chairside assistance for the hygienist or dentist, and in some cases applying topical anesthetics and taking X-rays. Oklahoma dental assistant schools include Northeast Oklahoma Health Career Center in Muskogee, ATI Career Training Center at two locations in Oklahoma City, Tri County Technology Center in Bartlesville, Community Care College in Tulsa, Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Platt College in Lawton, Tulsa Community College in Tulsa, Oklahoma Health Academy in Tulsa, Metro Technology Centers in Oklahoma City, Francis Tuttle Technology Center in Oklahoma City, Rose State College in Midwest City, Autry Technology Center in Enid and Western Technology Center in Burns Flat.
Oklahoma requires that dental hygienists earn at least an associate of applied science degree in dental hygiene to qualify for state licensing. Job responsibilities include helping patients maintain good oral health, assisting the dentist, and cleaning and filling teeth. Oklahoma dental hygienist schools include Rose State College in Midwest City, University of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City and Tulsa Community College in Tulsa.
Dental technician responsibilities include building prosthetics for dentists. Technicians can specialize in a variety of fields that include partial dentures or ceramics, full dentures, crowns and bridges as well as orthodontics. On-the-job experience of three to four years is acceptable, as well as certificate programs of one year, to qualify as a dental lab technician. Oklahoma dental lab technician schools include Redlands Community College in El Reno, Rose State College in Midwest City and Moore Norman Technology Center in Norman.