Dental OrientationDental OrientationCourse description

Goals and objectives

Dental orientation – is a course intended to acquaint the student with the scope and responsibilities of dentistry as a health profession and its relation with other professions.

Consideration is given to the application of his academic preparation to clinical practice.

Goal/Objective of the courseGoal/Objective of the course

To prepare dental students for clinical work

To point out why and how one can enjoy a career in dentistry

Reasons for students’ choice of Reasons for students’ choice of dentistrydentistry

PersonalExternal

Characteristics that a dental Characteristics that a dental student should possessstudent should possess

EnergyEnthusiasmPatiencePerseverance

People involved in training a People involved in training a dentistdentist

Dentistry teachers / clinical instructorsMembers of the allied professions (health

professionals, x-ray/laboratory technicians)

Government agencies (CHED, PRC)◦Dental Licensure Examination

2 parts: theoretical and practicalPrivate educational institutionsThe patientsThe community/the public

Definition of DentistryDefinition of Dentistry

As a SCIENCE – is knowledge obtained through systematized investigation / study / inquiry concerning the various theories, principles and concepts of dentistry

As an ART – involves skilled craftsmanship / psychomotor skills / or technical skills in the practice of the profession

As a PROFESSION – is a calling or vocation requiring specialized knowledge and technical skills following lengthy and intensive preparation

Oral Needs of HumanityOral Needs of Humanity

Conditions of the oral cavity / mouth (normal/abnormal)

Relations of the oral cavity to the general system

1.Preventive Services◦ Twice-a-year dental check-up◦ Oral prophylaxis /cleaning◦ Fluoridization ◦ Fluoridation ◦ Oral health education◦ Oral hygiene regimen

2. Remedial /corrective /curative Services◦Restorations◦RCT◦Oral Surgery◦Prostheses

Three-fold value of the Dental Three-fold value of the Dental ProfessionProfession

Service to mankind◦Preventive services◦Remedial / corrective / curative services

Three factors responsible for immediate complaints of patients

PAIN, DISCOMFORT, DEFORMITYSocial security

◦Ideal means of livelihood◦Career opportunities

Prestige◦Title or degree DOCTOR (Dr.)

Ideal Traits of DentistsIdeal Traits of Dentists

Dedication to serviceHonesty and sincerityDiligence and thoroughnessResourcefulnessCharity

Employment and Career Employment and Career Opportunities of a DentistOpportunities of a Dentist

1. Private PracticeIndividual/ Solo Practice- Means the dentist practices as a one-

man practitionerPartnership and Group Practice- Defined as, either one is a practice of

two/three or more dentists joined in a cost-sharing arrangement to provide improved service at a minimized cost.

Multi-located Practice- In need of more clientele, a dentist may

apportion his time to serve other locations- A difficult method of establishing a

practice- Can be very expensivePart-time Practice - The practice is limited to a few hours only.

2. Public Health Dentist- Affords a novice dental practitioner a

grand opportunity whether in the employ of the national or local government

3. Hospital Dentists- Dentists practicing in a private hospital4. Military Dentists (Dental Service Militare)- Dentists who wishes to make use of their

specialized skills serving in the AFP dental corps unit

5. Industry / Company Dentists- Dentists employ by private company or

industry in a full-time basis or retainership6. School Dentists - Dentists who seeks employment in a

private school /college or university7. Dental Educator- Dentists who opt to pursue a career in

teaching - Requires education units in teaching- Administrative skills and capabilities

8. Other Avenues / OpportunitiesDental Assistant- A novice dentist who seek employment to

a private dentist- Can serve as a buffer or period of re-

adjustment during which one can acquire experiences and evaluate private practice opportunities

- Dentists who wish to seek employment abroad but are not licensed to practice as dentists in other countries

Dental Researchers- A dental practitioner who choose to do

research or investigation in any dental field or specialization

- Usually inside a University (local or abroad)

Graduate Study- dentists opt for a limited practice of one or

two specific fields- Requires to pursue a 3 to 4 years

additional graduate study such as Master of Science or Doctoral degree in Dentistry (Endodontics, Oral Surgery, Prosthodontics, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, etc)

Heritage Practice- Practice is retained in a family or class of

practitioner with the patient load inherited by the beginner member.

- Ultimately, the latter takes over the entire practice

Dental or Medical Representative- One who seeks employment in major drug

companies and dental tradersDental Consultants- One who is employed by a dental

company, laboratory and/or trader for his/her expertise

Foreign Employment- Dentists- Dental assistants- Dental hygienists- Dental nurse- Dental technician