AN ARRAY OF PROFESSIONALS THAT SUPPORT THE DENTAL INDUSTRY
KRYSTAL MCKENZIE
Just as not everyone can be a doctor or lawyer, when it comes to the dental industry, not everyone is a dentist or hygienist.
There is an array of professionals who support the dental industry, some of which are highly specialized and recent in nature. Check out some of the career options below:
3D PRINTERS
3-dimensional (3D) printing has taken the world by storm. With vast application potential, 3D printers have particular promise in the medical and dental fields.
From constructing surgical tools and printing the drill guides needed for certain dental procedures, to producing crowns, bridges, caps, dentures, and orthodontic models, to replacing or repairing a damaged tooth – having a 3D printer is an invaluable tool for any dentist office.
Benefits can potentially also include both the dentist and patient saving money while having dental and orthopaedic services be faster and more accurate.
Bermuda’s first commercial 3D printing operation, Bermuda 3D Printing (B3D), already makes it possible for dentists and patients to experience a more accurate level of care. Combining creativity and technology, this is an unconventional way of supporting the needs of the dental industry.
Get in touch with them at either [email protected] or by calling 441-591-0479. Alternatively, see what options they offer at www.b3d.bm.
REPAIR PERSONS
Persons who have a mechanical background might consider a role as a dental equipment repair person. You can become a manufacturer-trained technician in order to provide quality repair services, utilizing state-of-the-art technology and repair techniques. Equipment repairs can range from handpieces and small equipment to sterilizers and more!
The only dental repair person on island is Mr Eversley Govia. He can be reached on 441-536-0894 or by email on [email protected]
MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPIST
A professionally trained myofunctional therapist is one member of the team that will successfully treat an OMD. Orofacial Myofunction-al Disorders are disorders of the muscles and functions of the face and mouth.
OMDs may affect breastfeeding, facial skeletal growth and development, chewing, swallowing, speech, occlusion, temporomandibular joint movement, oral hygiene, stability of orthodontic treatment, facial aesthetics, and more.
Myofunctional therapy uses a combination of physical therapy exercises to improve the bite, breathing, and facial posture of those with OMDs. The training targets the face, neck, and mouth’s soft tissues to reach optimal tongue position and oral rest posture.
Allied professionals such as dentists, orthodontists, and osteopaths can ensure that the patient’s needs are addressed and handled appropriately, as patient needs to be looked at from a variety of approaches in order to be successful in treatment.
ORAL HEALTH EDUCATOR
Providing education on oral health in schools helps children to develop personal skills, provides knowledge about oral health and promotes positive attitudes and healthy behaviours.
In Bermuda, the Department of Health’s Oral Health Section provides free, confidential dental screenings for all school children in P2, P3, and M2. Parents are given a report of their children’s dental needs. Children in these school years can also have their teeth sealed, free-of-charge, at their school.
An oral health educator has an important and valuable role within a community to promote good oral health care and work with patients to help prevent oral disease.
These are but a few of the professionals which support oral health care. Why not look into the dental profession and use your skills to help the community? You may be surprised to know that your interests could possibly help in the dental field.
