Lasers, digital X-rays and intraoral cameras are just some of the technologies that help dentists, the subject of this week’s career memes, care for their patients’ mouths and teeth.
Lasers can reduce a patient’s discomfort when it comes to several procedures, such as filling cavities or reducing tooth sensitivity.
Digital X-rays are faster and contain less radiation than traditional X-rays and appear on a computer screen within seconds.
Intraoral cameras gain precise and well-defined pictures of hard-to-see places in a patient’s mouth.
Therefore, it certainly helps a dentist, as well as patients, if he or she stays up to date with the latest innovations in dental technology. Dentists also require good vision and manual dexterity, good communication and problem-solving skills, and the ability to put patients at ease.
Dentists diagnose and treat oral and dental problems, administer anesthetics, perform dental surgery, and help educate their patients about oral health. In order to do all that in the Republic of Ireland, they must be registered by the Dental Council of Ireland and work under its code of professional behaviour and dental ethics, after completing a degree programme that lasts about five years.
Many dentists work in their own practice, but they can also find employment in hospitals or health clinics. Work hours depend on the practice.
In Ireland, dentists can expect to earn an annual average salary of €61,435, according to PayScale.com.
