Dental Orientation Dental Orientation Course description Goals and objectives
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