essential procedures like exams, fillings, root canals, and crowns, all while building relationships with their patients. Additionally, dentistry offers a variety of specialties—such as orthodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery—that allow for further focus and expertise in specific areas of dental care. For a child who loves science, enjoys working with their hands, and is passionate about helping others, dentistry is a natural fit. • Dental Hygienists: Dental hygienists play a crucial role in a patient’s dental health by providing cleanings, preventive care, and education. They enjoy a unique balance of patient interaction and hands-on work, and the education required to become a hygienist is often shorter than that of a dentist. With the demand for dental hygienists far exceeding the employment growth of many other occupations, your child will benefit from job security and the fulfillment of performing meaningful work. becomes more widespread, more people will understand that dental care goes beyond fixing cavities. Dentists, hygienists, and assistants play a vital role in overall health, as they help prevent, diagnose, and treat a wide range of oral health conditions. Should your child pursue a career in dentistry, they will have the opportunity to provide lifelong services and make an impact on people’s lives. A Range of Career Options One of the best parts about the dental industry is the variety of career paths it offers. From being a dentist to working as a dental hygienist or assistant, there are options for different skill sets and levels of education. • Dentists: Becoming a dentist requires a significant amount of education, but it also provides a high level of autonomy and earning potential. Dentists have the power to run their own practice or work as part of a larger healthcare team. They perform 108 HAWAII PARENT March/April 2025 Hands on learning for a fulfilling career in dentistry. “According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in dental occupations is expected to grow much faster than the average for all other occupations over the next decade.”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTcxMjMwNg==