Employment Outlook and Career Opportunities
The Dental Assisting program at Gulf Coast State College provides an intense curriculum
of didactic and clinical training that prepares the student to work confidently in
all areas of dentistry. Many Dental Assistants work in a private practice/office;
however, there are many options available for alternate career paths:
Private Practice:
• Solo dental practices - practices with only one dentist
• Group practices - practices with two or more dentists
Specialty Dentistry:
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery - removal of teeth and correction of facial deformities
• Orthodontics - straightening teeth with braces or other appliances
• Endodontics - root canal treatment
• Periodontics - treatment of gum problems (gingival and periodontal diseases)
• Prosthodontics - replacement of lost teeth
• Pediatric dentistry - treatment of children
• Community-based dentistry - includes settings such as schools, health departments,
and community
clinics which focus on the prevention and treatment of public health dental problems
Other Employment Opportunities:
• Hospital dental clinics - assisting dentists in the treatment of bedridden patients
• Insurance Companies - claims processing
• Education/Teaching
• Dental product sales representative
• Research