Some people have the steady hand and delicate touch that are so necessary in the world of dentistry, and others are simply passionate about helping people by providing the dental care that individuals everywhere need. Whatever your disposition may be, there are plenty of career options available in dentistry and there’s sure to be one that suits you. Careers in general dentistry are popular, of course, but there are many other paths to take.

Specialized dentistry takes on many forms, and you may be interested in pursuing one or more career options in a more refined field. Cosmetic dentists, for example, often refine there techniques in procedures like teeth whitening, bonding, and the crafting of veneers in order to help people achieve picture perfect smiles. Orthodontists, on the other hand, make it their business to help people with issues of teeth positioning and jaw alignment. Periodontists specialize primarily in issues of the gums, and oral surgeons provide a service for those who need more complex surgical procedures in their mouths. These specialties, of course, do not preclude general dentistry. Many dentists work in general practice while focusing on a specialty of choice.

If you are one of the many individuals who possess ambition to work in the dental field, but don’t want to spend the extra time in school obtaining a doctorate, a mid-level career may be more in line with your values. Dental hygienists and assistants work closely with both dentists and patients on a number of procedures, as most dental work requires more than two hands. Hygienists may even perform some procedures themselves, under the supervision of a licensed dentist. Lab technicians also have an important place in the world of dentistry, and many career options exist in this field. Mid-level dental careers are promising, and easier to secure than positions as fully licensed dentists.

Administrative career options also abound in the world of dentistry. If you’ve thought about working in the dental field, but don’t like the idea of working on teeth for a living, then you may be more suited to working in the administrative end of things. Career seekers in this field may become receptionists, appointment setters, billing specialists, accountants, or even patient advocates. These are ideal options if you’d prefer working with people over working on teeth.

Finding the right dental career for you depends on a number of different factors, including your personal talents, strengths and predispositions. Practicing dentists and specialists must be able to memorize an abundance of biological information, maintain a level head while performing complex procedures, and execute all of their work with precision. One missed step can mean a botched wisdom tooth extraction or a failed filling. Mid-level dental professionals must be able to follow instructions directly and possess a high level of knowledge themselves. Administrative workers, of course, must excel in their chosen fields.

Weigh the pros and cons of all these career options to find something that appeals to you. No two people are quite alike, and the career that is ideal for your neighbor may not be right for you. Think about it carefully, and find the career that will make your dreams come true.