What's involved in a vocational dental practitioner job?

I'm curious about the role of a vocational dental practitioner. Could anyone explain what the job entails? I'm thinking about exploring this path after high school, and I'm trying to understand what day-to-day duties might look like.

A vocational dental practitioner, often referred to as a dental associate in a vocational training (VT) position, typically serves as a stepping stone for dental graduates transitioning into the practical world of dentistry. This is usually a one-year program that provides you with real-world, supervised experience while working with patients.

In day-to-day terms, you'd be working in a dental office, under the supervision of a more experienced dentist. The main goals are to develop practical skills and understanding of the business and management aspects of dental practice. This might involve observing and learning about scheduling, billing, and patient communication, in addition to actual dental procedures.

You would perform a variety of common dental procedures, such as fillings, cleanings, extractions, root canals, and taking and interpreting dental radiographs. You might also have the opportunity to observe or assist with more complex treatment planning and surgical procedures, depending on your progression.

It’s also crucial to understand that as a vocational dental practitioner, you need to effectively communicate with patients of all ages, understand their needs, and provide oral health education. Moreover, you'd be documenting treatment plans and maintaining patient records.

Please keep in mind that becoming a vocational dental practitioner typically requires a degree in dentistry, followed by vocational training placement. It's not usually a job you directly enter after high school; instead, it's something you'd aim for after your degree and licensure in dentistry. It's a great way to gain critical professional experience and boost your confidence as a new dentist.