1. 8 Non-clinical Career Options for Dentists
TipOne of the best non-clinical jobs for dentists is working in the challenging and interesting field of
forensic dentistry. However, you will require to obtain a certification from the American Board of
Forensic Odontology before you start practicing.
Many times, dentists like to explore new career options, which they find more fulfilling. The
monotony of clinical career options often makes them look for non-clinical career opportunities. If
you too are on the lookout for alternative dental career options, then you must conduct thorough
research before venturing into new domains. Many of these career options are full of challenges and
require additional education for pursuing them. Hence, you should also be mentally prepared to
spend some more time in education and starting right from scratch. While some of these options will
pay you handsomely, there are others that will fare far better on the job satisfaction quotient.
Note: These job alternatives are mentioned in no particular order.
Practice Management Advisor
There are many novice dentists who embark on starting their own clinics or joining an established
dental facility as an employee. Such dentists often need professional practice management advice so
that they can advance in their careers. If you have the right knowledge about guiding them, you can
become a dental practice management advisor.
What This Job Involves: Your work will involve
http://merrillqwrv.buzznet.com/photos/default/?id=68753953 informing the novice dentists about the
latest technology, patient and personnel management, management of business, time, finance,
marketing, emergency and disaster management, etc. However, it is advisable that you have prior
experience in dentistry before guiding others.
Dental Professor
If you have a flair for communication and enjoy teaching, you can become a professor in one of the
dental colleges. This is one career where you will be able to brush up on your knowledge from time
to time.
What This Job Involves: You will be teaching the students in lab, and this will help you keep in touch
with the latest developments in dentistry. Remember that many institutions will accept faculties who
have a considerable experience and have practiced dentistry for a certain number of years.
Employee with an Insurance Company
Many dental insurance companies hire dentists to verify the claims of insurance. They may also hire
you as an advisor for settling of dental insurance claims.
What This Job Involves: Though the job seems easier, it is full of hassles and the money involved may
not be as much as you can earn from a dental practice. Also, if you are an introvert and do not like to
interact with a number of people every day, then this may not be the right job for you. However, you
will be working as the company's full-time in-house resource and will enjoy a steady salary.
2. Dental Malpractice Lawyer
One of the most dynamic non-clinical career opportunities for dentists is working as a dental
malpractice lawyer. Of course, you will have to pursue a degree in law after your dentistry, but it
can bring in a good amount of earnings. There are many dentists who provide sub-par medical
treatments, which can lead to further complications, pain, and suffering for the patients. Apart from
this, there have also been incidents of misdemeanor on the dentist's part. Also, there are cases
where the dentists have performed certain procedures without the written permission of the patient.
What This Job Involves: As you will have knowledge about both dentistry and medical laws, you will
be in a better position to help your clients out. You will help people get their rightful
damages/compensation in case of dental malpractice or even press charges against the defaulting
dentist for molesting patients under anesthesia.
Clinical Research
Many pharmaceutical and dental hygiene product companies hire dentists for their clinical research
function, and if you have a research bent of mind, then this alternative career option will be suitable
for you.
What This Job Involves: Companies need dentists to test a medicine or product before it is
introduced in the market. As this job is a research-oriented one, you do not have to interact with a
number of people every day. Also, if you are working in the quality check department, you may end
up getting a high salary. Though this job sounds easy, it is very critical and comes with a lot of
responsibility of not allowing any hazardous ingredients or faulty products to reach the market.
Business
You can venture into the business of marketing dental care products, equipment, etc. Not only this,
but you can complete an MBA and work as a consultant in companies that manufacture dental
products.
What This Job Involves: As you would know which equipment is used widely, you can start a business
of your own by dealing in dental instruments. You can use your contacts to supply dental equipment
to many dentists. Similarly, you can also venture in the making of dental dentures, bridges, crowns,
etc., which will help earn a good business.
Writer
There are many dental websites and magazines that offer writing jobs to the dentists, and if you
have the flair for writing, then this seems like a good option.
What This Job Involves: You have to write professional articles on the topics given by them. This may
involve writing on oral hygiene, innovative and cost-effective dental treatments, insurance, etc. Your
writing must captivate the interest of the readers. Hence, it is highly recommended that you pursue
a course in writing to help you write better articles. Also, as there are many doctors who opt for
writing, the money involved may not be great.
Online Doctors
3. These days, there are a plethora of websites that offer dental advice to patients' queries. This is both
on paid and unpaid basis. Such websites often hire dentists who can provide solutions to the
patients. Many times, such websites also have a live chat option where the patient can interact with
the dentist immediately.
What This Job Involves: If you are averse to meeting people directly, giving online dental advice to
patients can be the 'job' for you. Also, this job will not allow you to digress from your profession. Like
your articles, your solutions will always remain on the Internet for years to come.
and need counseling to treat their fears. You can work as a dental counselor and convince such
patients to take up immediate treatment to avoid further dental damage. You can also work as a
medical writer where you will be preparing scientific or medical documentation. Now that you know
about the alternative options as mentioned above, hope you find one that will be interesting as well
as lucrative.
