Are you interested in a career in denturism? People who work in this field create full dentures, partial dentures, and other dental prostheses.
You may be wondering how you can start a career in this field. Like other healthcare careers in Canada, post-secondary education is required to enter the field of denturism. Here’s what you need to know about starting a career in denturism.
Denturism Diploma Programs in Ontario
If you want to pursue a career in denturism, your first step is to get a denturism diploma from an Ontario college. Denturism is a niche program, so only six colleges in Canada offer this program.
Denturism students have to study for a minimum of two years. During your studies, you’ll learn both theoretical and practical knowledge about denturism. Theoretical knowledge includes general anatomy, orofacial anatomy, and microbiology. It also includes business-related knowledge like small business management or practice management.
The hands-on aspects of your courses will teach you how to create dentures and other dental prostheses. You’ll learn how to measure patients’ jaws and how to take impressions of their teeth and gums. You’ll learn how to make new dentures and how to modify or repair existing dentures. This can include whitening or cleaning patients’ dentures. You’ll also learn how to prepare other types of prostheses, like mouth guards or anti-snoring prostheses. By the time you’re done your studies, you’ll be able to confidently create a variety of dental prostheses.
Qualifying Examinations
Before you can start working in the denturism field, you need to pass a certification exam. This exam is administered by the College of Denturists of Ontario. After you graduate from a college denturism program, you can apply to take the exam.
Your studies in denturism will prepare you to take the certification exam that’s required to become a denturist. If you pay attention in your classes and study hard, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. Once you’ve passed the exam, you’re allowed to start calling yourself a denturist and start practising denturism.
Getting a Job as a Denturist
After graduating from college and passing the examination, you can start looking for work in the denturism field. Denturists can be employed by dentists in private practices, either on a part-time or full-time basis. Other types of dental professionals, like oral surgeons, may also need to hire denturists for their practices. You could also find work in a specialized denture clinic.
Another option is to become self-employed and take full control of your own career. If you opt to start your own business, you could offer your services to dentists in your area. You could even start your own denture clinic and employ other denturism professionals.
Continuing Professional Development
Once you’re employed in the field of denturism, your learning doesn’t stop. The College of Denturists of Ontario requires its members to participate in continuing professional development activities. When you renew your registration each year, you’ll need to report your professional development activities.
Professional development includes structured learning activities, like conferences or lectures. It also includes unstructured activities, like reading medical journals or participating in professional organizations. This ongoing learning ensures you have the most up-to-date knowledge about the field and can provide the best services to your patients.