Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure that can improve the appearance of a person’s smile by removing stains and discoloration from the enamel. Teeth whitening can be done by dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, or other beauty professionals who have received proper training and certification. In this article, we will explore the different types of teeth whitening jobs and career options, as well as the requirements, benefits, and challenges of working in this field.
Dentists
Dentists are the most qualified professionals to perform teeth whitening procedures, as they have extensive knowledge and experience in oral health and dental care. Dentists can offer various types of teeth whitening treatments, such as in-office bleaching, custom-made trays, or over-the-counter products. Dentists can also diagnose and treat any underlying dental problems that may affect the outcome of the whitening process, such as cavities, gum disease, or tooth sensitivity.
To become a dentist, one must complete a bachelor’s degree, a four-year dental school program, and a state licensing exam. Dentists may also pursue additional training and specialization in cosmetic dentistry or other fields. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for dentists was $164,010 in 2020. The job outlook for dentists is projected to grow by 3% from 2019 to 2029, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Some of the benefits of being a dentist include:
- Having a high level of autonomy and flexibility in choosing the type and scope of services to offer
- Having a high level of satisfaction and reward from helping people improve their oral health and self-esteem
- Having a high earning potential and job security
Some of the challenges of being a dentist include:
- Having to deal with high levels of stress and pressure from managing a busy practice, handling complex cases, and meeting regulatory standards
- Having to invest a lot of time and money in education, training, equipment, and insurance
- Having to face potential risks of exposure to infections, injuries, or lawsuits
Dental Hygienists
Dental hygienists are licensed professionals who work under the supervision of dentists to provide preventive oral care and education to patients. Dental hygienists can also perform teeth whitening procedures, such as applying bleaching agents or activating light sources. However, dental hygienists must follow the state laws and regulations regarding their scope of practice and level of supervision by dentists.
To become a dental hygienist, one must complete an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from an accredited program and pass a national board exam and a state clinical exam. Dental hygienists may also pursue additional certifications or continuing education courses to enhance their skills and knowledge. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for dental hygienists was $77,090 in 2020. The job outlook for dental hygienists is projected to grow by 6% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
Some of the benefits of being a dental hygienist include:
- Having a high level of interaction and rapport with patients
- Having a high level of demand and flexibility in choosing the work setting, schedule, and location
- Having a relatively low cost and duration of education and training
Some of the challenges of being a dental hygienist include:
- Having to work under the direction and authority of dentists
- Having to perform repetitive and physically demanding tasks
- Having to face potential risks of exposure to infections, injuries, or lawsuits
Dental Assistants
Dental assistants are unlicensed personnel who assist dentists in providing dental care to patients. Dental assistants can perform various tasks, such as preparing instruments, materials, and patients for dental procedures; taking x-rays; sterilizing equipment; recording medical histories; scheduling appointments; and billing insurance. Dental assistants can also perform teeth whitening procedures under the direct supervision of dentists, such as applying bleaching agents or activating light sources.
To become a dental assistant, one must complete a high school diploma or equivalent and receive on-the-job training from dentists or other dental assistants. Some states may require dental assistants to complete a formal education program or pass an exam to perform certain tasks. Dental assistants may also pursue voluntary certifications or continuing education courses to enhance their skills and knowledge. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for dental assistants was $41,180 in 2020. The job outlook for dental assistants is projected to grow by 7% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
Some of the benefits of being a dental assistant include:
- Having a low barrier of entry and a short duration of training
- Having a high level of variety and learning opportunities in the daily work
- Having a high level of teamwork and collaboration with dentists and other dental staff
Some of the challenges of being a dental assistant include:
- Having a low level of autonomy and recognition in the dental field
- Having a low level of income and benefits compared to other dental professionals
- Having to face potential risks of exposure to infections, injuries, or lawsuits
Beauty Professionals
Beauty professionals are non-dental professionals who offer cosmetic services to enhance the appearance of their clients. Beauty professionals can include hairstylists, makeup artists, nail technicians, estheticians, spa owners, salon owners, and others. Beauty professionals can also offer teeth whitening services as an add-on or a standalone service to their clients. However, beauty professionals must follow the state laws and regulations regarding their scope of practice and level of supervision by dentists.
To become a beauty professional, one must complete a high school diploma or equivalent and receive training from a licensed cosmetology school or a certified teeth whitening course. Beauty professionals must also obtain a state license or a certificate to practice their specialty. Beauty professionals may also pursue additional certifications or continuing education courses to enhance their skills and knowledge. The salary and job outlook for beauty professionals vary depending on their specialty, experience, location, and clientele.
Some of the benefits of being a beauty professional include:
- Having a high level of creativity and personal expression in the work
- Having a high level of satisfaction and reward from helping clients improve their appearance and self-confidence
- Having a high level of flexibility and entrepreneurship in choosing the type and scope of services to offer
Some of the challenges of being a beauty professional include:
- Having to deal with high levels of competition and pressure from meeting client expectations and industry standards
- Having to invest a lot of time and money in education, training, equipment, and insurance
- Having to face potential risks of exposure to infections, injuries, or lawsuits
Teeth Whitening Certifications
Teeth whitening certifications are credentials that demonstrate the knowledge and competence of individuals who perform teeth whitening procedures. Teeth whitening certifications can be obtained from various sources, such as dental associations, teeth whitening companies, or online courses. Teeth whitening certifications can benefit both dental and non-dental professionals who want to expand their skills and services in the teeth whitening industry.
To obtain a teeth whitening certification, one must complete a course that covers the theory and practice of teeth whitening, such as the history and science behind it, the types and methods of treatments, the safety and legal aspects, the consultation and assessment process, the post-treatment care and maintenance, and the marketing and business strategies. The course may also include quizzes, exams, videos, demonstrations, or hands-on practice sessions. The course may vary in length, cost, format, and quality depending on the provider.
Some of the benefits of obtaining a teeth whitening certification include:
- Having a competitive edge over other professionals who do not have a certification
- Having a proof of credibility and professionalism that can attract more clients
- Having access to ongoing support and resources from the provider
Some of the challenges of obtaining a teeth whitening certification include:
- Having to research and compare different providers and courses to find the best one for your needs
- Having to comply with the state laws and regulations regarding your scope of practice and level of supervision by dentists
- Having to renew your certification periodically to keep up with the latest trends and developments in the industry
How to Be a Teeth Whitening Tech
A teeth whitening tech is someone who performs teeth whitening procedures for clients using various products and equipment. A teeth whitening tech can work in different settings, such as dental offices, beauty salons, spas, or mobile units. A teeth whitening tech can also work independently or as part of a team with other dental or beauty professionals.
To become a teeth whitening tech, one must follow these steps:
- Decide on your career path: You can choose to become a dental professional (such as a dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant) or a beauty professional (such as a hairstylist, makeup artist, nail technician, esthetician, spa owner, salon owner, or others) who offers teeth whitening services as part of your specialty.
- Complete your education and training: You must complete the required education and training for your chosen career path. For dental professionals, this may include completing a bachelor’s degree, a dental school program, or an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene or dental assisting. For beauty professionals, this may include completing a high school diploma or equivalent and receiving training from a licensed cosmetology school or a certified teeth whitening course.
- Obtain your license or certificate: You must obtain your state license or certificate to practice your specialty. For dental professionals, this may include passing a national board exam and a state clinical exam. For beauty professionals, this may include passing.
