Career Connections Related to the Digestive System

Dentist^[1]

A dentist is a health care professional specialized in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases and conditions. Dentists play a key role in the early detection of oral cancer and other systemic conditions of the body that manifest themselves in the mouth. They often identify health conditions, illnesses, and other problems that sometimes show up in the oral cavity before they are identified in other parts of the body.

Dentists evaluate the overall health of their patients while also educating them about oral health and disease prevention; perform clinical procedures, such as exams, fillings, crowns, implants, extractions, and corrective surgeries; and identify, diagnose, and treat oral conditions.

Advances in dental research, including genetic engineering, the discovery of links between oral and systemic diseases, the development of salivary diagnostics, and the continued development of new materials and techniques make dentistry an exciting, challenging, and rewarding profession.

Dental Hygienist^[2]

A dental hygienist is an oral health care provider who offers teeth cleanings, preventive dental care, and oral hygiene instruction. Dental hygienists work with your dentist to keep teeth and gums healthy. Another name for a dental hygienist is an oral hygienist.

Oral hygienists perform a wide range of treatments. Dental hygienist duties often include dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth, taking dental X-rays, and administering local anesthesia. They also perform routine oral health screenings and apply dental sealants (a protective coating on teeth) and fluoride treatments to reduce the risk of cavities.

Dietician^[3]

A registered dietician (RD or RDN) is a healthcare professional specializing in nutrition. They apply their expertise to help individuals improve their health through tailored meal plans and education on healthy eating. They can create meal plans for people based on their needs and teach people about eating healthy.

Dietitians are required to meet specific qualifications. Registered dietitians are recognized by the credentials “RD” (Registered Dietitian) or “RDN” (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist) following their name. In some states, a license is also required, indicated by the designation “LD” (Licensed Dietitian) in addition to the RD or RDN.

Gastroenterologist

A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders is known as a gastroenterologist. Pediatric gastroenterologists specialize in gastrointestinal and liver conditions that are most relevant to growing children, with a special emphasis on nutrition.