Individuals interested in careers in the dental industry have a variety of dental employment paths they can pursue. Dental assistants require the least amount of education, while becoming a dentist requires a great deal of schooling. Individuals seeking dental employment opportunities will enjoy a positive growth outlook of jobs.Dental AssistantDental assistants perform a variety of basic tasks to assist dentists with patients. A dental assistant may be responsible for cleaning dental instruments, maintaining a patient's dental records, handing the dentist necessary instruments, taking x-rays, and keeping the patient's mouth clear so that the dentist can operate without hindrance. Most dental assistants attend an accredited dental assistant training program. Typically, the program can be completed within a year. Many dental assistants learn through training provided on the job. A 36 percent increase in dental assistants jobs is expected through 2018.Dental HygienistA dental hygienist typically performs more complex tasks than a dental assistant. A hygienist may educate patients about dental care, remove residue and deposits from a patient's teeth, and provide temporary fillings. Most dental hygienists attend an accredited dental hygienist program and earn an associate's degree. Common courses included in a program are mathematics, Biology, anatomy and physiology, and chemistry. Students are also required to take laboratory classes. Individuals must pass an examination in their state to work as a dental hygienist. Job seekers can expect a 36 percent increase in employment opportunities through 2018.DentistA dentist can provide simple to very complex dental procedures. A dentist can extract teeth, perform root canals, fill cavities, treat gum disease, and repair broken teeth. A dentist may also decide to work as a specialist, focusing on gums, oral disease, or cosmetic surgery. After completing a bachelor's degree, students interested in becoming a dentist must take the Dental Admissions Test and attend an accredited dental school. Dental school typically takes four academic years to complete. Students take a variety of classroom and laboratory science classes. All states require individuals to become licensed before practicing as a dentist. Employment for dentists is expected to grow 18 percent by 2018.