From the American Dental Association

There are many unique opportunities and benefits within your reach if you choose a dental career. Are you interested in becoming a dentist? In addition to private practice, excellent opportunities exist in teaching and research, careers with government agencies or in industry.

If you are interested in helping to prevent disease while assisting patients to maintain their health, a career as a dental hygienist may be for you. If you have strong communication skills, enjoy working with your hands as well as your mind and want a career with responsibility, considering dental assisting.

More about dental careers at this link:

http://www.ada.org/education.aspx