What does a psychologist do?

Psychologists provide counseling and therapy to those suffering from emotional, learning, or behavioral problems. Psychologists may work in a variety of settings, including schools, clinics, hospitals, private practice, colleges and universities, corporations, and government. They study behavior, cognitive functioning, and emotions to understand, compare, and explain people’s actions. There are clinical and counseling psychologists. Counseling psychologists study career development and also counsel people regarding career and educational choices. Educational and school psychologists do assessments to help diagnose problems school-aged children may have in regard to learning. There also are cognitive psychologists who study cognition and artificial intelligence.

What might a psychologist do in a workday?

  • diagnose and treat psychological problems.
  • collect data through interviews, case histories, and observation.
  • develop, select, administer, and interpret psychological tests, surveys and experiments.
  • counsel individuals, groups, and couples.
  • confer with parents, teachers, counselors, administrators, and others.
  • follow up to determine the effectiveness of treatment.
  • conduct research.
  • develop and evaluate mental health programs.
  • consult with social, educational, medical, or other agencies.
  • write for professional and trade journals or other media.
  • teach in colleges and universities.
  • evaluate and consult with organizations.

Developing a career as a psychologist?

Clinical and counseling psychologists may specialize in teaching, research, therapy, counseling, rehabilitation, community health, physiology, and psychopharmacology. They may choose to concentrate their work on a specific age group or psychological problem.

  • Clinical psychologists evaluate, diagnose, and treat mentally and emotionally disturbed people and are concerned with preventing and treating mental and emotional disorders.
  • Educational psychologists design, develop, and evaluate techniques and materials to solve problems in education/training programs.
  • School psychologists work with average, gifted, and physically or mentally challenged students.
  • Psychometrists or quantitative psychologists develop and implement intelligence, aptitude, achievement, and other tests and analyze results.
  • Developmental psychologists investigate emotional, mental, physical, and social growth and development.
  • Social psychologists study human relationships to understand individual and group feeling, thought, and behavior.
  • Experimental psychologists plan, conduct, and analyze experiments in human and animal learning, thinking, motivation, and perception.
  • Industrial-organizational psychologists develop and apply psychological techniques to personnel administration, management, and marketing problems.

How much does a psychologist earn?

  • $45,000 - $70,000

How do I become a psychologist?

Students interested in becoming psychologists should prepare by taking challenging high school courses in science, math, and English, including advanced placement courses.

Licensed psychologists must have a doctorate in psychology from an accredited university with training in the area(s) of intended practice. Those who want to specialize in clinical services also must complete two years of supervised postdoctoral experience and one year of internship (or two years of part-time experience). Applicants must pass two written examinations as required by the certifying board. School psychologists must hold at least a master’s degree.

Where else can I learn about becoming a psychologist?

American Psychological Association, Society of Clinical Psychology
750 First St. N.E. / Washington, DC 20002-4242
tel: (800) 374-2721 / web: www.apa.org

American Academy of Clinical Psychology
P. O. Box 700341 / San Antonio, TX 78270-0341
tel: (909) 626-5579 / web: www.aacpsy.org

State License Requirements for Psychologists:

A license is required to practice psychology in the Commonwealth of Virginia. For more information on licensure, applications, and forms, visit www.dhp.virginia.gov/Psychology.

Virginia Board of Psychology
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 / Henrico, Virginia 23233-1463
tel: (804) 367-4697 / Email: psy@dhp.virginia.gov

Educational Institutions in Virginia for Social Work:

What does a dentist do?

Dentists (credentialed as Doctor of Dental Surgery/D.D.S. or Doctor of Dental Medicine/D.M.D.) examine, treat, and maintain the teeth, gums, and other hard and soft tissues of the mouth and surrounding structures. They instruct patients about good oral health practices in order to prevent gum disease and tooth loss. Dentists also treat patients who have diseases, injuries, or malformations of the teeth, gums, and mouth.

What might a dentist do in a workday?

  • diagnose oral conditions.
  • plan treatment to restore and maintain optimal oral health.
  • administer anesthetics.
  • locate and fill cavities and treat diseased gums.
  • remove teeth that cannot be treated.
  • replace missing teeth and fit and provide dentures.
  • teach preventive care for teeth and gums.

Developing a career as a dentist?

There are nine recognized dental specialties:

  • Endodontists diagnose and treat disease and injuries of the dental pulp and other dental tissues that affect the vitality of teeth.
  • Oral and maxillofacial radiologists evaluate head, neck, and oral radiographs (X-rays) to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of oral and related disease.
  • Oral and maxillofacial surgeons provide a broad range of diagnostic and treatment services for diseases, injuries, and defects in the head, neck, face, jaws, and associated structures.
  • Oral pathologists study and research the causes and processional effects of diseases of the mouth.
  • Orthodontists treat problems related to crooked teeth, missing teeth, and other abnormalities to establish normal function and appearance.
  • Pediatric dentists specialize in treating children from birth through adolescence. They also treat special handicapped patients beyond the age of adolescence.
  • Periodontists diagnose and treat disease of the gums and the bones which support the teeth.
  • Prosthodontists replace missing natural teeth with fixed or removable substitutes such as dentures, bridges and implants.
  • Public health dentists specialize in preventing and controlling dental disease and promoting dental health through organized community efforts.


Some dentists teach, practice, and/or conduct research in schools of dentistry. Others plan, organize, and maintain dental health programs for public health agencies. Dentists may establish their own practices, become part of dental or medical groups, or work in hospitals.

How much does a dentist earn?

  • $125,000 - $250,000

How do I become a dentist?

Students intending to pursue a Career as a dentist should prepare by taking the most challenging high school courses available in science (especially biology and chemistry), math, and English, including advanced placement courses.

Dental school consists of a four-year curriculum. The first two years include basic and clinical sciences and pre-clinic laboratory courses. The third and fourth years provide the clinical experience where the student performs dental care on patients. To be accepted by a school of dentistry, a student must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or four years of undergraduate study. All dental schools also require applicants to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT).

In order to practice dentistry in the United States, every dentist has to successfully pass National Boards, which are given in two parts. Part I deals mainly with basic sciences and is taken after the second year of dental school. Part II deals with different areas of dentistry and is taken in the fourth year of dental school. At the end of the last year of dental school, each dentist must successfully pass a state board licensing exam where specific dental procedures are performed on patients in a clinic setting.

Where else can I learn about becoming a dentist?

Virginia Dental Association
3460 Mayland Court, Suite 110 / Richmond, VA 23233
tel:  (804) 288-5750 / web: www.vadental.org

American Dental Association
211 E. Chicago Avenue / Chicago, IL 60611
tel:  (312) 440-2500 / web: www.ada.org

State License Requirements for Dentists:

A license is required to practice dentistry in the Commonwealth of Virginia. For more information on licensure, applications, and forms, visit www.dhp.virginia.gov/dentistry.

Virginia Board of Dentistry
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 / Henrico, VA 23233-1463
tel:  (804) 367-4538 / Email: denbd@dhp.virginia.gov

Educational Institutions in Virginia for Dentists:

What does a dental laboratory technician do?

Dental laboratory technicians make and repair dental appliances, such as dentures, crowns, and braces. They usually work in dental offices and commercial laboratories.

What might a dental laboratory technician do in a workday?

Dental laboratory technicians:

  • provide essential support service for the dental profession according to the dentist’s prescription or work request.
  • fabricate dental models from dentist’s impressions in order to make repairs and fabricate crowns, bridges, partial and complete dentures, and orthodontic appliances based on the dentist’s prescription.
  • cast various dental alloys for fabrication of crowns, bridges, and removable partial dentures.
  • select and arrange artificial teeth using color charts and tooth illustrations for fabrication of complete and partial dentures.
  • build, contour, and fire dental porcelain in special vacuum porcelain ovens.
  • polish alloys, acrylic, and porcelain surfaces to clinical acceptability.
  • bend and solder stainless steel wire to fabricate orthodontic retainers and various other orthodontic appliances.

Developing a Career as a Dental Laboratory Technician:

Dental laboratory technicians can specialize in various aspects of the work prescribed by dentists and orthodontists: crown and bridge technicians, denture technicians, partial denture technicians, ceramic technicians, and orthodontic technicians. Most dental laboratory technicians work in commercial dental laboratories. Employment opportunities also are available in private dental offices, dental schools, hospitals, and companies that manufacture dental prosthetic materials.

How much does a dental laboratory technician earn?

  • $22,000 - $50,000

How do I become a dental laboratory technician?

Students wishing to pursue a career as a dental laboratory technician should take challenging high school courses in science, math, and English. Most dental laboratory technicians receive their education and training through a two-year program at a community college, vocational school, technical college, or dental school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Graduates of these programs usually receive associate degrees. In most cases, an individual needs a high school diploma to apply to an accredited program. Dental laboratory technicians are certified by passing an examination that evaluates their technical skills and knowledge.

Some people become dental laboratory technicians through a five-year apprenticeship program, with most of the training acquired on the job.

Where else can I learn about becoming a dental laboratory technician?

National Association of Dental Laboratories
325 John Knox Road, L103 / Tallahassee, FL 32303
tel: (800) 950-1150 or (850) 205-5626 / web: www.nadl.org

National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology
325 John Knox Road, L103 / Tallahassee, FL 32303
tel: (800) 684-5310 / web: www.nbccert.org

Educational Institutions in Virginia for Dental Laboratory Technicians:

What does a dental hygienist do?

Dental hygienists provide education and clinical services to promote optimal oral health. They provide treatment to help prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health problems. While they most typically work in private dental offices and clinics, dental hygienists also may find employment in health departments, hospitals, nursing homes, school districts, corporate settings, military services, correctional facilities, or dental education facilities. This flexible career allows hygienists to choose to work anywhere from one to five days per week.

What might a dental hygienist do in a workday?

  • patient screening procedures, such as review of the health history, dental charting, and taking blood pressure, pulse, and temperature.
  • administering local anesthesia and nitrous oxide.
  • making and developing dental radiographs (X-rays).
  • removing calculus and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from the teeth.
  • applying preventive materials to the teeth (e.g. fluoride and sealants).
  • teaching patients appropriate oral hygiene techniques to maintain and improve oral health.
  • counseling patients regarding good nutrition and its impact on oral health.
  • counseling patients regarding the link of oral health to serious systematic health problems.
  • performing office management duties.
  • performing oral cancer screenings.
  • performing screenings and hygiene examinations for the public.

How much does a dental hygienist earn?

  • $55,220 - $78,990

How do I become a dental hygienist?

Students intending to pursue a career as a dental hygienist should prepare by taking challenging science, math, pharmacology, and nutrition courses. Dental hygienists receive their education through accredited academic programs at community colleges or universities. The majority of community college programs take two years to complete but require prerequisites for entry into the program*, with graduates receiving associate degrees. An associate degree allows the hygienist to become eligible for a state and national licensure examination. University based dental hygiene programs may offer bachelor’s and/or master’s degrees, each requiring at least two additional years of schooling. These advanced degrees are required for careers in teaching, research, and public health programs.

In the Commonwealth of Virginia, dental hygienists must obtain a license from the Board of Dentistry. In order to receive this license, applicants must be graduates of an accredited dental hygiene program, pass the dental hygiene examination given by the Joint Commission on Dental Examinations, and pass a clinical examination. License renewal is granted annually upon completion of required continuing education.

*The average associate program requires 88 credit hours for graduation/degree.

Where else can I learn about becoming a dental hygienist

Virginia Dental Hygienists’ Association
tel:  (888) RDH-VDHA • (888) 734-8342 / web:  www.vdha.net

American Dental Hygienists’ Association
444 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 3400 / Chicago, IL 60611
tel:  (312) 440-8900 / web: www.adha.org

State License Requirements for Dental Hygienists:

A license is required to practice in the Commonwealth of Virginia. For more information on licensure, applications and forms, visit www.dhp.virginia.gov/dentistry.

Virginia Board of Dentistry
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 / Henrico, VA 23233-1463
tel:  (804) 367-4538 / Email: denbd@dhp.virginia.gov

Educational Institutions in Virginia for Dental Hygiene:

What does a dental assistant do?

Dental assistants aid dentists with patient care. They work under the supervision of dentists and also may work with dental hygienists or dental laboratory technicians. Dental assistants usually work in private dental offices but also may work in public health clinics, dental schools, the armed forces and nursing homes.

What might a dental assistant do in a workday?

  • assisting the dentist during a variety of dental procedures.
  • helping patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment.
  • taking and developing film.
  • asking about the patient’s medical history.
  • preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment for the dentist’s use.
  • providing patients with instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental treatment procedures, such as the placement of a restoration (filling).
  • teaching patients how to brush and floss properly.
  • performing office management tasks that often require the use of a personal computer.
  • communicating with patients and suppliers of dental and related products.

How much does a dental assistant make?

  • $25,000 - $32,000

How do I become a dental assistant?

Students wishing to pursue a career in dental assisting should take challenging high school courses in science, math and English. Dental assistants receive their education and training through academic programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes or universities. Graduates of these programs receive certificates of completion. The length of the program varies with the school but is usually six to 12 months. Dental assistants can become certified by passing an examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board.

In Virginia, dental assistants are required to be certified in radiology before placing and exposing radiological pictures. Formal one- or two-year programs are offered for dental assistants. Training also may be available on the job.

Where else can I learn about becoming a dental assistant?

Virginia Dental Association
3460 Mayland Court, Suite 110 / Richmond, VA 23233
tel:  (804) 288-5750 / web: www.vadental.org

American Dental Assistants Association
35 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 1730 / Chicago, IL 60601-2211
tel:  (312) 541-1550 / web: www.dentalassistant.org

State Licensure Requirements for Dental Assistants:

A license is required to practice as a dental assistant in the state of Virginia. For more information on licensure, applications and forms, visit www.dhp.virginia.gov/dentistry.

Virginia Board of Dentistry
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 / Henrico, VA 23233-1463
tel:  (804) 367-4538 / Email: denbd@dhp.virginia.gov

Educational Institutions in Virginia for Dental Assistants:

  1. Discover a career as a HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
  2. Discover a career as a HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR
  3. Discover a career as a NURSING HOME ADMINISTRATOR
  4. Discover a career as a PHYSICIAN