Dentist

Dentist Job Description

Dentists are licensed professionals specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of teeth, gums and other areas in the mouth. They also offer advice on the proper way to care for teeth and gums, including diet choices that can affect a patient’s oral health.

Typically, patients receive regular checkups where the dentist will examine the inside of the mouth for any problems with the teeth, jaw or gums. During the visit, a dentist may clean or remove teeth, fill cavities and repair fractured teeth. Some dentists may also apply braces to correct overbite issues. Others also whiten teeth and write prescriptions for antibiotics.

To perform these tasks, a dentist uses different types of equipment such as drills, x-ray machines, forceps, brushes, probes and mouth mirrors. Computer technologies such as digital scanners are also used to perform dental services.

In private practice, the dentist may also oversee administrative tasks and supervise a staff of dental hygienists, lab technicians, dental assistants and receptionists.

Dentist Salary Statistics as of 2015

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Specialized Dentistry Fields

Many dentists work as general practitioners to treat a variety of dental issues. Others may also specialize in one of the following areas:

• Endodontists – perform root canal therapy to treat diseased or injured teeth.
• Orthodontists – prevents or corrects misaligned teeth that may cause gaps, overbites or underbites.
• Oral Pathologists – diagnoses serious oral diseases such as lesions and cancer.
• Pediatric Dentists – treats the dental needs of children.
• Prosthodontists – replaces and restores lost or damaged teeth.
• Periodontists – focuses on the diagnosis and prevention of periodontal disease, which affects the gums.
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons – treats defects and injuries to the jaw, teeth, mouth and face through surgery.

Work Environment

Some dentists have a private practice where they work alone or employ a small staff. Others may have partners who offer the same or advanced dental services to patients. A few dentists may work for established dentists.

Usually, dentists work in dental offices or clinics and wear safety gear such as gloves, masks and glasses to protect patients and themselves from possible infectious diseases. A significant amount of time is spent standing and using handheld equipment, which requires good dexterity.

Most work full-time hours during the week days and Saturdays. For some, it is not unusual to work 10-hours four to six days each week. There are some dentists who also work during evening hours to meet patient needs. Actual hours worked may vary based on the type of practice and geographical location.

How to Become a Dentist (Requirements)

All states require dentists to receive a license after graduating from an accredited dental school, and passing written and practical examinations. Additionally, dentists who wish to practice in a specialty must receive a license in that area. This requires an additional two or four years of education and residency after dental school. A special state exam may also be required.

Requirements may vary among dental schools but students should have at least a bachelor’s degree before being accepted. The Dental Acceptance Test is required before applying to dental school. This test and other factors such as recommendations and GPA are considered for admission.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for dentists is expected to exceed the average growth for all occupations in the U.S. By 2020, this profession projected to increase by 21 percent. This is largely due to the complicated needs of most baby-boomers. As generations pass, the likelihood of people keeping their teeth increases, which will impact the need for more dental care. More studies are linking overall health to oral health, which will also increase public demand for dental services.

Although the dental profession will see an increase, the number is not enough to meet the demand because of limited patient access. Seeking dental care largely depends on whether patients have dental insurance. New or expanded dental coverage may increase patient visits to the dentist. Additionally, the trend in popular cosmetic procedures and advances in less invasive procedures will continue.

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