Dentists

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Duties

Doing the following is typical of dentists' work:

• Fill up cavities and remove rotting from teeth.
• You can either fix or get rid of a broken tooth.
• Teeth can be whitened with whitening agents or sealants.
• Prescribe anesthetics to patients so they aren't awakened by the process.
• As a doctor, prescribe antibiotics or other drugs.
• Take x-rays of the teeth, gums, jaw, and any other areas that may be problematic in order to get a diagnosis.
• Make dental appliance models and take measurements, such as for dentures.
• Dentists should educate their patients on dental hygiene, such as brushing and flossing, as well as fluoride use.

Drills, forceps, brushes, and scalpels are among the dental tools used by dentists, as well as x-ray machines and mouth mirrors, among other things. Lasers, digital scanners, and other tools are also employed.

Other responsibilities of dentists in private business include bookkeeping and purchasing supplies and equipment. Dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental lab technicians, and receptionists are all under their direction.

A general dentist is one who treats a wide range of dental issues. In addition to general dentistry, some dentists specialize in one or more of the following:

Dentists in the field of public health dentistry work to improve the general health of their communities by educating them about dental hygiene and disease prevention.

Endodontists remove the tooth's nerves and blood supply during root canal treatment.

Imaging technologies are used by oral and maxillofacial radiologists to identify illnesses of the head and neck.

The mouth, jaws, teeth, gums, neck, and head are all under the care of oral and maxillofacial surgeons, who conduct treatments including surgically correcting a cleft lip and palate or extracting impacted teeth.

Dental pathologists examine the mouth for abnormalities, such as lumps or ulcers, as well as illnesses of the mouth.

Orthodontists use braces or other orthodontic tools to exert pressure on teeth.

Dental care for children and others with special needs is the primary emphasis of pediatric dentists.

The gums and bones that support the teeth are addressed by periodontists.

Dentists may do their own study as well. They can also teach part-time, for as by supervising dentistry school students in clinics. See the biographies of medical researchers and postsecondary professors for further information.

Education

Accreditation by the Commission on Dental Accreditation is normally required for dentists to practice (CODA). A bachelor's degree plus certain scientific courses, such as biology or chemistry, are generally required for admission to most graduate programs in the sciences. Applicants with a bachelor's degree in a science, such as biology, are sometimes preferred by programs, even if no specific undergraduate major is necessary.

Dental Admission Test (DAT) is commonly taken by those applying to dental schools (DAT). It's not the only element that dental schools take into consideration when selecting candidates for their programs.

Typical dental school courses include local anesthesia, anatomy, periodontics (the study of oral disease and health), and radiography. All dental school programs require students to work with patients in a clinical setting under the supervision of a practicing dentist.

Students who want to become dentists might begin taking classes in biology, chemistry, and arithmetic in high school.

Training

Prior to practicing any dental specialty, dentists must finish extra training. Two to four years of residency study in a specialty-related program approved by CODA generally conclude in a postdoctoral certificate or master's degree. Oral and maxillofacial surgery schools can lead to a dual M.D./D.D.S. degree after 4 to 6 years of study on average.

Upon graduation from dental school, a general dentist is qualified to practice independently.

Postdoctoral programs in general dentistry may be necessary for dentists who desire to devote their careers to teaching or research.

Registration, Licenses, and Certifications

Dentists are required to hold a license in the state where they conduct business. Dentists must be licensed in every state, although the standards differ from one state to the next. Dentists in the majority of states have to pass the written National Board Dental Examinations, as well as a state or regional clinical test in order to practice lawfully.

Dentists who want to specialize in one area of dentistry need to get a license in that area. Residency and, in certain situations, a specific state exam are required for licensure following dental school.

Qualities that are critical to success

Skills in verbal and non-verbal communication. Patients, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and receptionists all need to be able to communicate successfully with dentists.

Dedicated to accuracy. It is important that dentists keep an eye on the spacing between teeth, as well as their color, shape, and size. A patient's other teeth may need to be tightly matched with an artificial tooth.

Dexterity. Dentists must have excellent dexterity with their hands in order to practice. To protect their patients, they must be extremely cautious while using instruments in tight areas.

The ability to lead. Dentists, particularly those who own their own practices, may have to supervise or mentor other dentists.

The ability to manage oneself. In both medical and corporate environments, proper records of patient treatment are essential.

Patience. Patients with particular needs, such as youngsters or those who are afraid of the dentist, may require a dentist's care for extended periods of time.

The ability to solve problems. It is the dentist's job to assess their patients' symptoms in order to make an informed treatment decision.

Pay

In May 2020, the average dentist's salary was $164,010. If half of the people in a profession make more than that amount and half make less, the median wage is the wage at which half of those people are employed. The bottom 10% made less than $79,060, while the top 10% earned more than $208,000.

Job Projections

Over the next decade, the number of dentists employed in the United States is expected to expand by 8%, which is roughly as fast as the national average for all occupations.