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Dentist

A dentist is a health care practitioner who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions and diseases of the oral cavity. The majority of dentists work as sole proprietors who hire and train their own staff while overseeing the daily operations of the office. The dentist’s supporting team includes dental assistants, dental technicians, and dental hygienists. They aid in the providing of oral health services.

Education

dentist bBegin the long education process of becoming a dentist by enrolling in a Bachelor’s Degree Program. It is strongly recommended that you take courses in biology, chemistry and physics to help prepare you for dentistry school, but no specific major is required. Following the completion of your undergraduate degree, you need to take and pass the dental admission test. This exam assesses your scientific knowledge and academic capacity, and is required before entering dental school. Many dental schools require a minimum score on this exam to gain entry, while also looking at GPA, letters of recommendation, and personal interviews. The University of North Carolina (https://www.dentistry.unc.edu/) and University of Maryland (https://www.dental.umaryland.edu/) offer two of the best dentistry programs in the country. Dental school lasts four years resulting in a Doctor of Dental Medicine or Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. During the first two years of school, you will focus on laboratory and classroom studies in dental science and health. The last two years stress clinical practice where you will diagnosis patients while being supervised by dental instructors, sometimes even treating them. All dentists must pass the National Board Dental Examination to receive a dental license. This is a 2 part written exam which covers ethics, dental sciences, and clinical procedures.

Job Description

dv1617007Dentists are responsible for diagnosing, treating and preventing problems with mouth tissue or teeth. They may remove decay, examine X-rays, fill cavities, repair fractured teeth or straighten teeth. They also treat gum disease by performing corrective surgery on both the gums and supporting bones. Dentists remove teeth and make measurements and models for dentures. They also administer anaesthetics and write prescriptions for antibiotics, while providing instruction on proper brushing and flossing techniques and diet. They use a variety of equipment, such as X-ray machines and drills, and instruments such as brushes, scalpels, probes and mouth mirrors. Most dentists are general practitioners, but some become specialists like orthodontists who straight teeth by applying pressure with retainers or braces, and paediatric dentists who focus on dentistry for children. Maxillofacial and oral surgeons operate on the jaws and mouth.

Pros & Cons

As a dentist, you will be helping people on a daily basis. Teeth and mouth problems can be very painful, and as a dentist you can help limit or get rid of this pain, improving people’s quality of life. You also receive a substantial income. Most dentists make around $65 000 a year right out of dental school, which will climb to over $140 000 a year very quickly. There are also many job opportunities. Everyone needs dental care, and the demand for dentists continues to grow. You also have the chance to be your own boss. While you may begin as a dental associate, many dentists eventually open up their own practices, allowing you to make your own hours, hire your own staff, and make your own decisions. The job can be physically demanding. The days can be long and you have to perform a series of procedures that requires phenomenal dexterity. Dentists are also on call for emergencies. Dental problems will not always occur during office hours, so you may have to go into the office at other times which could potentially disrupt your family or personal time.