Dentist
A dentist is a healthcare professional specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions related to teeth and oral tissues. They conduct thorough examinations using dental tools and X-rays to identify issues such as cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Dentists perform various procedures, from filling cavities to extracting teeth, and provide patients with advice on maintaining good oral hygiene. While many dentists are general practitioners, some choose to focus on specific areas such as orthodontics, periodontics, or pediatric dentistry.
Dentists typically work in clean, well-equipped medical offices and may operate solo or within small partnerships. The role demands physical stamina and a calm demeanor, as dentists often handle patients who may feel anxious about dental procedures. Most dentists work a standard schedule, although they may put in longer hours during emergencies. Education paths for dentists include a bachelor's degree followed by dental school, leading to a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. With a growing demand for dental services, opportunities in this field are abundant, making it an attractive career option for many.
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Subject Terms
Dentist
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Health Science
Interests: Science, communicating with others, dealing with stress, solving problems
Earnings (Yearly Median): $159,530 per year $76.70 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 4% (As fast as average)
Entry-Level Education Doctoral or professional degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training Additional training related to specialty
Overview
Sphere of Work. Dentists assess, diagnose, and treat health issues concerning a patient’s teeth and oral tissue. Using magnifiers, dental tools, and X-rays, they perform thorough examinations, searching for cavities, plaque, gum disease, exposed nerves, and other conditions. Dentists use handheld tools, drills, and other equipment to fix cavities and broken teeth, reset teeth, clear away plaque, and remove teeth as needed. They also provide guidance on measures patients can take to ensure good oral hygiene. Many dentists are general practitioners. A large number of dentists become specialists in one of the following eight subfields: orthodontics, endodontics, oral pathology, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, public health dentistry, oral maxillofacial surgery, or prosthodontics.
Work Environment. Dentists generally work in medical office environments. These settings are clean, well-lit, and well-ventilated. Dentist offices feature a main reception and waiting area, records rooms, and individual rooms equipped with patient chairs, dentist equipment, and X-ray machines. Dentists usually work as solo practitioners or with one or two partners. Some are employed in large medical facilities, research departments of pharmaceutical companies, or government agencies. These professionals generally work thirty-five to forty hours per week with a normal schedule. They may work longer hours when an emergency arises.
Occupation Interest. Dentists are respected as experts in oral health, care, and hygiene. They use their interest in science and concern for others to help people repair and maintain their teeth and gums for the long term. Physical stamina, a calm demeanor, and a high tolerance for stress are necessary to endure long hours of standing and handling patients who may be agitated. Dentists are typically very well compensated for their work. More experienced dentists often work reduced and more flexible hours. Demand for dentists is expected to continue to increase over the next several years, so many employment opportunities are available.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Dentists usually see several patients each day, performing examinations, diagnosing problems, and implementing treatment plans. A dentist examines patients’ teeth using small, sterilized metal tools, power tools such as suction devices, air-water syringes, and hand mirrors. They may use local anesthetics or gas to minimize pain and keep the patient calm during the procedure. During an exam, a dentist may clear additional plaque and debris, fill cavities, or straighten and file errant teeth. After this examination, the dentist or an assistant takes x-rays of the patient. If an issue is detected that warrants another appointment, the dentist assesses the issue and discusses treatment options with the patient. Antibiotics or other medications may be prescribed, decayed teeth may be extracted, protective sealants may be applied to growing teeth, and devices may be created to address gaps. The dentist may also provide a referral for the patient to visit a specialist for further care and treatment. If the appointment yields no issues, the dentist provides information about oral care so that the patient will continue to follow good oral hygiene practices.
In addition to the general practice procedures above, dental specialists may provide focused care for a particular condition, oral structure, or patient population. Depending on their specialty, they may perform surgeries and root canals, affix braces, take tissue samples, implant artificial replacement teeth, or otherwise diagnose and treat conditions in the gums, interior tooth pulp, bones, or head and neck areas of patients. Some dentists, such as dental public health specialists, work in the community to promote good oral health and hygiene.
Those in solo practices are additionally responsible for the daily operations of their business. This may entail hiring and managing staff, maintaining records and inventory, and handling finances.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (072.101-018). Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform surgical operations on the mouth and jaws to remove teeth, tumors, and other abnormal growths or to correct abnormalities in the jaw.
Periodontists (072.101-030). Periodontists treat diseased tissues that support the teeth by cleaning and polishing teeth, eliminating the irritating margins of fillings and correcting occlusions.
Prosthodontists (072.101-034). Prosthodontists specialize in making artificial teeth or dentures to correct deformations of the mouth and jaws.
Endodontists (072.101-014). Endodontists examine diseases of the teeth and gums and perform root canals.
Oral Pathologists (072.061-010). Oral pathologists study the nature and causes of diseases of the mouth and determine the best plan of treatment.
Pedodontists (072.101-026). Pedodontists are dentists for infants, children, and adolescents. They treat primary and secondary teeth and construct suitable appliances for growing mouths.
Public Health Dentists (072.101-038). Public health dentists concern themselves with community dental health. They plan, organize, and maintain dental health programs of public health agencies and analyze the dental needs of a community to determine necessary changes that need to be made.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Dentists work in medical offices, which are usually private practices. These locations have individual rooms with patient chairs, mobile lights, X-ray machines, hand tools, water-draining systems, and power tools. Dentist offices must be very clean and well organized, with patient records easily accessible and enough waiting space for multiple patients. Although dentists wear protective masks, gloves, and safety glasses and follow safety protocols, they may be exposed to patients’ saliva and blood, infectious diseases, or radiation and risk injury from equipment.
Human Environment. In addition to patients, dentists interact with dental hygienists, dental assistants, laboratory technicians, and dental students. As business owners, solo practitioners must also work with building managers, medical equipment and pharmaceutical salespeople, office suppliers, and receptionists.
Technological Environment. Dentists must use an array of technologies and equipment, although the specifics depend on their area of specialty. Their tools include mouth mirrors, handheld probing and cleaning tools, drills, powered water syringes, X-ray and digital imaging equipment, and surgical devices. They must also use patient databases, office management systems, Internet communication tools, and medical and accounting software.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students interested in dentistry should study biology, chemistry, anatomy, physics, physiology, and other natural sciences. Mathematics, health, psychology, and nutrition courses are also very important. High school students should also hone their writing and public speaking skills through English and communications classes.
Postsecondary. Prospective dentists should receive a bachelor’s degree with a major or concentration in biology, chemistry, or a related discipline. Upon completion of their undergraduate training, aspiring dentists must take and pass the Dental Admissions Test and attend a four-year dental college, where they will pursue either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a doctor of dental medicine (DMD) degree. Dentists who wish to become specialists must complete an additional two to four years of training after receiving their DDS or DMD degree. Those who intend to establish their own practices may also benefit from some formal instruction in economics, accounting, and business management.
Related Occupations
− Surgeon
Bibliography
"Dentists." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 6 Sept. 2023, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dentists.htm. Accessed 28 Sept. 2023.