Job Description

Dentists help in diagnosing and treating the problems in the tissues and teeth of their patients. They give medication and advice their patients to prevent future problems. Dentists also provide instructions on flossing, brushing and give advice on several other aspects of dental care. They fill cavities, remove decay, examine x-rays and also perform surgeries to correct the problems in the gums and teeth. They also replace the missing or problem teeth by taking measurements and making a model of teeth that needs to be replaced. Dentist could also administer anesthetics and suggest medication to correct the problem in your teeth.

Dentist may be required to use probes, drills, brushes, scalpels and several other instruments and equipments to correct the problem of their patients. Most dentists wear mask when examining and performing surgery, to protect themselves and their patients from various diseases.

Work Environment

Most dentists that practice in United States are solo practitioners. This means that they have to work alone and have a small staff to assist them. Some dentist may also work in partnership with other dentist. Usually, most dentist have a 5 day week, however, they can adjust their schedule depending on the needs of their patients. The number of hours that a dentist works in a week will vary depending on the dentist. Most experienced and established dentist work for about 35 to 40 hours in a week. However, those who want to establish a new practice may have to work more.

Qualification Required

All states require dentist to have a valid license to practice in their state. To get a license, you must graduate from a dental school that is recognised by the state and pass a practical and written exam that is conducted by the state. The school that you graduate from must be accredited by the American Dental Association’s (ADA’s) Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Most dental schools will require you to have at least 2 years of pre-dental education before they admit you in their school. Most students, who join these dental schools, have a bachelor’s degree when they apply in these schools. High school students that plan to become a dentist must take a course in physics, biology, health, chemistry and mathematics. Undergraduate students who plan to apply to a dental school after graduation must take many science courses. Most undergraduate students that want to become a dentist usually major in science to get into a good dental school.

Getting into a good dental school is not easy as competition is high in these schools. To get into a dental school you must take Dental Admission Test (DAT). Admissions in the dental school will be based on your DAT scores, grade points and information gathered by the school through your recommendation letters and personal interview.

When you complete the course in the dental school, you are awarded the degree of Doctor in Dental Medicine or Doctor in Dental Surgery. After you get you are degree from an accredited school, you must pass the licensure test that is conducted by the State.

Outlook

Employment in this field is likely to grow at a faster rate when compared to other jobs. Job prospects are good and as many hospitals require young dentist to replace the dentist who are expected to retire. Another reason for growth in this sector is the growing number of elderly people. Today, most elderly people suffer from dental problem which has created a huge demand for dentist. Also, preventive checkups among younger generation have increased as most people have started giving importance to their dental health.

Filed under: Uncategorized

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!