Nature of the Work
Dentists diagnose, prevent, and treat problems with teeth or mouth
tissue. They remove decay, fill cavities, examine x rays, place
protective plastic sealants on children’s teeth, straighten teeth,
and repair fractured teeth. They also perform corrective surgery
on gums and supporting bones to treat gum diseases. Dentists
extract teeth and make models and measurements for dentures to
replace missing teeth. They provide instruction on diet, brushing,
flossing, the use of fluorides, and other aspects of dental care.
They also administer anesthetics and write prescriptions for
antibiotics and other medications.
Dentists use a variety of equipment, including
x-ray machines, drills, and instruments such as mouth mirrors,
probes, forceps, brushes, and scalpels. They wear masks, gloves,
and safety glasses to protect themselves and their patients from
infectious diseases.
Dentists in private practice oversee a variety
of administrative tasks, including bookkeeping and buying
equipment and supplies. They may employ and supervise dental
hygienists, dental assistants, dental laboratory technicians, and
receptionists.
Most dentists are general practitioners,
handling a variety of dental needs. Other dentists practice in any
of nine specialty areas. Orthodontists, the largest group
of specialists, straighten teeth by applying pressure to the teeth
with braces or retainers. The next largest group, oral and
maxillofacial surgeons, operates on the mouth and jaws. The
remainder may specialize as pediatric dentists (focusing on
dentistry for children); periodontists (treating gums and
bone supporting the teeth); prosthodontists (replacing
missing teeth with permanent fixtures, such as crowns and bridges,
or removable fixtures, such as dentures); endodontists
(performing root canal therapy); public-health dentists
(promoting good dental health and preventing dental diseases
within the community); oral pathologists (studying oral
diseases); or oral and maxillofacial radiologists
(diagnosing diseases in the head and neck through the use of
imaging technologies).
Training, Other Qualifications
Howard Shimokawa, D.D.S. is a graduate of
Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska.
All 50 States and the District of Columbia
require dentists to be licensed. To qualify for a license in most
States, a candidate must graduate from one of the 55 dental
schools accredited by the ADA’s Commission on Dental Accreditation
in 2002 and also must pass written and practical examinations.
Candidates may fulfill the written part of the State licensing
requirements by passing the National Board Dental Examinations.
Individual States or regional testing agencies administer the
written or practical examinations.
Dental schools require a minimum of 2 years of
college-level predental education, regardless of the major chosen.
However, most dental students have at least a bachelor’s degree.
Predental education emphasizes course work in science, and many
applicants to dental school major in a science such as biology or
chemistry, while other applicants major in another subject and
take many science courses as well. A small number of applicants
are accepted to dental school after 2 or 3 years of college and
complete their bachelor’s degree while attending dental school.
All dental schools require applicants to take
the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). When selecting students, schools
consider scores earned on the DAT, applicants’ grade point
averages, and information gathered through recommendations and
interviews. Competition for admission to dental school is keen.
Dental school usually lasts 4 academic years.
Studies begin with classroom instruction and laboratory work in
basic sciences, including anatomy, microbiology, biochemistry, and
physiology. Beginning courses in clinical sciences, including
laboratory techniques, also are provided at this time. During the
last 2 years, students treat patients, usually in dental clinics,
under the supervision of licensed dentists.
Most dental schools award the degree of Doctor
of Dental Surgery (DDS). The rest award an equivalent degree,
Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).
Currently, about 17 States license or certify
dentists who intend to practice in a specialty area. Requirements
include 2 to 4 years of postgraduate education and, in some cases,
the completion of a special State examination. Most State licenses
permit dentists to engage in both general and specialized
practice. Dentists who want to teach or conduct research usually
spend an additional 2 to 5 years in advanced dental training, in
programs operated by dental schools or hospitals.
Dentistry requires diagnostic ability and manual
skills. Dentists should have good visual memory, excellent
judgment regarding space and shape, a high degree of manual
dexterity, and scientific ability. Good business sense,
self-discipline, and good communication skills are helpful for
success in private practice. High school and college students who
want to become dentists should take courses in biology, chemistry,
physics, health, and mathematics.
Some dental school graduates work for
established dentists as associates for a year or two in order to
gain experience and save money to equip an office of their own.
Most dental school graduates, however, purchase an established
practice or open a new one immediately after graduation. According
to the ADA, each year about 12 percent of new graduates enroll in
postgraduate training programs to prepare for a dental specialty.
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