The profession of dentistry is a health care occupation which is concerned with the maintenance of oral hygiene and the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the mouth and jaw areas. Dental professionals perform a wide variety of clinical procedures, including examinations and preventive services, restorative treatments such as fillings, crowns and bridges, dental implants and dentures, endodontic (root canal) therapy, periodontal (gum) therapy and oral surgery. Dentists also educate the public on proper nutrition and diet, proper brushing and flossing techniques, and use of fluoridated products to maintain optimal oral health.
Dentists often have their own private practices, and are independent business owners. They must be skilled at managing their finances, as well as patient care and the day-to-day operations of their practice. They are responsible for the education and supervision of staff members, such as dental hygienists and assistants, dental laboratory technicians and community dentist health coordinators.
A dentist must be able to interact with patients on a personal level and make them feel comfortable. A good dentist will be empathetic to the fears and anxieties of their patients, and work to put them at ease before beginning any treatment. They should be able to communicate with patients on a level that is appropriate for the situation and provide information about the treatment in terms of its risks, benefits and alternatives.
Dental school is demanding and expensive, but the rewards of helping people in pain and restoring their smiles make it worth the effort. If you are interested in becoming a dentist, start by researching the requirements for admission to dental school in your state and look for pre-dental programs at your local colleges or universities. You can also gain experience by participating in a summer program or volunteering in a dental office.
In addition to the basic duties of a general dentist, you can focus your career on one of nine dental specialties. These include:
The specialty that pays the most is oral and maxillofacial surgery. Dentists who specialize in this area treat severe gum and tooth problems, misaligned jaws, cleft lips, cleft palates and missing teeth. In addition, they are qualified to treat head and neck traumas. During these procedures, the dentist must be proficient at using tools to remove bone, repair the soft tissues of the face and skull and reconstruct the jaws, teeth and facial structure. This type of dentist is also qualified to perform bone grafts, and can place dental implants as well as perform jaw surgery. A dentist with this specialty is also trained to diagnose and treat cancer of the oral cavity. They can also prescribe medication, such as antibiotics, fluorides and pain killers, as well as sedatives and hypnotics.