Dentist

The primary responsibilities of a dentist are preventing, diagnosing, and treating problems associated with teeth and mouth tissues.  Tasks performed by dental professionals include straightening teeth, removing decay, filling cavities, performing corrective surgery, extracting teeth, and replacing teeth.  A large number of dentists are general practitioners skilled in various areas.  Other professionals practice in any of the following fields:

• Orthodontists - use braces and retainers to straighten teeth
• Public Health Dentists - promote dental health to help prevent disease
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons - operate on mouth and jaws
• Prosthodontists - create appliances and prosthetics in order to replace missing teeth
• Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologists - use imaging technology to detect disease within the head and neck
• Oral Pathologists - study all oral diseases
• Periodontists - treat disorders in the gums or supporting bone
• Pediatric Dentists - handle all dentistry for children
• Endodontists - perform root canal treatment. 

Most dentists work alone or with a small support staff, but a small number of professionals work with partners or associates, sharing responsibilities.  Dentists wear protective gear such as surgical masks, eyewear, and gloves to prevent the contraction of infectious diseases when working on patients.  Commonly, established dentists work four to five days per week, usually totaling 35-40 hours.  Dentists beginning their careers frequently work a great deal of overtime, offering evening and weekend hours to accommodate patients.  Hours generally decrease as practitioners become more reputable and after reaching retirement age, many dentists maintain part time hours. 
 
Licensing is required for all practicing dentists.  To obtain licensing, dental candidates must first gain two to four years of pre-dental education combined with the completion of the Dental Admissions Test (DAT).  Once this education is completed, they must then be accepted into an accredited dental school where the curriculum includes text, laboratory, and on the job training.  Most dental programs are completed within four years, and once a degree is obtained, candidates must then pass written and practical examinations in order to achieve licensure.  Those who specialize in specific dentistry fields will generally complete two to four years of post graduate studies along with State or National exams, while Dental Instructors and Researchers fulfill anywhere from two to five years of additional training. 
 
Experts project average growth for dental careers through 2014.  As baby-boomers age, there will be an increased need for complex dental care.  While some openings will be generated due to occupational growth, the majority of openings will be to replace professionals leaving the workforce.  Dentists are expected to hire multiple hygienists and assistants in order to handle routine tasks, leaving them the more complex duties.  This will slightly depress the need for additional dentists, but overall, prospects are good.  For more information on a career as a dentist or dental professional, please visit the following sites:

• Ask Dr. Spiller
• American Board of General Dentistry
• Best Book Buys
• The Student Doctor Network
• Dentistry 2000

To search for available dental positions or find qualified dental candidates, please visit iHireDental.