Dentistry

Career Breakdown:

What does a Dentist do?

  • Role: A dentist is a healthcare professional specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of oral health issues.

  • They examine patients' teeth, gums, and mouth to identify conditions such as cavities, gum disease, and oral infections.

  • Dentists perform procedures like fillings, extractions, root canals, and restorations, as well as provide preventive care through cleanings and patient education on oral hygiene.

  • They may also specialize in areas like orthodontics, periodontics, or oral surgery. A dentist's role requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with patients to ensure they receive the best possible care for their dental health.

What is a Dental Hygienist?

  • Role: A dental hygienist specializes in preventive oral healthcare, preventing and treating oral diseases. Their duties involve conducting initial patient screenings, cleaning teeth by removing plaque and tartar, applying fluoride treatments, taking and developing dental radiographs, and educating patients on proper oral hygiene techniques.

  • Amount of School:

    • High School Diploma

    • Associate Degree in dental hygiene (2-3 years); offered at both community colleges and universities

  • Median Salary: ~$77,000

    • May vary on location

What is the Pathway to Becoming a Dentist?

  • Undergrad:

    • Biology, chemistry, or related fields (4 years)

  • Dental Admission Test (DAT):

    • Standardized test needed for entrance to Dental School

    • Similar to the MCAT

  • Dental School

    • Includes coursework and clinical experience (4 years)

    • Earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.

  • Licensure

    • Pass the National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE or INBDE) and clinical board exams.

    • Obtain state licensure to practice.

  • Specialization (Optional)

    • Pursue education in Orthodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial surgery, etc.

    • Each requires a residency program (2-6 years)

What is a Dental Assistant

  • Role: A dental assistant is a vital member of the dental healthcare team, providing support to dentists and dental hygienists to ensure efficient patient care. Their responsibilities include preparing treatment rooms, sterilizing instruments, assisting during procedures, taking dental radiographs (X-rays), maintaining patient records, and scheduling appointments. They also educate patients on proper oral hygiene practices.

  • Amount of Schooling:

    • High School Diploma

    • Completion of a dental assisting program from a community college, vocational school, or technical institute. (6 months - 1 year)

  • Median Salary: ~$40,000

    • May vary on location

How much do you make as a Dentist?

  • Median Salary: ~$160,000

    • New graduates may start at ~$100,000 - $200,000

    • Specialized Dentists can earn between ~$250,000 - $400,000 depending on the field of specialization

    • Salary can vary on location as well

Skills and Qualities needed for practicing Dentistry:

  • Manual Dexterity:

    • Precise hand-eye coordination for delicate procedures.

  • Communication Skills:

    • Ability to explain treatments clearly and empathize with patients.

  • Problem-Solving:

    • Diagnosing and planning complex dental care strategies.

  • Leadership and Business Acumen:

    • Running a private practice requires management, marketing, and budgeting skills.

  • Attention to Detail:

    • Accuracy in diagnosing and treating to avoid complications.

  • Patience and Compassion:

    • Especially important when working with nervous or young patients.

“Every tooth in a man’s head is more valuable than a diamond.”

~ Miguel de Cervantes