Dentistry
Today’s dentists do much more than “drill and fill.” They perform a wide variety of tasks, including educating the public about disease prevention; providing cosmetic procedures; performing tooth, gum, and tissue restoration; correcting poorly spaced teeth; reconstruction; and surgery.
Because dentists are skilled health professionals, they earn the respect and appreciation of their patients as well as fellow citizens.
More than almost any other branch of medicine, dentistry offers professional flexibility. By establishing individual or group practices, dentists become independent businessmen and women, and they enjoy the flexibility that goes along with this independence. They set their own hours, and their work and personal lives tend to be well-balanced.
Income is an important consideration in selecting a career, of course. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual income of salaried dentists is $129,920. Many dentists earn more, and specialists—such as oral surgeons—may earn well over $200,000.
Certainly one of the most important benefits of a career in dentistry is personal fulfillment. Dentists perform an important public service by helping their patients maintain good health and look and feel better. Armed with constantly improving techniques and technology, today’s dentists will meet public health needs and challenges well into the future.
By the way, dentistry offers exceptional career opportunities for women and multicultural students. While more than 80% of practicing dentists today are men, more than 40% of current dental students are women.
What do dentists do, beyond what you’ve seen during your own visits? Lots of things. For example, dentists provide basic health care, education, leadership, research, professional development, and community advocacy.
Most dentists are general practitioners who are capable of providing comprehensive care to a wide variety of patients. Some dentists become specialists in order to treat patients with particular kinds of problems. Here are some examples:
- Endodontists treat diseases of the dental pulp.
- Oral surgeons perform extractions and treat injuries, diseases, and deformities of the mouth.
- Orthodontists prescribe and fit braces.
- Oral pathologists perform laboratory tests and examine biopsy material.
- Pedodontists specialize in preventive and therapeutic care for children and young people.
- Periodontists treat gum disease.
- Prosthodontists fit bridgework and dentures.
- Public health dentists provide the public with information about the importance of dental health.
How should you prepare for a career in dentistry? Enroll in college preparatory classes in chemistry, biology, and algebra. In fact, it’s a good idea to take as many math and science courses as possible.
There’s a wealth of information about dentistry on the American Dental Association’s website, www.ada.org/public. Click on “Educators & Students” and again on “Career Resources” for fact sheets on dental specialties, such as dental hygiene, dental technology, and dental assistant. The next time you have your teeth cleaned, tell your dentist you’re interested in a career in dentistry. He or she will be able to offer plenty of advice on how to get started.
Article courtesy of www.careersandcolleges.com
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