Career Profile Of Dentists

www.JobDiagnosis.com offers students and giving them the opportunity to choose and select career options that they have an aptitude for. Students need to understand the importance of making the right choice at the right time, many people did not do that and are at cross roads wondering if a career change will help them. It is necessary to do considerable research, find out all you can about the many options available, choose the options that interest you and perhaps try to learn if you have the right aptitude for the field you have chosen.

Dentistry is a field of study that has very good career prospects enabling students to have a satisfying and lucrative career. Dentists diagnose and treat people who have teeth and gum problems. They remove decayed teeth, fill up cavities, fit dentures that have been custom made for the individual clients, straighten teeth and treat broken teeth. Some of them are general practitioners while others may specialize as orthodontists, oral maxillofacial surgeons, endodontists, periodontists, prosthodontists, pediatric dentists, oral pathologists and oral maxillofacial radiologists.

Dentists need to be licensed if they wish to practice. They need to have graduated from an educational institution that offers programs that have been accredited by the American Dental Association’s (ADA’s) Commission on Dental Accreditation. About 50 institutions offer accredited programs in this field as of 2006. Students who wish to gain admission need to have completed at least 2 years of predental college education. Students need to pass the Dental Admissions Test. 

Orthodontists straighten teeth using braces and retainers on children and adults. oral maxillofacial surgeons perform surgery to treat diseases of the mouth and jaws. Endodontists specialize in root canal treatments and periodontists care for the gums and bones supporting the teeth. Prosthodontists fit dentures and fixtures such as crowns and bridges to replace missing teeth pediatric dentists specialize in caring for children with teeth problems such as carries and cavities.

Oral pathologists study and research oral diseases and oral maxillofacial radiologists use imaging technologies to diagnose and treat diseases of the neck and mouth. They use various tools and equipments in treating and diagnosing their patients. They need to ensure that the equipment and tools are sanitized and sterilized before they are used. They will learn to use drills, x-ray machines, forceps and scalpels with precision. 

Successful graduates with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) take up postgraduate educational programs that help them specialize in a certain niche. Most states require dentists to obtain a license if they desire to practice. The licensing examination, the National Board Dental Examinations, includes an oral and a written examination. Most of them are solo practitioners and some are part of group practice.

Dentists need to have certain qualities to be successful. They need to have very good interpersonal and communication skills. They must be dexterous and have good scientific ability. They must have good business skills and be highly organized. They need to be self-disciplined with an inclination to serve people.

There were about 161,000 dentist employed in 2006 with a majority of them being general practitioners. Most of them were self employed. The employment growth rate is projected at 9% during 2006 and 2016 as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Dentists, which is rather slower than the average growth rate of all other occupations. There will be a demand for dentists, as people tend to pay more attention to their teeth owing to medical insurance policies that make visits to dentists affordable. The growing geriatric population also increases the demand for Prosthodontists.

Cosmetic dentistry is also expected to create a demand for qualified cosmetic dentists who correct discolored and uneven teeth. Students who are interested in this field of study can take the at www.JobDiagnosis.com to find out how suitable this career option is. Dentists who were employed had a median annual salary of about $136,960 in 2006. They also received additional perks such as malpractice insurance and health insurance, paid vacations and retirement plans. Self employed dentists made much more than their salaried counterparts. Those who specialize earned significantly more than general practitioners did.  It is easy to be influenced by what your parents or friends say, ultimately you need to choose something that you are interested in. Do find out about the job outlook for the chosen profession, as it will let you take the right decision.

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