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What Does a Dentist Do?

Dentists promote good dental health and treat problems affecting the mouth, teeth and gums. They use modern technology and equipment like X-ray machines, lasers, drills and brushes. As a general dentist, you are responsible for routine dental care, including exam and cleaning, tooth decay diagnosis and treatment, fillings and minor surgical procedures. You also educate patients on oral health habits and help them develop better hygiene practices to prevent dental problems, such as gum disease and cavities. You are often the first healthcare professional a person sees, and regular visits to the dentist can have a significant impact on their overall health.

A dentist’s work environment is typically an office or clinic. Dentists may work independently or as part of a team of other medical professionals, including dental assistants, hygienists and laboratory technicians. In addition to practicing dentistry, many dentists teach at universities or other education facilities, conduct research or provide dental care to the military or in the Indian health service or U.S. Public Health Service.

Some dentists choose to continue their education in a residency program, which can be up to four years long. Residency programs give dentists more specialized training and allow them to work with certain patient groups, such as children.

The demand for dental care is growing, and many states are creating new positions for licensed dentists each year. The career is highly rewarding and offers excellent salaries.

The dental profession is evolving to focus on more than just the mouth, as the health of the gums and tongue can have a direct impact on systemic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Dentists must therefore be familiar with the whole body, and many have begun to provide nutritional counseling and advice on smoking cessation.

The path to becoming a dentist is similar to that of other medical professionals, and includes undergraduate study, taking the Dental Admission Test and completing a four-year dental school program. In addition to the basic requirements, you should try to gain experience working or volunteering in a healthcare environment and talk with dentists about their jobs to get a feel for the profession. It is important to start early, as the competition for dental school is strong. If you are still in high school, consider taking Advanced Placement courses in biology, chemistry and physics; these may help you qualify for more competitive college courses. You should also seek out opportunities to shadow dentists and join a pre-dental organization. Finally, be sure to work with your advisor to select the most appropriate undergraduate major and take relevant science and math classes.