DENTIST
Dentists diagnose, prevent
and treat problems of the teeth and tissues of the mouth. Dentists use
a variety of equipment, including x-ray machines, drills and instruments.
Dentists extract teeth and make molds and measurements for dentures to
replace missing teeth. They also provide instruction in diet, brushing,
flossing and other aspects of dental care.
Education
Dentists must have at least
eight years of education beyond high school. A student must complete four
years of college-level pre-dental training, four years of dental school
and perhaps specialty training beyond that. Pre-dental programs are offered
at four year colleges and universities. Students applying to dental school
must take the Dental Admission Test (DAT). Graduates of dental schools
receive the degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) or Doctor of Dental
Surgery (D.D.S.)
Registration/Certification/Licensure
All 50 states and the District
of Columbia require dentists to be licensed. In most states, a candidate
must graduate from a dental school accredited by the American Dental Association's
Commission on Dental Accreditation and pass written and practical examinations.
The written test may be fulfilled by passing the National Board Dental
Examinations.
Salary
$53,000-175,000
Employment Opportunities
Many dentists are in private
practice while others work in hospitals, clinics and dental research. Most
dentists are general practitioners, but others practice in the following
specialties: orthodontics (straightening teeth); oral and maxillofacial
surgery (operating on mouth and jaws); pediatric dentistry (dentistry for
children); periodontics (treating gums and bone supporting teeth); prosthodontics
(making artificial teeth or dentures); endodontics (root canal therapy);
dental public health; and oral pathology (studying diseases of the mouth).
Programs
Professional Association
American
Dental Association
211 E. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 441-2500
Last updated: May 30, 2001