Keep the World Smiling as a Dentist

A dentist is responsible for diagnosing and treating problems with patients’ mouths and teeth.  In addition, the dentist works to help prevent problems from occurring.  In order to assist with the oral health of their patients, dentists fill cavities, remove decay, examine x-rays, and put protective plastic sealants on the teeth of children.  They also straighten teeth and make repairs to teeth that have been fractured. 

Dentists also perform corrective surgery on the gums of their patients, as well as on the supporting bones, in order to treat gum disease.  They also remove teeth as necessary and create models and take measurements in order to create dentures to be used in place of missing teeth.  The dentist also instructs patients on proper brushing, flossing, diet, and fluoride use in order to properly care for their teeth and to prevent disease.  A dentist may also administer anesthetics or write prescriptions for their patients.

In order to achieve their many tasks, dentists use equipment such as drills, x-ray machines, probes, mouth mirrors, brushes, forceps, and scalpels.  In addition, they must wear gloves, masks, and safety glasses in order to keep themselves protected and to prevent spreading infectious diseases to their patients.

A dentist may have his or her own family practice.  In this case, he or she oversees a variety of administrative tasks such as purchasing supplies and equipment and maintaining proper bookkeeping.  As such, the dentist may employ and supervise dental hygienists, dental laboratory technicians, dental assistants, and receptionists.

The majority of dentists are general practitioners, which means they handle numerous dental tasks.  There are, however, several specialty areas in which a dentist may solely focus.  For example, a dentist may work as an orthodontist, which is a dentist that specializes in straightening teeth with the help of retainers and braces.

A dentist may also work as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.  In this case, the dentist specializes in operating on patients’ mouths and jaws.  Pediatric dentists, on the other hand, specialize on working with children, while prosthodontists replace teeth that are missing with dentures, crowns, and bridges. 

An endodontist is a dentist that performs root canal therapy and a public health dentist is one who works within the community to promote good dental health.  Another specialist is the oral pathologist, who studies oral diseases.  Oral and maxillofacial radiologists diagnose diseases affecting the head and the neck.

Regardless of the area of expertise, most dentists work four to five days per week, working approximately 35 to 40 hours.  Those who are just starting their own practice may work longer hours, however, as they work toward building their practice.  In addition, it is often necessary for a dentist to work evenings and weekends in order to accommodate the needs of patients.  After gaining experience and building a successful practice, many work even fewer hours.  In fact, many dentists choose to work on a part-time basis well past the usual retirement age.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for dentists was $129,920 in 2004.  Those dentists who are self-employed can earn substantially more money.  These dentists, however, are responsible for planning for their own life insurance, health insurance, and retirement benefits.