Most dentists are general practitioners who handle a wide variety of dental requirements. Often they are the first healthcare professionals to identify a number of diseases. They diagnose, prevent, and treat diseases affecting the teeth, gums, tongue, lips, jaws, and other supporting bones and tissues. They perform corrective surgeries to repair, restore, and maintain the teeth, gums, and oral tissues. Dentists also carryout esthetic improvements to the mouth by using a wide variety of cosmetic dental procedures. Additionally, they provide their patients with instructions related to overall oral care.
Most dentists in the U.S. prefer to have solo practices and own their businesses. Some employ assistants, but very few have partners. Initially, dentists have to work hard to establish their practices, but on an average, 35 to 40 hours of work a week is common.
Education and Training
Dentists need to pass the Dental Admission Test (DAT) to secure admission into American dental schools. The minimum-eligibility criterion for admission into a dental college is two years of college-level pre-dental education. However, most applicants possess a bachelor's degree. Selection of students is based on the students' performances on the DAT, grade point averages, recommendations, and interviews. Admission into a good dental school is competitive.
The academic component of dental schools is usually completed in four years. In the first two years, students do classroom and laboratory work related to basic sciences. They also begin to acquire knowledge and skills in clinical science during this period.
In the remaining two years, students get opportunities to actually treat patients. Initially, though, students are under the supervision of licensed dentists. Upon successful completion of their four years of academic study, students are awarded the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). Some schools award an equivalent degree, Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).
Some recent dental school graduates work for established dentists as associates for one or two years to acquire experience, create prestige, and make enough money to possess offices of their own. Most dental school graduates, however, prefer to buy established practices or start their own practices immediately after getting licenses to practice.
A license to practice dentistry is a must in all 50 states and in the District of Columbia. The license is given to only those applicants who graduate from dental schools accredited by the American Dental Association's (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation and who pass the written and practice parts of the National Board Dental examinations.
Those graduates who want to pursue careers in academic teaching or research are required to spend two to five additional years of advanced training in specialized dental hospitals or schools.
About 20% of dental graduates enroll in programs to practice other recognized dentistry specialties such as periodontics, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, endodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and prosthodontics.
Earnings
Dentists' averages incomes are in the top 8% of all U.S. family incomes. The median annual earnings of salaried dentists in May 2004 were $129,920. However, years of practice, location, and specialty can greatly affect dentists' earnings.
